Autumn can be a beautiful season, but also a time that homeowners have to do a lot of cleaning. Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but it can also be a busy one for homeowners.
You know as a homeowner that a single rainstorm can create a muddy mess that is difficult to clean. Don’t be worried if you feel overwhelmed by the prospect fall yard cleanup. Here are 15 tips to help you complete the task quickly. Start your yard magic now!
Clear out debris
While weeds and fallen leaves are unsightly, they can also provide a cozy hideout for pests in the winter. It’s important to thoroughly clean out your flowerbeds in order to keep pests at bay. Rose beds should be given extra attention because the dense foliage can promote disease in winter.
Clean up the vegetable garden
Prepare your garden for winter after your last harvest. Remove any old plants or debris. Composting is a great way to enrich soil. Compost will replenish nutrients used during the growing period, resulting in a lush spring garden.
Trim those rogue branches
Branches that are dead, damaged or diseased can be hazardous to your trees and shrubs during winter storms. Trim them to avoid accidents. Also, trim any branches which may be a danger during heavy snowfall. Pruning properly not only improves safety, but also encourages a healthier growth.
Cleaning the gutters
It is important to clean your gutters to avoid water damage. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, damaging your roof or foundation. Don’t forget to clean everything with a hose after scooping out the gunk. Drainage is important to ensure water runs away from your house.
Say goodbye to stagnant water
The water left in fountains, hoses and irrigation systems could freeze, causing potential damage. To avoid any winter problems, drain these systems and store them in an area that is dry. Preparation now will save you money on costly repairs in the future.
Give your lawn some fresh air
Aerating is like giving your lawn a fresh breath. Aerating your lawn is like giving it a breath of fresh air. A garden fork is sufficient to aerate small yards. For larger yards, you may want to rent a walk-behind airer.
Feed your lawn
Before hibernation, your lawn will need a good meal. Use a lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorus in the fall. Phosphorus promotes root growth and ensures that your lawn will be lush and green in the spring. A happy lawn is one that’s well-fed.
Don’t let the leaves win
Unattended leaves can cover your lawn and provide a perfect habitat for pests. Do not just throw them away. Rake up the leaves. Use the leaves to mulch young shrubs, trees and flowerbeds. This mulch helps to regulate soil temperature, controls weeds and provides nutrients.
Trim shrubs and trees
Pruning trees and shrubs has many benefits. Cutting back overgrown or dead areas will prevent them from becoming problematic during the winter. Avoid pruning spring-blooming perennials such as lilacs and forsythias. These should be pruned in the spring to preserve their flowering potential.
One last mow
Give your lawn one last trim before winter arrives. Reduce the setting of the mower so that the soil will dry quickly in spring. This simple step will help you have a healthier, greener lawn once the warmer weather returns.
Share the eternal love
Divide and conquer your perennials that have flourished over the past year. Divide the plants and move them to another garden bed where they will flourish. You will not only save money, but your garden will also grow better. Remember to leave fall-blooming perennials alone until spring.
Protect those who are sensitive to cold
Your TLC will help some plants that can’t tolerate the cold. Wrap sensitive perennials, roses and shrubs in cloth barriers and add a layer at the base. This will prevent them from freezing and help them to welcome spring in good shape. You can customize the cover based on the climate you live in and the plant’s hardiness.
Plant away
Planting is a wonderful way to add color and variety to your yard. Add color and variety to the yard by planting new shrubs or spring bulbs such as hyacinths. These plants will grow over the winter and be ready to bloom the following spring.
Deck care
Your deck needs some attention, too. Power washing will help remove grime and any mold or mildew. A pressure washer can be rented from a local garden center to make the job easier. After cleaning the wood, use a weatherproofing stains to protect it from moisture damage in winter.
Show Your Tools Some Love
Do not forget your gardening tools! Clean them to remove rust and dirt, then add a thin layer of oil like vegetable or linseed oil. Simple maintenance will ensure that your tools are ready to go when spring arrives.