Outdoor Home Maintenance Tips for Fall
Outdoor home maintenance tasks can seem daunting, especially in autumn when we have so many things to do on Long Island and the surrounding areas. Maintaining your outdoor space can make all the difference between looking like you don’t care about the appearance of your home and looking like you take pride in it. It’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior and take care of any issues. Come spring, your yard will thank you. Liberty Fence & Railing shares eight fall home outdoor maintenance tasks to prevent damage to your property and keep it looking its best all year round
1. Fix Fence Gate Latch
Confirm that your fence gate lever latch works properly. A gate latch serves as a safety feature, so it should be well-maintained at all times. If your latch needs to be adjusted, it’s a relatively easy fix. Most homeowners can do it in under three minutes after watching this video.
2. Upgrade Exterior Railings
If your outdoor railings are in terrible shape, fall is a perfect time to have them professionally replaced. Adding new rails to your home’s exterior is an excellent way to add value. Not only do railings provide safety and security by making your home more accessible and preventing falls, but they also significantly improve the look of your stairway, deck, or porch. With many designs and materials available, the only decision is what will match your home’s style best.
3. Clean Gutters, Downspouts, & Drains
When fall approaches, you’ll notice your gutters and downspouts getting full of leaves and other debris. Clean them out to ensure they continue to function effectively. A clogged or damaged gutter system can cause an ice dam, resulting in water backing up into your home, leading to interior damage to walls or ceilings. Also, make sure outdoor drains are clear of debris.
4. Inspect Exterior Pipes
During colder months, you’ll want to make sure your exterior pipes are in good shape. Check them for leaks, rust, or cracks. Pipes can freeze, causing water damage to your home. If you find any issues with your exterior pipes, call a plumber right away to get them fixed before winter hits.
5. Fertilize Lawn
It may seem too early to think about your lawn, but it’s a great time to fertilize your grass. Fertilizing now helps promote healthy grass during the autumn season and will give it a nice boost as you prepare for winter. Use a fertilizer appropriate for your specific type of grass and follow manufacturer instructions for proper application.
6. Plant Flowers for Next Spring
Refresh your landscape with fall flowers that will bloom all winter long, or plant flowers now to get your yard ready for spring and summer. Bulbs (tulips or hyacinths) and perennials are great spring-blooming choices. It’s also an ideal time to get trees and shrubs in the ground.
7. Winterize Sprinkler System
Winterize your sprinkler system before cold weather sets in, as well as other elements of your home’s exterior, including hoses and irrigation valves. You might be surprised at how quickly damage can occur to an un-winterized system. To minimize potential freeze damage, schedule an appointment to blow out your irrigation system.
8. Close the Pool
On Long Island, homeowners close their pools for the winter. Protect your swimming pool and prevent freezing and equipment damage, like to the pump and filter system. Closing the pool includes cleaning debris, draining water from the system, turning off electrical equipment, and securing a pool cover. If you don’t know how to properly do it, it’s best to call a professional to winterize your pool.