After preparing the inside of your home for the impending cold of winter, fall is the PERFECT time to prepare your home’s exterior and the areas around it. It’s not yet too cold and the fall weather is ideal for working outdoors in many parts of the country.

Lawn and garden prep: The catch phrase “winterize your lawn” is more than just a few fancy words strung together. For most parts of the country, fall is the time to prepare your lawn for spring. Adding fertilizer to your lawn now will allow it to build its root system up for the winter. Choose a winter lawn fertilizer with a high potassium ratio.

Leaf pick-up: With the cooler weather come the changing colors of leaves. And soon after comes the lawn covered in fallen leaves. A few ways to deal with fallen leaves include:

• Compost: Establish a compost bin, fill it up with leaves (and other compostable materials), and get ready for organic, nutrient-rich soil.
• Decorations: Grab a few leaves and feature them in your home décor.
• Make them disappear: Some communities provide curbside leaf services. Or you can always have a yard waste can that’s picked up by the sanitation department.

Clean the gutters: You might not realize your gutters are clogged until it starts raining and you notice water dripping over the side. Wet leaves that remain in the gutters can freeze when the really cold temperatures hit, adding significant weight and possibly causing damage.

Insulate water pipes: Avoid freezing pipes in the winter by insulating them. Whether it’s in the basement or outside, this is one of the oldest and most trusted winter prep measures. Begin by cleaning the pipes of any dirt or grease. Insulate by using fiberglass insulation, tubular sleeve insulation, or simply a blanket. Secure the corners with duct tape for a nice tight connection.

Cover the AC unit: Sure, your air conditioner unit is designed to withstand the elements. But wet leaves and debris can rust and damage its internal workings. With a hose, spray the blades free of anything loose, then cover the entire unit with a breathable waterproof cover.

And a good idea for both indoors and outdoors is to establish a well-stocked emergency supplies kit. Visit the FEMA web site here for ideas on how you can stay ahead of the game by preparing for the worst winter weather now before it hits.

Thank you for taking the time to read our home improvement blog!

Popularity: 1%

What's the coldest winter you have ever experienced at your home?