Transitioning into Fall: Preparing Your Home and Yard

Despite the above-average temperatures across the Carolinas, it truly is autumn. And that means getting ready for cooler temperatures to arrive. Although sealing windows and doors to keep out the cold and warming up next to the fireplace may be the last thing on your mind, now is the time to prepare.

Close down the pool. Whether you have your own pool or use the community one, now is a good time to shut it down if you haven’t already. Make sure to follow proper procedures for closing the pool to avoid damage over the winter. You may want to hire a professional to help and also give your pool a thorough inspection to check for any repairs that may be necessary. The HOA should be doing the same for the community pool.

Tend to your lawn. While the weather is still warm, continue mowing your lawn as needed because it continues to grow. Check to see what type of grass you have and whether fall is a good time to aerate, fertilize, or reseed. This is something you’ll want to take care of before it gets cool enough for frost. Prune trees and shrubs and consider replacing summer flowers with heartier varietals for fall. As the leaves begin to change and fall, take care to rake so that they do not pile up and damage your lawn or make a nice home for unwanted critters.

Clean your gutters. As the winds pick up and more storms pass through, you never know what type of debris is gathering in your gutters. Take the time to give them a thorough cleaning, and don’t forget to check downspouts as well for clogs. Autumn is typically a rainier season and you want to make sure water can flow freely away from your home and does not back up.

Service HVAC systems. It has probably been quite a while since you turned on the heat. Have your HVAC system serviced to make sure it is in good working condition. Regular tune-ups can help save you money as well because your system will be working more efficiently and any repairs can be made before they become more serious. Now is a great time to have your chimney inspected as well if you plan on using the fireplace this fall and winter.

Staying ahead of fall weather can help to keep your lawn looking beautiful and ready for spring. You should also notice landscapers beginning to prepare your HOA community for cooler weather. If you see any issues that need addressed, be sure to talk to the property manager or HOA board so that they can take care of it. Kuester works with HOA communities throughout the Carolinas to protect property values, operate more efficiently, and build wonderful neighborhoods to call home.

Share Article
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.