12 Fall Projects to Complete Before Winter

Fall is a great time to complete some property improvement and maintenance projects before the winter months arrive. By taking the time to prepare your business and outdoor spaces, you can prevent damage, ensure safety, and save money on energy bills. In this article, we will discuss twelve fall projects you should consider completing before winter.

Cleaning clogged gutters and downspouts is one way to prepare your home or business for winter.

What are Improvement Projects to Finish Before Winter?

1. Trimming and Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Fall is a great time to tackle trimming and pruning plants in your beds and around your house or business. Remove any dead limbs and trim back overgrown shrubs or trees. For residential, cut plants away from your house to help ensure they don’t damage siding and can grow fuller in the spring. Additionally, this is also a great time to consider planting perennials or bulbs that will bloom in the spring.

2. Mulch Flower Beds and Gardens

Another fall project many homeowners and business owners alike choose to do is to mulch flower beds and gardens. Adding a layer of mulch helps insulate the soil and protect the roots of your plants during the winter months. It also helps in preventing weed growth and ensures your soil retains moisture. Choosing the right mulch is an important part of the process. Before making your decision, make sure to read our article, What’s the Best Mulch to Use for Your Property?

3. Planting Fall Flowers and Bulbs

Planting cold-resistant fall flowers like mums, pansies, and ornamental kale can add vibrant colors to the landscape. Additionally, consider planting spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils for a stunning display when winter ends. Our article, How to Plant Bulbs in the Fall, helps answer questions about when and how to plant them to ensure they come up in the spring. 

Plant perrennials and or bulbs in the fall to prep for spring.

4. Hardscape Inspection and Repair

Hardscape elements, including concrete, asphalt, pavers, and stone pathways, can be vulnerable to damage during the winter months. Freeze-thaw cycles, where water freezes and expands in cracks or porous materials, can cause materials to deteriorate over time. Additionally, snow plowing or shoveling can chip or scrape surfaces, leading to further damage. Taking some time during the fall or early winter to repair any damaged hardscaping pieces or protect them from additional cracks and leaks can be a vital step in preserving your residential or commercial space. 

6. Install Outdoor Lighting for Winter Evenings

Enhance the ambiance and safety of your outdoor space by installing outdoor lighting. Consider adding pathway lights, string lights, or spotlights to illuminate your garden and walkways. This will not only make your outdoor area more visually appealing but also provide much-needed light during the long winter evenings.

Install outdoor lighting to ensure safe walkways for loved ones, customers and or employees.

What Fall Lawn and Yard Maintenance Should You Do Before Winter?

1. Aerate and Over Seed Your Lawn

Early fall is the perfect time to aerate and over-seed your lawn. Aerating helps to loosen compacted soil and allows water and nutrients to reach the grassroots. Overseeding will fill in any bare patches and promote a healthy and vibrant lawn come spring. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to nourish your lawn before winter.

2. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses and Faucets

Before the temperatures drop below freezing, drain and store outdoor hoses and faucets. Disconnect hoses and drain them completely. Once they’re free of water, store them in a dry location to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Additionally, shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets and insulate them with faucet covers or wraps.

3. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

If you have outdoor furniture or accessories, it is important to protect them from the harsh winter elements. Clean and dry outdoor furniture thoroughly before storing it indoors or covering it with waterproof covers. Remove any cushions or fabric covers and store them in a dry location. Consider investing in durable outdoor furniture covers for added protection.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Cleaning clogged gutters, and downspouts is another essential fall maintenance task. Clear any leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have accumulated in the gutters. This prevents clogs and ensures water can flow freely away from your property’s foundation. It is also a good idea to inspect the gutters for any damage and make necessary repairs.

5. Winterize Your Irrigation System

Winterizing an irrigation system is an essential step to prevent damage caused by freezing temperatures during the winter months. In Minnesota, where winters can be harsh and temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, properly winterizing your irrigation system is crucial to avoid costly repairs come spring. Our article, Four Things You Need to Know About Winterizing Your Irrigation System, is a great resource for those looking to protect their irrigation system just in time for the winter season. 

Make sure you have a snow removal plan and or the necessary materials, like salt, before the first snow.

6. Ensure You’re Prepared to Clear Walkways in the Event of Ice or a Snowstorm

Planning for snow removal before the first winter freeze in Minnesota can come early is important for any homeowner or business owner. After all, who wants to be left standing in the cold when there’s a mad rush for deicing materials, shovels or scheduling snow removal? Fall is the ideal time to visit a local home improvement store and ensure you have these materials on hand ahead of time. For those who don’t want to worry about buying materials beforehand or performing winter home maintenance like shoveling or plowing, consider using a professional service, such as All Metro Service Companies. Be aware that professional snow removal companies book far in advance, so be sure to call ahead of time to schedule any services before their calendar fills. 

Why is it Important to Complete Projects Before Winter?

By tackling fall projects before winter, you can prevent potential damage to your property and outdoor spaces and help your flower beds and lawn flourish in the spring. Regular maintenance and preparation help identify and address any issues before they become major problems, which in the long run, saves you time and money on costly repairs.

Preparing any outdoor space before the first frost also ensures the safety and comfort of your loved ones, employees, and or your customers. By having a snow removal plan in place, as well as the necessary materials, you can ensure clear walkways and a safe driveway or parking lot that ensures safety for all. Additionally, caring for outdoor furniture and accessories prevents damage and extends their lifespan.

Finally, by winterizing your sprinkler system and removing hoses and excess debris, you can avoid costly repairs or extensive maintenance after the next spring, and while it may come at an upfront expense, it also saves money in the long run.

Get ready to prepare your outdoor space for winter with these 12 fall projects

Summary

Minnesota winters can be harsh, and you need to be prepared for the worst in order to minimize damage, ensure the safety of your loved ones, customers, and or employees, as well as reduce the impact of winter on your business. By following these simple tips, you’ll be ahead of the curve when cold weather arrives.