Why a little fall outdoor maintenance can go a long way
by ARA
Sep 18, 2012 | 47343 views | 0 0 comments | 959 959 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Why a little fall outdoor maintenance can go a long way

(ARA) – After spending the summer enjoying the outdoors, it can be a little bittersweet to get the deck and yard ready for the cooler days ahead. The good news is getting outdoor areas ready for winter doesn’t have to be a time-consuming process.

A few simple steps can minimize extra work when warmer weather rolls around again. For each area of the yard, there are a few procedures that can save you big headaches in the long run.

Start with the deck

The many homeowners that put a lot of time and money into building a deck know the importance of preserving that investment. A wood deck should be stained annually, however, many homeowners are turning to low-maintenance composite decking and railings, as composite options by manufacturers like TimberTech offer high-end aesthetics with low-maintenance qualities.

But that doesn’t mean that composite decks are maintenance-free. TimberTech provides a 25-year warranty on all of its products, and with some simple annual maintenance, they can be kept looking great for years to come. The company’s decking experts recommend the following tips for composite deck care and cleaning:

* Clear all debris to prohibit mold and mildew growth.

* When using a cleaner, be sure to use one that’s compatible with your decking material and follow the instructions.

* Using a pressure washer is a great way to get a deep clean, but it’s best not to exceed a pressure greater than 1,500 psi.

Lawn care tips

In addition to raking to keep the yard clear of leaves, dethatching can prevent a buildup of above-ground roots that can be a detriment to soil health. Aerating in the fall can also help lawns recover from a summer of heavy use, providing much needed oxygen for the turf’s roots.

After particularly dry summers, it doesn’t hurt to water trees with a soaker hose or root irrigator so they have some water to help them survive the winter. Fall is also the time to clear out both garden and flower beds, as you’ll thank yourself in the spring for doing the work before winter set in. Be sure to get your fall-planting flower bulbs in before the ground freezes as well.

Around the house

Clearing all gutters of debris should be an annual fall task, as all the fallen leaves can easily jam up downspouts, which can damage gutters or cause ice dams in colder climates. It’s also a good idea to clear the areas around the foundation of the house, as pests like to make their homes there when the weather gets cold.

By spending a temperate autumn day outside preparing your outdoor spaces for winter, you’ll eliminate extra work for yourself in the spring. For more deck care tips, visit www.timbertech.com.

Share This Free article |
report abuse...

Express yourself:

We're glad to give readers a forum to express their points of view on issues important to this community. That forum is the “Letters to the Editor.” Letters to the editor may be submitted directly to The Times-Independent through this link and will be published in the print edition of the newspaper. All letters must be the original work of the letter writer – form letters will not be accepted. All letters must include the actual first and last name of the letter writer, the writer’s address, city and state and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be accepted.

Letters may not exceed 400 words in length, must be regarding issues of general interest to the community, and may not include personal attacks, offensive language, ethnic or racial slurs, or attacks on personal or religious beliefs. Letters should focus on a single issue. Letters that proselytize or focus on theological debates will not be published. During political campaigns, The Times-Independent will not publish letters supporting or opposing any local candidate. Thank you letters are generally not accepted for publication unless the letter has a public purpose. Thank you letters dealing with private matters that compliment or complain about a business or individual will not be published. Nor will letters listing the names of individuals and/or businesses that supported a cause or event. Thank you letters about good Samaritan acts will be considered at the discretion of the newspaper.