KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN – FALL CLEAN-UP

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN – FALL CLEAN-UP

The Chicago area has really had a taste of late fall weather lately. This coming week we are supposed to have warmer temperatures so it will be a good time to tackle some outdoor tasks.

Check those gutters! With all the leaves falling they are bound to be full. You will need to do this until the last leaves have fallen. Debris filled gutters cause rain to splash up under the shingles on the roof. In time this will deteriorate the shingles and cause leaks in the roof.

Make sure all the outside drains around the house are clear. Clogged drains can cause basement flooding.

Look around the windows and doors. Are there any cracks where winter cold can get in? Caulk these areas with a silicone based caulk made for outdoor use.

Fertilize the lawn with a winterizer type fertilizer. This will keep the lawn fed throughout the winter and give you a good start on a great lawn in the spring. If it doesn’t rain water it in well.

Clean out the garden. Remove all the plants. Cover the area with compost.

Clean and store all the outdoor planters. Do the same with the furniture.

Scrub and hose down decks and porches. Use a all purpose household cleaner like Murphey’s Oil Soap.

With a little work we can get our property through the harsh Chicago winter and be ready for the spring!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO