3 Fall Cleanup Items NOT to Skip

Summer is drawing to a close and the kids are back in school. It's easy to forget how quickly time seems to pass, but every year fall creeps up on us in the blink of an eye. Because schedules fill up and time is short, it's important to schedule out your fall cleanup. Inevitably shortcuts will be taken, but DO NOT skip the three items below. Completing these simples tasks will help make your winter and spring come and go much more smoothly than if you neglect them.

1. Clean your gutters.

Fall is the perfect time to clean your gutters of leaves and other debris that has settled throughout the year. Taking a little time to make sure that the gutters properly drain and are clear of any blockages will greatly help to alleviate any unwanted water/ice issues during the winter and spring months.

2. Aerate and feed your lawn.

For those that enjoy a lush, green lawn this is a MUST! After a good rain in the fall, I use a pull-behind plug aerator to open and break up the soil to guarantee that the proper nutrients will reach the grass roots during the winter. For smaller yards, a walk-behind machine or garden fork will work as well.

After aerating, I like to give my lawn the food and nutrients it needs to remain healthy and last throughout the upcoming winter months. The phosphorous rich fertilizer which I apply helps to encourage root growth and jump start the growing process when the freeze begins to thaw.

3. Clean your tools.

Replacing tools year after year due to poor maintenance can get a little pricey. Take the time to scrub off dirt and debris from your tools before storing them for the winter. Adding a light coat of oil can help to prevent rust buildup over the winter as well. A penny saved is a penny earned!

As you can see, not all fall cleanup includes yard work. While there are certainly more items to complete than what is listed above, do yourself and your wallet a favor by knocking these three items out no matter what!