How is it September already? This year is moving so quickly! The shift from summer to fall always seems to sneak up, and suddenly school is back in session, the days get shorter, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing for colder months ahead.
The good news is that early fall is the perfect season to tackle outdoor projects. With the worst of the summer heat hopefully behind us, you can work outside more comfortably. Pressure washing is one task many people save for spring, but it’s actually smart to do it now. Over the summer, dirt, pollen, and leaves build up on siding and decks, and cleaning them before winter helps prevent staining and mildew. If your home is near trees, early fall is also the best time to deal with sticky sap before it hardens over winter. Plus, pressure washing gives you a chance to check soffits, roofs, chimneys, and gutters for damage so you can take care of small repairs before winter weather makes them bigger problems.
Speaking of gutters—make sure they’re cleared out. Gutters that are clogged with leaves or debris can’t move water away from your home. Instead, water overflows and runs down your siding, which can lead to structural issues over time.
You also still have time to protect your deck before cold weather sets in. Staining and sealing in September is ideal because cooler temperatures help the finish cure more evenly. Just look for a stretch of dry, mild days, and you’ll head into winter with peace of mind knowing your deck is protected.
The fall is the best time to prep your yard for next spring. Dethatching is a process that removes the thick layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter from your lawn, allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and allow your lawn to grow stronger. Think of it as a deep clean for your lawn. Dethatching can be done with a regular garden rake, a special dethatching rake, or a powered dethatcher. After you’re finished dethatching, it’s the perfect time to overseed your lawn. The grass seed will germinate faster in the warm soil, the days aren’t as hot, there’s more rain, and grass puts more energy into growing a robust root system. This sets the stage for a beautiful, healthy lawn in the spring!
Don’t forget to check your windows and doors, either. Adding caulk and weatherstripping helps keep heat inside (and pests outside), lowering your energy bills. September often gives us a false sense of “plenty of time!” it’s smart to check your leaf blowers and chainsaws now. You’ll be glad you planned ahead when you’re ready to cut firewood!
Living where the seasons change is a gift, but it does mean a little extra preparation each year. At Randy’s Hardware, we’re here to answer your questions and help you get what you need to keep your home and garden in great shape this fall. Stop by anytime, and remember, here at Randy’s Hardware, we don’t mind your questions. We don’t mind them at all!
