The kids are back in school, the leaves are turning, and a chill is in the air. If you’re like most homeowners, fall means an opportunity to spruce up your yard and cut down on the work you’ll need to do when spring arrives again. Check out our following tips to prepare your home for the change of season.

1. Clean Garden Pots & Tools

Wash away grime rings on garden pots with a 50/50 water and vinegar solution. This works well for both plastic and clay containers. For your garden tools, try soaking them in a pail of sand and used motor oil to both sharpen and clean them.

2. Empty the Gutters

After all the leaves have dropped, clear out your gutters and check for any leaks or wear and tear. Then, fix any issues you find before the winter weather hits!

3. Stow the Patio Umbrella

Before packing up the umbrella, take a pair of pantyhose and use one leg to cover the closed umbrella and the other leg to wrap around the bottom. This will help protect the umbrella, yet still give it air to breathe.

4. Seal or Cover Open Containers

This helps protect them when freezing conditions arrive, and prevent pools of water from forming and becoming mosquito breeding grounds in the spring. Make sure any food or birdseed is also stored in covered containers to help keep mice away.

5. Repurpose Leaves

Rake the yard, but don’t worry about getting every last leaf, especially in the garden. Leaves can help insulate plants and provide valuable nutrients as they decompose. You can also use leaves as mulch for your yard since they act as an organic weed controller.

6. Tend to the Grass

Fall is the best time to reseed your lawn. Put down a seed mixture that matches your yard, and seed and water patches of crabgrass thoroughly. Then, use a slow-release fertilizer to help the grass soak up extra nutrients.