10 Essential Home and Lawn Care Tasks to Prepare for Autumn
As the first signs of autumn begin to creep into your yard—cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and shorter days—it’s time to prepare your home and lawn for the changing season. These ten simple yet essential tasks will help you get your space ready for the months ahead, ensuring your home remains cozy and your yard healthy through fall and winter.
1. Clean and Store Away Summer Items
With summer behind us, it’s time to tidy up outdoor spaces. Start by cleaning and storing your summer furniture, umbrellas, and patio décor. Wipe everything down with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt and debris, and let it air-dry completely before covering or storing in a shed or garage.
Pro Tip: Cover your furniture with weather-resistant covers if you don’t have indoor storage space, and don’t forget to bring in outdoor cushions and fabrics to prevent mildew.
2. Tidy Up the Garden and Bring Plants Indoors
Your summer garden will need some attention as temperatures drop. Remove spent summer plants and vegetables from garden beds, and prune back any perennials that are going dormant for winter. If you have potted plants that can’t handle frost, bring them indoors or move them to a sheltered area.
Pro Tip: Repot your indoor plants and give them a dose of fertilizer to help them transition indoors. Be sure to check for pests before moving plants inside!
3. Prepare and Protect Your Lawn
Autumn is the perfect time to give your lawn a little TLC. Rake up fallen leaves regularly to prevent them from smothering your grass, and consider aerating your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the soil. Fertilizing in the fall helps your grass develop strong roots for the winter, and overseeding can fill in any bare spots to ensure a lush lawn come spring.
Pro Tip: Choose a fall-specific fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen to support healthy root growth throughout the cooler months.
4. Clean and Store Your Grill
With grilling season winding down, it’s time to clean and store your barbecue equipment. Scrub down the grill grates, clean out any leftover ash or grease, and disconnect propane tanks for storage. If you’re keeping your grill outdoors, invest in a high-quality cover to protect it from the elements.
Pro Tip: Use a wire brush and soapy water to deep clean grill grates, and coat them with vegetable oil to prevent rust over the winter months.
5. Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
As the temperature drops, your home’s heating system will be working harder to keep you comfortable. Ensure there are no drafts by checking for gaps around doors and windows. Add weatherstripping or caulk to seal any openings and keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
Pro Tip: Check and replace any worn door sweeps, and consider adding draft stoppers to exterior doors to further prevent heat loss.
6. Inspect and Clean Gutters
Falling leaves can quickly clog up your gutters, leading to drainage issues and even roof damage. Before the leaves start piling up, inspect and clean your gutters to remove any summer debris. Once the leaves start falling, clean them out regularly to avoid clogs.
Pro Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize the amount of debris that collects and to make future cleanings easier.
7. Winterize Your Pool
If you have a pool, now’s the time to start the winterization process. Begin by cleaning the pool thoroughly, then lower the water level (if necessary) and balance the water’s pH and chlorine levels. Drain and store the pool equipment, including pumps, hoses, and filters, and cover the pool securely with a winter cover.
Pro Tip: For extra protection, invest in an air pillow to place under the pool cover. This will help prevent ice damage by distributing the weight of snow and ice more evenly.
8. Deep Clean the Deck and Patio
Your deck and patio have likely seen a lot of use over the summer, so give them a thorough cleaning before winter sets in. Sweep away dirt and debris, then use a power washer or hose to scrub down surfaces. If you have a wooden deck, check for any signs of rot or damage, and seal it with a waterproof finish to protect it through the colder months.
Pro Tip: Make sure to clean and store any outdoor rugs or mats to prevent them from deteriorating in wet conditions.
9. Check and Service Your Heating System
Your heating system will soon be working overtime, so make sure it’s in top shape before the cold arrives. Schedule a professional inspection to check for any issues and clean or replace filters to ensure efficient operation. If you have a fireplace, now’s the time to clean the chimney and make sure it’s ready for cozy fall evenings.
Pro Tip: Test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries as part of your heating system maintenance routine.
10. Get Your Tools and Snow Equipment Ready
While winter may feel far off, the first snow could come sooner than you expect. Make sure your snow shovels, ice scrapers, and snow blowers are in good working condition before the first frost. Sharpen blades, check fuel levels, and ensure everything is easily accessible for when the weather turns.
Pro Tip: Stock up on ice melt and sand now, so you’re ready to tackle icy driveways and walkways as soon as they become slick.
By tackling these 10 tasks, you’ll be well-prepared for autumn and ready to enjoy the beauty of the season without worrying about home and lawn maintenance. Not only will your yard look great, but your home will be snug, warm, and energy-efficient, keeping you comfortable through the colder months ahead.
