A Guide to Fall Garden Cleanup
August 23, 2024
A little maintenance now will ensure your garden and lawn are in top shape come spring!
As the vibrant colors of fall begin to take over your garden, it's important to focus on preparing your outdoor space for the colder months ahead. Here’s a simple guide to fall garden cleanup, covering everything from gutter maintenance to composting.
Clean Your Gutters
Fall is notorious for clogging gutters with fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris. Keeping your gutters clean is essential to prevent water from overflowing and damaging your roof or foundation.
How to clean your gutters:
- Remove all debris, including leaves, branches, and dirt.
- Use a garden hose to flush out any remaining residue and check for leaks.
- Consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation.
Check Your Rain Chain
Rain chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional downspouts, but they require some simple upkeep. Before winter sets in, make sure your rain chain is in good condition.
A few things to Check:
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Debris: Clear any leaves, dirt, or blockages that have accumulated on the chain to keep water flowing freely.
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Gutter Connection: Ensure the rain chain is securely attached to your gutter via the Installation Kit, Link Chain Reducer, or v-hook. It's also important to check if your Installation Kit is still securely caulked into place.
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Ground Anchor: Ensure that the rain chain is securely anchored to the ground to prevent it from tipping or becoming damaged during heavy rains or winter storms.
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End Nuts: If you have a cup-style rain chain with end nuts, make sure all the end nuts are securely in place. We recommend using a dab of Blue Loctite® on each one to ensure they stay put.
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Empty Rain Barrels
If you’ve been collecting rainwater throughout the summer, it's time to empty your rain barrels. Leaving water in them over the winter can cause damage from freezing and expansion.
Why you should empty your rain barrels:
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Prevent water and ice damage: Frozen water can crack or warp the barrel, leading to leaks.
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Store indoors if necessary: If your rain barrel is lightweight or easily moved, consider storing it in a garage or shed to avoid weather-related wear and tear.
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Use Your Compost on the Lawn or Garden!
Fall is the perfect time to give your lawn and garden a boost of nutrients by using compost as top dressing. It's also a great time to empty out your composter and make more space for food scraps throughout the winter months.
Why fall is ideal for composting:
- Cooler weather allows compost to break down slowly, enriching the soil over winter.
- Your lawn will absorb the nutrients from the compost, leading to healthier, greener grass in the spring.
How to apply compost:
- Spread a thin layer of compost evenly over your lawn, focusing on areas that may need extra care.
- Rake it in gently to ensure good soil contact.
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By taking these steps, you can enjoy a well-maintained garden through the colder months and set yourself up for a beautiful and thriving outdoor space when the warmer weather returns. Fall garden cleanup may seem like a chore, but it’s a rewarding task that will pay off in the long run. Happy gardening!
