As a homeowner, fall cleanup is one of the most important landscaping projects of the year. Not only is it a chance to clean up after a long summer, but it’s an important step to prepare your property for the weather conditions in the months ahead.
Fall is the ideal time to clear debris, prepare your lawn, and tackle tree maintenance so you keep your yard looking great and prepared for whatever nature can throw at it: Heavy downpours, windy days, or late-season tropical storms.
That said, fall cleanup is a big project. Creating a comprehensive checklist is one of the best ways to approach it. Luckily, the team at CFB Outdoors is here to help. Read on for a full list of all the things you’ll want to check off to keep your property safe and looking its best all year long.
1. Start With Leaf Management
Leaf removal naturally takes priority on any fall cleanup checklist, but eliminating fallen leaves isn’t only about aesthetics. Wet, compacted leaves can wreak havoc on your lawn because they smother grass, deprive it of sunlight and airflow, and promote mold growth. They can also cause water to pool during heavy rainfall. Wet leaves are also slippery, creating a safety hazard. Therefore, taking care of them quickly and efficiently should be a top priority.
There are easy ways to eliminate fallen leaves, even without a rake. Here are some tips:
- Mow Them: Run your lawn mower over a thin layer of leaves to mulch them up. This is not only fun and easy, but it also provides your soil with a boost of nutrients.
- Use A Leaf Blower:Make a few rounds with your leaf blower and push your leaves into neat piles before bagging them.
- Compost Them: Dead leaves make an excellent addition to any compost pile. Compost your leaves and then add them to your garden or flowerbed.
2. Tree Maintenance: Trim Low-Hanging Limbs
It’s a good idea to take care of those low-hanging tree limbs before winter sets in – especially the ones hanging over your home. Heavy rain, ice, and winds can knock those branches around, potentially damaging your roof or siding. Pests can also use low-hanging branches as a bridge to your roof. Dead or unstable branches should also be eliminated; they’re structurally weak and can break off easily.
Tree maintenance is dangerous work, so we recommend leaving tree trimming in the fall to professional arborists.
3. Clear Away Leftover Debris
Fallen branches, plant clippings, and weeds can pile up throughout the summer. As this debris piles up, it creates hiding spots for pests and makes your property appear neglected. Take some time to clear away the debris across your yard. Start with general yard waste (sticks, branches, and plant clippings). After that, walk along your fence and check under your deck for storm debris or trash. Finally, pull weeds from your lawn and garden beds to keep your grass and plants healthy.
4. Inspect Your Gutters And Downspouts
Maintaining clear gutters and downspouts is especially important during the fall, as heavy rainfalls can create serious problems. Your gutters are your first line of defense against water damage, and if they’re clogged with debris, you run the risk of having water pool near your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can also lead to wood rot along your roofline.
If you’re cleaning your gutters yourself, make sure to wear gloves and eye protection. Scoop out the debris and then flush your gutters with a garden hose. Make sure downspouts are clear and directing water away from your home. Don’t attempt to climb onto your roof yourself. If your gutters are high or difficult to reach, call a professional to do the hard stuff for you.
Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying organized and trusting professionals to handle difficult tasks like tree maintenance, you can easily knock out this project over a couple of weekends.
5. Inspect And Repair Your Hardscape
Driveways, patios, and decks can take a beating from the hot Florida sun. Fall is the best time to make any repairs before any winter freeze-thaw cycles make the problems worse. Check for cracks in concrete or pavers, look for loose boards or protruding nails on the deck, and replace any worn or unstable steps or railings.
It’s also a good time to pressure wash surfaces, seal cracks, and apply protective sealants to wooden decks.
6. Prepare For Severe Weather
While most Central Florida residents focus on seasonal storm prep mainly in the spring and summer, hurricane season runs through the end of November, so late-season storms are still possible. Take some time to store or secure patio furniture, grills, and potted plants. Inspect your sump pump or drainage system, and reinforce any newly planted trees or shrubs. A little bit of proactive prep work can go a long way toward preventing severe damage.
7. Eliminate Those Leftover Tree Stumps Before The End Of The Year
If you have a lingering tree stump after a recent tree removal, stump grinding is one of the smartest end-of-year services you can schedule – especially if you already hired professionals for your tree maintenance. Old stumps are not just an eyesore; they can become safety hazards and attract pests.
An arborist can use a stump grinding machine to eliminate the visible stump and root system by shredding the tree remains down to below ground level.
CFB Outdoors Can Help With Tree Maintenance, Stump Grinding, And Other Fall Maintenance Tasks
If you need a professional to assist with your fall cleanup efforts, call CFB Outdoors. As Central Florida’s leading outdoor services contractor, we help our clients and neighbors with tree maintenance, stump grinding, and more. We have three ISA-certified arborists on our staff who are more than capable of providing expert tree care.
We’ll take the time to inspect all of your trees so we can identify and eliminate branches that may become a problem. This not only keeps your property safe, but also keeps your trees healthy and balanced. We can provide professional and efficient stump grinding services, too. That leaves your lawn with even more extra-clean, ready-to-use space by the time spring rolls around.
Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Staying organized and turning to professionals for help when needed are the keys to keeping your property safe and looking its best all year long. For fall yard cleanup DeLand residents can trust, give CFB Outdoors a call today.