The seasons are changing and, with them, our gardens are going to change, as well. The leaves are going to be coming off the trees, the rain is going to be falling a lot more, and you might spot a few more critters out there than you would usually as they look for warmth and shelter. Maintaining a garden, especially a bigger one, can be a tough job at the best of times, but now there’s even more work to do.
Here, we’re going to look at some of the prep that you can start doing ahead of time so that taking care of that maintenance is a little easier.
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Start building a schedule now
If you’re looking to get on top of your garden and its maintenance, then one of the best ways to do that is to start putting it into a routine now. Start scheduling out all of the usual jobs, such as caring for the trees and shrubs, mowing the lawn as it’s still going to be growing strongly for a while yet, and raking or blowing those leaves. Get an idea of how often you need to do each of these and write them on a schedule you keep visible so that you can chip away at it, bit by bit, rather than leaving it all to do at once.
Make sure your tools are in good condition
When fall arrives, there are a few appliances that you’re likely to be using a good deal more. In particular, you’re going to want your leaf blower at the ready to keep your driveway clear and prevent leaves from rotting into your lawn. If you have a power washer, you will want that to clean any grime that can make your hard surfaces slippery. Take the time to inspect your tools and, if they’re in need of some care, find the replacement parts for your leaf blower online. A little research into which parts are likely to need replacing first can save you from some expensive repairs.
Bring those tender plants indoors
You might well have some more tender plants that thrive in the sunlight but aren’t likely to do well as the days get colder and rainier. Rather than simply letting them perish outdoors, you can instead bring them into your garage, shed, or even your home to overwinter them. Many of them can simply be managed as a houseplant until the weather is good enough to allow you to take them back out.
Be prepared for pests
Aside from the regular maintenance your garden needs, there are new needs to anticipate, as well. Pests are a lot more likely to try and find shelter around or inside your property in the fall, as the days are getting colder and the weather more hostile to them. You want to balance how your garden affects the local environment, but you don’t want all manner of unwelcome guests making their way into your home, so you might want to look at natural pest repellents you can set up.
Trim those trees
With the change of seasons also comes the likelihood of stronger winds and heavier rain. If you haven’t taken the time, it might be a good idea to trim your tree branches if you have any. If you want to ensure that you’re doing it in a way that’s as healthy for the trees as possible, then you should consider calling an arborist. Otherwise, they can grow too heavy and could pose a risk to anyone who might be walking under them due to an increased danger of their branches breaking and falling.
Be mindful of your gutters
The extra rain that comes with fall also means that your gutters are going to be working overtime. You’re going to need to clean them on a fairly regular basis during the fall thanks to leaves and organic debris being much more widespread in the air. However, you should get started with a quick inspection and a clean before the rainy season really kicks in. This way you can just make sure that there are no issues that, when exacerbated by the weather and extra dirt, could stress your gutters to the breaking point.
The tips above aren’t going to prevent you from having to do plenty of work to stay on top of your garden and keep it in good condition. It can, however, make sure that you’re ready for all of the changes likely to come with the season.
