Summer has left the building, and fall has entered swiftly. The gorgeous fall colors around us and cooler temperatures have alerted us that colder weather, and winter are just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare your Visalia home for the fall and winter months. Home and landscape maintenance are vital to the health of your property. We have pulled together a few tips to get you started on your fall maintenance checklist.
Prep your lawn for winter
Grass
Now is the time to prepare your lawn for the winter months. Take the time to rake leaves, fertilize and aerate. These simple actions will give you a jumpstart on next year’s growing season and a healthier lawn.
Artificial turf
Fluff up your grass fibers to keep the blades erect. Take the time to cross-brush your turf at least once a month. Take care not to use metal bristles as this can harm the fibers of your synthetic turf. Clear any debris with a bamboo leaf rake, push broom or a rake made especially for your artificial lawn. Avoid leaf blowers as this can damage your infill. Use a hose to rinse away debris, pet waste and dust. Rinse your lawn each week.
Blow out your sprinkler system
Yes, even though we live in the Central Valley it still can get cold. Freezing temperatures can damage your systems. Trust us, having a frozen sprinkler pipe is no fun. Shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system and blow out the pipes to prevent freezing. Adjust your automatic controls to ‘off’. You could use the ‘rain-mode’ setting to prevent the valves from opening, but it might be easier to just turn it off and not deal with re-programing when it’s time to turn it back on. Drain the backflow, which keeps the water from flowing back into the house and close it. Use the manual drain valve to remove any remaining water. You can use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water. Take a moment to cover any above ground piping and wrap your system with a cover. If you don’t feel comfortable you can hire a professional.
Put away hoses
Now is a good time to remove your hoses from the spigots drain and store them indoors, coiled, and flat.
Check your caulking
Take a moment to inspect and replace caulking behind sinks and in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Replace your furnace filters
This one doesn’t take too much explanation. Replace your furnace filters for the colder months.
Check your fire extinguisher
Check the condition of your fire extinguishers and recharge or replace as needed.
Check your smoke detectors
Change your batteries when you adjust for Daylight Savings Time. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
Clean windows and doors
Clean the tracks of your windows and your sliding glass doors to make sure that they operate smoothly.
Use Styrofoam blocks to winterize vents
Close exterior foundation vents with Styrofoam blocks. This should be done when overnight temperatures are prone to freezing.
Clean your gutters and downspouts
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and freezing around your foundation.
These are just a few tips to prepare your home for the fall and winter months. If you have any questions or would like some assistance, we would be happy to help.