Are you ready for this?

Maintaining your property doesn’t end with the Labor Day weekend, or when you are no longer barbecuing or cutting the grass. Before cold weather settles in, there is still a list of tasks you’ll need to cover so your hardscape is prepared to face the winter elements.

Even the smallest urban property has features to consider: sidewalks, furniture, a grill, perhaps a porch or patio or deck. These represent a significant portion of a home’s value and should be cared for the same way you maintain your furnace and carpets on the inside of your home.

Here’s a checklist to help prepare for winter:

• Examine lawn and garden equipment for cracks, damage, frayed electrical cords, worn paint, and rust. Drain any oil or other lubricants.
• Clean cutting tools thoroughly and make sure they are dry before storing them in a safe indoor area such as a shed or storage closet, or cover with a tarp secured with bungee cords or heavy rope. Store electrical cords and removable sockets indoors.
• If certain cords or plugs go with particular tools, label them and store them nearby. This also helps with screws and other accessories for window a/c units, outdoor lighting, and cushions.
• Clean and disassemble the outdoor grill and if it is portable, bring it indoors. If it is built-in or secured to the ground, cover it securely with a tarp or fitted cover. This also applies to firepits and chimineas. Gas tanks should be stored outdoors but under minimal shelter and away from any sources of high heat. Here’s a safety guide for gas grill maintenance.
• Check under decks and porches for wood rot and animal nests. Empty and overturn any receptacles to prevent collected water from freezing and cracking the container.
• When raking and sweeping up the last of the fallen leaves, mulch and leave them on the lawn and around rose bushes.
• Store or cover outdoor furniture. Clean and dry them before storing, to prevent damage from insects over the winter and to keep stains from setting in permanently. Metal furniture should be dried carefully before storage to prevent rust.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winter care of hot tubs, outdoor spas, and pools.
• Check your emergency generator (if you have one – if not, consider getting one now before the last-minute rush) and have enough fuel on hand for any winter emergencies. There’s bound to be at least one!

You’ll be grateful next spring that these chores were finished up before the last of the warmer temperatures has passed. There will be more time to enjoy outdoor activities as well. Your home will be thankful too!