12 Things You Can Do This Fall To Get Your Yard Winter-Ready

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Jack Frost might not be nipping at your nose yet, but it's never too early to start planning your fall yard maintenance list in preparation for winter. Some of the tasks, especially those related to winterizing your lawn as cold weather approaches, often need to start in mid-August to mid-September to take full effect. Waiting too long could leave you in a rush to clear, clean, and cover everything you need to protect your property from cold temperatures, snow, ice, and chilly winds. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to forget important tasks or take shortcuts on the must-do chores. Even worse, you might ignore the winter yard prep completely if you cut it too close, which could result in cold-weather damage. Key tasks include cleaning gutters and storm drains, winterizing all water-containing items, and mulching plants. There's also putting away patio items, moving potted plants indoors, and repairing and sealing fences, driveways, and decks.

Completing these tasks isn't just about the satisfaction of checking items off your to-do list. Each one serves a purpose, often to protect your plants, lawn, and home from the damage that can happen during winter. The weight of snow and ice can cause structural damage, and the snowmelt could lead to water-related issues in various parts of your property. Plants are often susceptible to cold temperatures and could die if you don't prep them properly. Your fall yard tasks may vary depending on your property and its features. Customize the list to fit your home's design to prep your exterior for the upcoming cold season.

Keeping gutters clean in the wintertime is crucial for your home. Fall leaves and other natural debris collect in gutters just before winter. Your area might not receive rain in the winter, but snowmelts and ice also need a clear pathway off the roof and away from your house. Blocked gutters can contribute to the formation of ice dams — if the melted snow can't run down the gutters, it will pool on the roof, where it can refreeze and cause major damage. Even if an ice dam doesn't form, clogged gutters could fill up with ice and snow, which adds weight that could damage the gutters or eaves. Water running off the roof can also ruin your siding and foundation.

To prevent these potential issues, grab a ladder and clear your gutters in late fall, before the chilly winds make you avoid the task. Remove the leaves with a gloved hand, or use a small shovel or scoop to help scrape out the gunk. You can also opt for gutter cleaning tools that you can use from the ground, like the Elfon Gutter Cleaning Tool Set or M Mingle Pressure Washer Gutter Cleaner Attachment, from Amazon, if you want to stay off the ladder. If you notice any damage, like gaps or cracks, fix those issues immediately to help water flow smoothly through the gutters and into the downspouts.

The Public Works Department of your city is typically responsible for maintaining the storm drains near your property, but that doesn't always mean they'll be clean and free of clogs. In fact, some municipalities ask residents to keep an eye on the grate to help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in the drains. Fall can be a difficult time for storm drains since many of the fallen leaves end up in the street and could go down the drains. You want those drains near your property to stay clear, so that the snow and ice that melt and run off of your property have a place to go. If the drains are clogged, the water might back up into your yard or create icy patches on the street.

It's a good idea to check the storm drains near your property at least once a month to remove anything that's on the grate. In the fall, you may need to do so more frequently because of the leaves, especially if you live in a neighborhood with lots of mature trees. During the winter, check the storm drains when a big snowstorm is coming. It'll be easier to remove the debris before it's covered in snow, so all of the snowmelts can flow freely.

While there are many ways to use mulch in your yard and garden, the aim for this task is to do so for winter protection. Many of your perennials need to be shielded from the dropping temperatures as winter arrives. By adding a layer of mulch around your landscape plants in the fall, you can protect them from sudden temperature drops and the freezing and thawing cycle that often happens. Plants that are subjected to this cycle could pop out of the ground. Trees and shrubs also benefit from mulch, as it protects against temperature fluctuations and helps retain moisture during the drier winter months. Choose mulch that allows for air circulation, like shredded leaves, organic compost, or straw. 

Apply mulch late in the fall, before the first freeze, to protect the plants from plummeting temperatures. Doing the chore close to Thanksgiving usually works in most areas, but you may need to adjust based on your climate. You also don't want to apply extra mulch too early — that could cause more damage as dormancy might be delayed, leaving the plants vulnerable. For trees and shrubs, extend a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch to the tree's drip line if possible, being careful to keep the material away from the tree's trunk. 

