Take some time this weekend
to prep outside
for the colder weather ahead.
It will be time well spent!!!
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris.
- Divide or move perennials. Remove dead annuals and mulch hardy perennials. Annuals typically die when temperatures drop below freezing. But perennials often appear as though they too have bitten the bullet. That's because their top growth dies back, although in most cases the root ball is hardy enough to survive even extreme temperatures, especially if it's covered with a layer of mulch.
- Best time to mulch perennials is after the first hard freeze. Just make sure you don't cover the crown or center of the plant, because that can lead to rot.
- Clean garden tools before storing for the winter.
- Trim dead branches out from trees, particularly those in closest proximity to your house, to prevent them from coming down and causing damage in a winter storm.
- Prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing by turning off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.
