Your Perfect Guide To Fall Home Maintenance

As Labor Day weekend comes and goes, and students are back in school, many homeowners begin to think about getting ready for the long New Jersey winter. As we head into fall, now is an excellent time for homeowners to create a master list of fall home maintenance projects. While everybody’s house has different needs, we’ve put together a fall checklist to help you get started on those vital maintenance projects.

Eight Fall Household Tips to Keep Your Home in Great Shape

1. Care for trees and shrubs.
   Trees and shrubs require ongoing care and upkeep throughout all four seasons. The fall is a great time to inspect trees for signs of disease or pests. If you notice signs of poor health, contact a professional arborist or tree care company that can accurately diagnose and care for trees. This is also the perfect time to trim trees, cut away any dead limbs and remove excess branches to increase airflow and encourage growth.
2. Rake leaves.
   The gold and red hues of fall leaves blanketing a lawn make it picture-worthy in the moment. However, too many leaves can also inhibit grass growth in the spring and encourage mold, mildew, and lawn disease during the winter season. Before you close up the shed for winter, make sure you rake and discard leaves.
3. Inspect the exterior of the house.
   While the temperatures are still above freezing, homeowners should take a walk around their property and look for areas that need immediate attention. Summer weather and storms can cause normal wear and tear, in addition to creating holes, cracks, or impacting the safety of the house. Create a list of items that need attention, including painting, repairs, and damage that may require a professional.
4. Fill in gaps and cracks.
   Gaps and cracks occur around doorways and windows. If they’re not attended to before the cold winter months arrive, homeowners waste energy as heat escapes through these areas. Take the time to caulk, replace weatherstripping, and fix holes around the exterior of the house. This will also prevent unwanted pests from finding their way inside this winter.
5. Repair any loose siding.
   If any siding is loose, it is best to repair it quickly. When siding isn’t properly attached, water can find its way behind the siding, causing mold and rotting of exterior walls.
6. Clean out gutters.
   Fall is also the perfect time of year to check and clean gutters. Throughout the summer, debris from trees and backyard animals often finds its way into gutters, blocking water from properly escaping the rooftop. As a result, water can pool in the gutter, creating too much pressure, causing them to break or overflow. If too much water pools on the rooftop, it can damage the shingles and cause interior leaking.

If you need help making sure your lawn, trees, and shrubs get the attention they need this fall, contact Perennial Lawn Care to learn more about our customized lawn care programs!

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Perennial Lawn Care