Winterizing your irrigation system is a crucial fall lawn care task you might be forgetting about. The biggest part of the process is draining the system. Water left in the irrigation equipment could freeze and expand, which can break the components, including the sprinkler head and pipes. The expansion force can lead to cracks and splits, or cause the pipes to burst completely. 

The draining and winterizing process can vary based on the type of irrigation system you have. If your system has automatic or manual drains, open them and make sure all of the water is out of the pipes and backflow prevention devices. However, it's possible for some water to remain if any of the pipes shift and there are lower areas. Another option is using pressurized air to blow out the water. While you can do this yourself, it's also possible to damage the system if you don't know what you're doing. Hiring a professional to perform the task minimizes the risk of damage and increases the chances of getting all the water out.

Just because your exterior faucets are connected to pipes inside the home doesn't mean they're safe from cold weather. Since the spigot portion is outside the house, it's still possible for water remaining in the plumbing to freeze. Even the indoor portions of the pipes could be in cold areas, such as unheated crawl spaces, which adds to the potential for ice forming and pipes bursting. Winterizing the faucets cuts the risk of frozen pipes and helps the equipment and plumbing last longer. 

Start by disconnecting hoses from the outdoor spigots, draining and stowing them away. Then, shut off the water to your outdoor spigot, if possible, before turning on the faucet and letting out the remaining water. Turn the faucet off when it has finished draining. Consider installing a cover, such as this Hometopia Outdoor Faucet Cover from Amazon to provide an insulating layer over the exposed faucet. You can also insulate the pipes leading to outdoor faucets for an added layer of protection. If you live in an area with frigid winters or have issues with your outdoor faucets freezing, consider replacing them with frost-free faucets. They drain the water automatically and feature a water line that runs deeper inside your home.

You're not quite done with the potential for water damage if you have any other water feature in your yard. That includes bird baths, fountains, and decorative backyard ponds. Water left in these features can also freeze and cause damage or render them useless. In the case of a bird bath, you want to keep the water from freezing — you'll still get feathered visitors in the winter, and they'll still need water to survive. Since water is harder to come by in the winter, keeping your bird bath operational creates a winter haven for birds. Backyard ponds are often more complex, as they vary in size and can comprise of a multitude of features and components. You'll typically leave the water in the pond, but you may need to take other components out.

When it comes to your bird bath, start by cleaning it well before winter. You can buy a heated model, or you can add a heater, like the Gueoqtc Bird Bath De-Icer, available on Amazon, to your existing bath. Bird bath fountains also keep the water moving and may minimize freezing, especially when paired with a heater. For an outdoor fountain, drain all of the water, remove the pump, and cover it or move it indoors. You may need to consult with an expert on your pond, but the process usually involves cleaning it, removing water plants, and disconnecting the pump. 

Fences should be strong and durable, but winter weather can take a toll on them and potentially cause damage. Built-up snow and ice add a significant amount of weight to the fence, which can lead to cracking, bending, or breaking. The weight of snow and strong winter winds can also cause nearby tree branches to break and fall on the fence, creating additional damage. Winter moisture from snow and ice can also be a concern, as it can encourage rotting or mold and mildew growth, depending on the fencing material. Additionally, damage due to winter weather can be worse if the fence is already weak or impaired.

Start by cleaning the fence so you can get a good look at it. A thorough inspection will allow you to spot any existing damage that needs to be repaired. This might include holes, gaps, or missing pieces. Complete those repairs now before it gets any colder. You may need to straighten and secure tipping fence posts or reinforce weak areas by tightening screws. If you have a wooden fence, applying sealant to the planks gives them an additional layer of protection against moisture. If there are nearby trees, prune branches that look weak or hang near the fence.

While patio furniture is made to withstand the outdoor elements, the cold and snow of winter can be particularly hard on your furniture. Learning how to store patio furniture properly for the winter helps you get more out of your investment. That starts with cleaning all of the summer debris off the furniture before covering it to keep it protected. If you have an indoor storage space for the items, you'll keep the winter weather elements away completely for the greatest amount of protection. However, many people don't have that kind of space indoors, so furniture covers also work.

