Top 10 Ways to prepare your property this fall

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Every fall we get calls from homeowners who need a little help prepping for the winter months.  These homeowners have learned that fall really is the best time to schedule a service or invest in their property.  Prices are lower, the weather is fair, and peace of mind through the winter months is invaluable. 

Inside your home you will want to check smoke detectors, clean chimneys, and service your heating system among other things, but don't forget about the OUTSIDE of your home, which is just as important!

Here's our TOP 10 ways we recommend for homeowners to prepare their property, OUTSIDE, before the cold weather sets in for the winter. 

1. Aerate and Over-seed your lawn
Once the the weather starts to get a little chilly it's the perfect time to aerate and over-seed your lawn.  While many think this is a spring project, this can actually be very effectively done in the fall, and usually at a cost savings!  Aeration and over-seeding in the fall ensures that your lawn will be lush and green in the spring! 

2. Blow out and winterize your Sprinkler Systems
Make sure your sprinkler systems are properly cared for and shut down for the season.  Even a small amount of water left in the system can cause a blow out and costly repairs.  It's also a good idea to have your outdoor faucets winterized by shutting off water to the spigot and draining all water from the line.  Freezing water can cause a line burst and flood your home, so it's especially important to make sure this is taken care of correctly. 

3. Remove dangerous trees, and plant new ones
While it is better to do some trimming in the spring, fall is the perfect time to trim away crossed branches, dead limbs, and branches that are growing a little too close to the house.  The weight of winter snows, and ice, can cause tree limbs to fall and unhealthy trees to split and crack.  Taking these trees down in the fall is safer and less expensive than an emergency call in winter!  Many homeowners don't realize that the recommended time to plant many decorative trees is actually FALL.  So if you do need to have an older tree removed, fall is the perfect time to replace it!

4. Schedule a Leaf Clean up
We love the beautiful colors of fall leaves, but they can definitely cause a bit of a mess.  Don't let leaves sit for a long time on your grass or fill up your flower beds.  This is not only unsightly, but heavy leaf coverage can damage your lawn.  

5. Clean out your gutters, even the seamless covered ones
Many homes now have seamless and covered gutter systems so homeowners feel confident that they won't need maintenance.  While these are a great system, they still need checked over regularly.  These gutters can still back up, causing them to overflow, bending away from the roof line and leaking water down your home.  This can cause major damage to walkways, porches, patios, and foundation issues, especially during the winter months where freezing temperatures can cause icy conditions.  Check not only the gutters, but the entire drainage system to make sure water is flowing away from your home safely and will not cause winter slick spots. 

6. Check your foundation for drainage issues. 
Over time homes can settle.  It's a good idea to check around the exterior of your home to make sure soil and mulch is sloped away from the house creating a good grade for melting snow or water to travel away from the foundation of your home. Low spots, plants and bushes too close to the foundation, and settling of the soil over time can cause major problems and costly repairs.   

7. Seal your patio or walkway
Winter temperatures can lead to freezing and thawing.  If water is able to penetrate your patio or walkway, this can cause heaving, buckling, and extensive damage.  Fall is a great time to repair a walkway or patio that is uneven and to reseal patios and walkways that are in great shape.  This small investment can double the life of your most beautiful outdoor spaces and make sure you are ready for outdoor fun when warm weather returns.  

8. Locate Holiday Decorations
The Holidays are right around the corner and decorations are typically in stores mid October.  While many homeowners go the DIY route to decorations, there is a growing interest in custom, professionally installed and stored Christmas lights.  These classy lighting displays are completed with custom measured lights for you home, meaning no unsightly wires or dangling cords, and are a beautiful way to share some Holiday JOY. 

9. Think about Snow and Ice Removal
Snow and ice can make life miserable if you don't have a way to manage them.  Fall is when most snow removal companies are planning their routes, so calling a snow removal company in October or November, before the first snows, ensures that if you want someone to clear the walk and drive you will be able to get service when the weather changes. 

10. Plan for Spring Projects and Home Listings
If there's one thing 2020 taught us, there's no place like home!  Some are looking for larger spaces as work from home continues and many homeowners desired upgraded outdoor spaces during extended time at home.  If you plan to list your home this spring, fall is the perfect time to start completing outdoor projects.  If you want to stay in your home, but desire an upgraded outdoor space, fall is the perfect time to start planning and get on the schedule with a contractor so you are first in line when the cold weather melts into spring. 

This list may seem daunting, but you don't have to do it all by yourself. For all of your outdoor needs call Marshal's Outdoors LTD at 740-322-3240.  

Located in Johnstown, Ohio and proudly serving all of Johnstown, New Albany, Westerville, and Galena.   Marshal's crews are friendly, professional, and insured.  Call Today 740-322-3240