Tips to Get Your Yard Ready for Fall
The first snowfall of the season dusted the Durango area again before Halloween. Seems like we were just basking in the warmth of summer while taking to the trails in the area. However, the seasons here can change so quickly, so staying on top of fall home and yard maintenance tasks are essential. While much of the scant snowfall has melted, there will be more on the way soon, so take a few minutes each day to make sure that you are not caught off guard!
Gutters
Gutters are a great addition to your roof line, as they can help to prevent and reroute downpours. This can also help to reduce erosion and the chances that you will be caught outside getting the full brunt of the rain or melted snow. Gutters are great at these tasks, but they can also be great at catching falling leaves and twigs. When your gutters fill up with debris, the gutters will no longer work as desired.
Cleaning your gutters can be an easy job, particularly if your home is one story. However, the job can be a bit more tricky and possibly dangerous if your gutters are up a few stories. If you are using a ladder to reach your gutters, make sure that you are familiar with the ladder before climbing. Inspect it to ensure that it is safe and standing on level ground. Remember, never reach too far when standing on a ladder or even on the ground while cleaning your gutters. A little overstretching can lead to pain down the road.
Fallen Leaves
The trees in the area are a treat for the eyes. The colors are often quite vibrant and remind us that there is a change in seasons ahead. They are nature’s confetti, throwing a party for the upcoming season. While these leaves can be gorgeous, they can also be dangerous and can pose a fire risk if not addressed in a timely manner. When left on the lawn, leaves can also smother grass, which can be a costly landscaping bill come spring.
If you are planning on clearing the leaves by raking, make sure that you do not over twist your body. Doing so can cause all sorts of back pain. Be cautious when stepping on fallen leaves, as they can be quite slippery. Wear gloves and practice good body mechanics when raking and bagging leaves. Stay hydrated and remember to take breaks, because raking can be back breaking!
Prevent Falling Branches
This fall season has had a few really gusty days. As the winds make their way through the valley of Durango, it can cause branches to come crashing down. This can make for an abrupt wake up call if it happens in the middle of the night! One way to reduce the risk of overhead branches from falling is to tend to them before they become a problem. When trimming branches, make sure that you remain aware of any overhead power lines that may be near your work area.
Winterize Your Garden
Were you able to do a little backyard or container gardening this year? If so, your crops could benefit from some special care and treatment before it gets too cold. Prune out any of the dead plants and remove any organic debris. If you have a compost area, these would be a great addition to the heap.
Your lawn can also benefit from a little TLC before it becomes blanketed in snow. In your garden area, aerate the soil and give your lawn one last feed for the season. Some suggest using a fertilizer that has a high phosphorus content, as this can assist with root growth. The end result is a nice lush and green lawn when spring arrives.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of tasks that need to be completed before the snow season really kicks into gear. Getting a head start can mean the difference between resting comfortably inside having to clear gutters and branches in the rain and snow. We at The Property Manager have been in the area for decades, so we know a few things about winters in Durango. If you are looking for a new place in the area, let us know and we can steer you in the right direction.
References
The 15 must-dos of fall yard cleanup
Fall for safety: Tips for Autumn yard maintenance
