The last thing most people want to think about is winter - but the earlier you begin thinking about it, the easier it will be for you! One area of their property people don’t often consider when preparing their homes for winter is the yard. You’ve probably been too busy paying attention to your home, trying to winterize everything to keep out the cold, but what about your backyard or landscape? We’ve got some tips right here to keep your property just as ready for winter as your home!
Pack Up the Hose Your days of watering the garden and the lawn are wrapping up. That means stashing away the hose as well. Roll it up and put it away to avoid damage over the winter months. If your faucet isn't frost-proof, you should turn it off with the shut-off valve in the house to avoid leaks or burst pipes.
Give Your Lawn Some TLC You're so busy thinking about your home. You can give your lawn some attention as well. When the leaves start to fall, you're thinking about the hassle of bagging them up and getting rid of them. This year, mow them instead. Make sure to break out the lawn mower when your leaves are completely dry. Don't use your bag and put a mulching blade on your mower. When you chop your leaves up into small pieces, you'll be able to nourish your lawn over the winter months. Your grass will come back and be a vibrant green in the spring.
Hold Off on Trimming Trees and Shrubs Most people tackle their trees and shrubs in the fall. Experts say it's better to hold off until the dead of winter. When you do your trimming at that point, the plants have been dormant and you won't cause damage to healthy branches. Everything should come back better than ever when the warm weather returns.
Check Your Sump Pump If you have a sump pump, you'll want to inspect it before winter arrives. Start by adding water to the pump pit to make sure the pump turns on. If you have any problems, call in the professionals. A sump pump is an excellent investment if you take on water in your basement every year during wet seasons. If you don't have one, think about getting one before the weather changes. Sudden meltdowns after a heavy snow can mean more water in your cellar.
