It always takes us by surprise, how quickly the seasons change. It seems like five minutes ago when we were spending long, hot sunny days in the garden and yet there is now a definite chill in the air. Cosy evenings in front of the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate will soon by the preferred place to relax. Before we close the doors and light the fire, we still have time to get our houses and garden in ship-shape before the really bad winter weather arrives.
It’s important to make sure our home can withstand anything that winter throws at it, gales, snow, ice and rain can all play havoc with external structures, roofs and guttering. Autumn is often viewed as the time of year for the big clear up and it’s certainly true that a little effort made now will pay dividends when the weather warms up in Spring.
Please note: this is a contributed post.
As the winter approaches we aren’t the only creatures that start to feel the cold. All the other creatures which normally happily live in our gardens and outhouses in the summer begin to seek warmer places to bed down for the winter. Unfortunately your house is likely to be an attractive option for small animals and pests, which we view as undesirable, such as rats, mice, squirrels and beetles. If you find that you have acquired a few extra roommates you would prefer to evict, seek expert advice from Pest Control in Austin who use organic methods to control infestations. Harsh chemicals are best avoided in your home for health reasons.
The cold weather also affects other wildlife who continue to live outside during the winter. To help keep them safe leave areas of your garden in an unkempt state to provide food, shelter and warmth. Piles of leaves are a good habitat for many creatures who hibernate such as hedgehogs. Leave a few berries and fruits on bushes rather than removing them all and consider putting out food for garden birds to provide much-needed calories for survival.
Your Garden
Autumn is a busy time in the garden and there are many jobs which require completing. As the leaves fall start to sweep them away and either make your own compost or take to the tip for recycling. Remember to leave a few piles of leaves for wildlife. If you grow vegetables or fruit, autumn is considered the main harvest time. It’s likely that you will have grown far too much for your own consumption, so develop some preserving skills quickly such as jam making or give to family and friends.
Your flower beds are likely to look a little overgrown and straggly. Remove any annual plants which are dead, cut back shrubs and bushes and consider saving some seeds for planting next year. If you have pots and containers which are past their best, clear them out and put into storage or consider planting them with spring bulbs, which will provide a welcome splash of color when the weather warms up again.
Dig over flower beds and vegetable patches to expose the earth. Sharp frosts during winter will help to break the soil down, ready for planting up in the spring. Give your lawn one last cut before it gets too wet.
Roof
If you have any damage to your roof, such as loose or missing tiles, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, the problem will get much worse and before you know it you could have a major leak ruining your cosy night in front of the fire. At the same time as checking your tiles, take a look at chimneys too, an unstable chimney stack is dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. Remember to check flat roofs too for damage.
Outside Structures
During the winter any outside structures such as sheds, summer houses and greenhouses need to be able to withstand potentially high winds, icy rain and the weight of heavy snow. So, it’s important to check the condition of structures and make repairs before the bad weather arrives. Unstable structures can be dangerous in high winds, causing untold amounts of damage and risk to safety. Repair any panels which have come loose and check structures are secure and water tight.
Consider putting outdoor furniture into storage, which will prolong its life as well as prevent them blowing away! Store any children’s bikes and outdoor toys away until spring and check that locks and doors are secure on outbuildings.
Gutters
Your gutters and drain pipes are likely to have to work extra hard during the winter, as will drainage systems. Ensure that gutters are firmly fixed to the wall and that they are clear of debris so that water can flow freely. Likewise check to make sure drains are clear of leaves and rubble, also make sure that they are draining freely.
Clean Windows
As light conditions are low during the winter months, it’s worthwhile giving the outside of your windows (and inside!) a good cleaning to maximize available light. It’s also worthwhile checking the condition of windows and doors, fixing locks as necessary. Ensure that there are no draughts entering your property and look at draught excluding solutions to keep the inside of your property warm. This will also keep heating costs down as the temperatures dip.
Reduce Toxins
In order to keep heating costs down and stay warm during the winter, our homes are starting to resemble sealed boxes. Although we are kept warmer, there is also the risk of your home becoming toxic. This is a worrying thought, especially as our homes are seen as our safe haven. Take action to lower the levels of toxins in your home by opening windows everyday to replace air.
Also, try to use cleaning products which are natural and toxin free, it’s astonishing the number of chemicals found in everyday cleaners on our supermarket shelves. Open new products outside so that preservatives used during the packaging process are released and wash any new clothes and bedding prior to wearing them, again to get rid of toxic preservatives.
You will now be able to look forward to crisp winter mornings, safe in the knowledge that your home and garden can withstand the elements.
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