Clean your patio furniture with soap and water, rinse it well, and let it dry completely before storing. You'll also want to clean and dry the cushions. Place the cushions in a shed or waterproof storage container to keep them from getting wet. Putting them indoors also keeps them from blowing away in a strong winter wind. If you have an indoor spot for your furniture, stack it gently and cover it with a plastic tarp or plastic wrap to keep dust off. For pieces of furniture staying outside, secure them with well-fitted covers and move them to a spot that's out of the wind.

While it's sad when all of those backyard get-togethers wind down for the year, you can get ready for next year's barbecues by protecting your outdoor kitchen throughout the winter. Whether you just have a small grill or a full setup with all of the outdoor appliances, covering the equipment for the season helps it last longer. You'll want to give everything one final scrub to remove all food debris. Turning off appliances, like outdoor fridges, also protects them from the damage that cold temperatures can cause. It's also important to take care of any water lines to prevent freezing.

An end-of-summer grill cleaning is one of several seasonal change cleaning tasks you should do. Clean the grates, burners, grease trays, and all other removable parts of your grill. Wipe down your outdoor fridge and other appliances as well. It's usually best to unplug those appliances for the winter and cover them. If you have a sink in your outdoor kitchen, shut off the water and drain the lines so the pipes don't burst. Covering appliances and easily damaged surfaces also helps your outdoor kitchen last longer.

Potted plants bring life to your patio, but not all plants are meant to stay outdoors year-round. Some people move houseplants outdoors for the summer to give them fresh air and sunlight. In other cases, you might use container gardening to grow perennial plants that don't normally survive in your USDA Hardiness Zone. Instead of planting those perennials in the ground like you could in their hardiness zone, you can plant them in pots and overwinter them indoors. Whether you have houseplants that summer outdoors or perennials that winter indoors, moving those potted plants to warmer conditions is a must before winter.

Before the transition, check for any pests that may have made themselves at home on the plants. Treatment depends on the type of pests you find, but spraying off the plants with water or treating them with insecticidal soap may help. This is also a good time to repot, divide, or prune the plants. Ease your plants into indoor life by slowly decreasing how much light they get outdoors. You can do that by moving them to gradually shadier areas in the week leading up to the move. Choose a sunny indoor spot for the plants or use supplemental lighting if necessary. 

Have you been ignoring those little cracks and breaks in your driveway, sidewalks, or walkways? Making those repairs before winter could prevent them from getting worse. Any moisture that seeps into the cracks can freeze, expand, and put pressure on the concrete, creating worsening cracks. In the spring, when the snow melts, you could be left with a major tripping hazard.

If you spot any cracks in your concrete or asphalt, fill them with a crack filler or patch product. You can also call a professional for a long-lasting repair job on more severe cracks and damage. Applying a sealant to your concrete driveway and walkways adds another form of protection against winter weather. It can keep moisture from seeping into the pores of the concrete, which can prevent damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. It's also a good idea to avoid rock salt and similar de-icing products that use chemicals. Those products can break down your driveway and walkways over time.

Your decks and patios may not get much use over the winter, but how you prepare them in the fall can affect their condition in the spring. Harsh winter conditions can cause those outdoor areas to deteriorate or become discolored. The number one thing to do to protect your wood deck in the winter is to seal it. The same goes for your paver patios. Before you do so, it's important to clean the outdoor entertaining areas to remove debris and start with a clean slate. You may also need to perform repair tasks if your deck or patio is in poor condition.

Sweep or blow the loose leaves and debris off the patio or deck. Then, scrub the area with soapy water to remove stuck-on dirt and debris. You can use a pressure washer, but there's a risk of damage if you don't utilize it correctly. With the pavers or boards clean, inspect them thoroughly to look for fading, splintering, cracks, or other damage. Repair those issues to keep them from getting worse during the winter. Once the area is clean and dry, apply an outdoor sealer meant for the type of material. Waterproof sealants keep the moisture from snow from settling into the material.