KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN BLOG – MORE FALL MAINTENANCE AROUND HOME AND GARDEN PART 1
HAVE YOU DONE YOUR FALL MAINTENANCE YET?
A few reminders about things you should have done already but still have time for.
Use winterizer fertilizer on your lawn. Make sure you either rake or suck up the leaves first. Fertilize after mowing. Water if there is no measurable rain in the next few days. It's still a good time to put down grass seed. The cool weather is perfect for grass germination.
Keep checking gutters for leaves and debris until all the leaves have fallen around your house. Gutter cleaning is so important. Besides water damage from clogged downspouts, there can be potential damage to the roof from gutter water splashing up under the shingles. Remember water is not our friend.
Time still to put in shrubs or trees. Remember to dig a hole three times larger than the root ball and water well until the ground freezes. Make sure all your trees, shrubs and perennials are well watered until the ground is frozen. Fall rains should help but a little extra water can't hurt. These plants need a good fall supply of water in order to prosper through the winter.
Check outside drains. This is especially important in homes with stairs outside that lead down to the basement. There is a drain here that needs to be kept clear. If you are able, take off the drain and blast your hose down the hole. This helps forgo water in the basement from a clogged drain in winter.
GOT A SPECIAL TECHNIQUE YOU USE FOR WINTER PREVENTION? Let me know.
DEAN'S TEAM HOME & GARDEN EDITOR,
KATHLEEN WEAVER ZECH
