Wind Garden

Often, fall is a time for gathering in the harvest and preparing for festive holidays indoors. No

matter what kind of fall we have, these steps will help your home during the transition from summer to winter.

Inside the Home

Fall is a good time to complete indoor projects.

• Repair vinyl and wood floors

• Examine and repair indoor staircases

• Test the furnace to make sure it works properly

• Maintain locks, lubricate as necessary

• Repair and replace caulking in floors and

baseboards and around windows and doors

• Remove and replace crumbling caulk around

bathtub, sink, or toilet, and also make sure

there is no moisture under the bathtub or

shower stall

• Test for radon gas

• Lubricate squeaking doors

• Evaluate insulation

• Have ventilation ducts cleaned, inspected, and

repaired

• Check for mice and rats—put out traps in areas

pests might sneak into the home

• Patch and paint holes and cracks in walls and

ceilings, watch for indications of water damage

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,

and replace batteries if needed

• Repair indoor woodwork

• Check the stove exhaust fan and remove dust

and grease build-up

• Install plastic sheets on windows that require

extra wind protection

• Add weather stripping around doors

Outside the Home

With shorter days and the approach of winter,

take some time to check the exterior of your

home.

• Check roof for summer wear and tear

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Drain the evaporative cooler

• Inspect and service the heating unit

• Repair cracks in siding and shingles

• Repair any damaged masonry

• Insulate water pipes that are exposed to

extreme cold

• Cover outdoor water faucets

• Remove screens, clean them, and store away

for the winter

• Seal any concrete walkways

• Check exterior ventilation flaps, making sure

they are intact and functional

In the Garage

During the fall, take time to prepare your garage

for the upcoming winter.

• Protect and cover lawn equipment and garden

tools

• Drain lawnmower of gasoline and oil

• Check for leaks in the doors and repair

• Examine and repair the weather stripping at the

bottom of the garage door

In the Backyard

The freezing and thawing of the impending

winter can cause damage to outdoor furniture

and your swimming pool.

• Cover and protect your patio furniture

• Drain the pool

• Trim tree limbs that could break under the

weight of snow and ice

In the Garden

With the arrival of fall, you can begin your early garden work.

• Fill birdfeeders in time for migrating species,

and keep them filled throughout the winter for

resident species

• Add a protective layer of mulch to your

perennials, shrubs, and trees

• Clean flower beds of spent summer blossoms

and plants

• Turn the compost

• Remove the garden hose and place inside for

the winter

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