Fall cleanup isn't a favorite activity for our family, but it's an absolutely important task to complete before the first frost.
We have our top 5 outdoor tips to get you started:
1. Lawn Tips
- Mow until the first frost.
- Keep the length of grass above 2.5".
- Rake leaves to protect your lawn.
- Rake up excess grass clippings using an iron rake or thatch rake.
- Think about aerating and fertilizing your grass. Ask an expert if you have questions about this.
2. Garden Ideas
- Ask a local expert which plants to fertilize before the first frost.
- For a nice spring bloom, plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
- Day lilies and dahlias also do well for autumn planting.
3. Deck, Patio & Porch
- Sweep off leaves and debris.
- Cover patio furniture or remove and store.
- Take the time to clean the outdoor furniture.
- Cover your grill.
- Remove mildew from decks with a solution of 3 quarts of water to 1 quart oxygen bleach and 1/4 cup of ammonia-free liquid dishwasher detergent.
- Put this in a sprayer and apply liberally. Let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with fresh water.
4. Gutters
- After most of the leaves have fallen, clean out and repair your gutters.
- Clogged and leaky gutters are a recipe for flooding issues and damage to your home.
5. Hoses & Mowers
- All garden hoses need to be disconnected and stored inside or in a shed.
- Turn off water supply. So this by the shutoff valve inside the house and open the outdoor spigot to drain it. This is so important.
- Drain the gas from your lawn mower. Store away in a shed or protected area from the elements.
