Preparing your lawn for the fall is an important part of yard maintenance. If you want your lawn, hardscaping and garden to look great when spring rolls around, take some time for lawn care in the fall. Before the winter weather arrives and wreaks havoc on your carefully cultivated outdoor spaces, follow these tips to get your yard ready.
Get your outdoor spaces ready for winter
Fall is the best time to perform these simple tasks:
- Clean off the patio: First, address your patio. Whether you’ve been using it throughout the summer and fall, chances are there’s plenty of dust, dirt and yard debris to take care of. Sweep up the patio and get rid of any trash and debris you find. This is a great time to rent a power washer, which can take care of any algae, moss or mold as well as dirt and stains. Then take a moment to wipe down all of your outdoor furniture. Remove soft cushions and store them away for the colder months, in a clean dry place. If you plan to store your furniture throughout the winter, move it to the shed or garage now. Otherwise, cover up the furniture and move it under an awning until warmer weather returns.
- Winterize your fire pit: If you plan to use your fire pit throughout the winter months, this is a good time to clean it off and get it ready. Wipe down the entire fire pit, inside and out, to remove dust and grime. If it’s a wood-burning fire pit, have a supply of logs and kindling nearby in a clean, dry place. For propane fire pits, store a full tank in your garage, so it’s ready to go when you are. Cover the fire pit when not in use.
- Winterize your outdoor kitchen: When you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to make sure it stays attractive and functional for many years to come. Give all of your appliances, countertops, cabinets and fixtures a good scrub. Shut off all water lines, and remove food and other perishable items from the fridge and cabinets. Shut off the power and gas supply.
- Get your lawn ready for winter: Finally, it’s time to take care of your grass. We might think of spring as the best time to get back into the garden, but lawn care is required in the fall, too. The goal is to establish or strengthen your grass’s roots so it survives the winter. Spread fertilizer over your lawn and give it a good soaking. Later, mow the lawn short, which will reduce the risk of developing snow mold.
Following these tips to prepare your lawn for fall will ensure that your yard survives the winter. Whether you plan to toast marshmallows over the fire pit or you’re leaving outdoor activity for the spring, taking a little time now will pay off.
Ready to create the outdoor spaces of your dreams? MSE Hardscape Design and Installation is available to help upgrade your yard. Call us today!