Autumn Yard Cleanup Checklist
By Karen Porter,
Editor
EasyHomeOrganizing.com
♦Mow the lawn.
♦And keep mowing your lawn
throughout the fall until grass stops growing high enough to be worth mowing.
♦Then properly store your
lawn mowers, draining old gas from them as needed before storing.
♦Pick up loose debris and
trash.
♦Make arrangements for any
large items (such as old appliances or such) to be hauled off by junk removers.
♦Rake your lawn and bag
leaves for curbside pick up (if you have that service).
♦If you plan to use leaves to
help form compost, now is the time to research how to create a compost bin. If
you plan to use leaves as mulch, research that too.
♦Pick up loose branches,
pinecones and bag these too for curbside pick up (if you have that service).
♦Edge the lawn around
driveways and walkways.
♦Weed the lawn and garden
areas.
♦Clean out the gutter area at
your curb.
♦Clean the exterior of your
mailbox.
♦Add lighting to walking
paths.
♦Replace blown porch light
bulbs and cracked fixtures.
♦Sweep the porch.
♦Blow or sweep the debris off
the driveway and walkways.
♦Clean up any surprises your
dog left.
♦Winterize your plants and
garden, especially protecting flowering plants you expect to return flowers next
year. Prune. Mulch garden beds. Research winter shrub and tree care for your
region.
♦Research and handle autumn
grass fertilization and water needs for your particular grass type.
♦Drain garden hoses and bring
them into storage (so they don't rupture during freezing weather).
♦Winterize outside faucets
and pipes (so they don't rupture from freezes).
♦Bring in and store any
summer deck or yard furniture.
♦Bring in and store any
ornaments that may crack and break in a winter freeze.
♦Hang your outdoor yard
decorations for fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
♦Practice good ergonomics,
stretching/warm-ups and posture when doing yard work and lawn care. Your back
will thank you (by not bringing itself to your attention later).
♦Drink plenty of water too if
it's a hot day or you're working hard. Take breaks. Wear work gloves to protect
your hands from cuts, scratches and unexpected things that bite.
♦Use appropriate tools and
use tools appropriately to prevent injuries.
♦Use a sturdy ladder to reach
high places. Get a helper if needed.
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