Cold-Weather Prep

Although the temperature may not indicate it, the signs of fall are coming soon: golden-hued leaves, crisp temperatures, shorter days, and my shedding my summer coat for a warmer winter one. : ) As you prepare for the months ahead--storing summer clothes, checking heating systems and making sure your home is well insulated--don't forget to landscape around your house.

If you've been mowing all spring and summer, it's not time to quit just yet. Continue until the grass stops growing. And speaking of mowing, don't forget to take care of your trusty lawnmower. Drain it in the late fall, because gas left in the machine all winter will get gummy and may make startup difficult when spring rolls around.

As the temperatures drop, so will leaves from the trees around your home. It's important to rake lawns regularly so the grass can "breathe." How long can you wait before breaking out the rake? Most gardening experts say you shouldn't go longer than three or four days. However, if the layer of leaves is particularly thick or has been weighed down by rain, the sooner you rake, the better.

When we get snow and ice, you might want to protect deciduous flowering shrubs under a lean-to or similar structure. Begin by building a wire cage that is secured into the ground with poles. Attach chicken wire or heavy-guage wire to the poles and then fasten burlap to the sides of the structure to protect the shrubs from damaging wind.

Last but not least, remember your garden hose. Drain it before storing it for the winter and then turn off your outside water supply to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.