The first day of winter is still a couple of weeks away but the temperatures outside tell a different story… it’s cold! We sat down with our team at Genesis Community Management to get their thoughts on preparing your home for winter and ways to keep outside spaces looking great during this season. Here are some of their recommendations. You can also check out our helpful video on tips to get your home ready for winter.
- Winterize Your Irrigation System: Winterizing your irrigation system will save you time, money, and headaches. Make sure you get all the water out of your irrigation system pipes so that it does not freeze during colder temperatures. Also, cover all exterior water features or nozzles and put away hoses.
- Remove Leaves from Yard and Mulch: Leaves make a great heat insulator for trees and shrubs. Be sure to remove all the leaves from your yard so that your grass can get as much sunlight as possible. Take the leaves, mulch them using a lawnmower and spread them throughout your flower beds. Not only will it look great, but it will help provide your plants with much-needed nutrients.
- Prune Shrubs and Plants: The ends of shrubs and trees are very susceptible to freezing during the winter months, which means they will have a hard time growing in the spring. Be sure to trim back shrubs and trees, so that new growth can emerge. Pruning is one of the first things that gardeners forget to do, but it is one of the most important steps to ensure plant sustainability.
- Clean Exterior Drains and Gutters: If it snows and your gutters aren’t clear of debris, then water may back up and cause them to get heavy. The weight may cause your drains or gutters to break, which may lead to a costly repair job.
- Tune Up Your Heating System: Make sure to change your air filter to allow your furnace to work more efficiently and run better during the entire season. It’s also important to get your system checked regularly and if something seems off, call a professional.
- Remove Dead Limbs from Trees: You never know when a winter storm might strike and we are susceptible to ice and snow in Virginia and North Carolina. That is why it is so important to remove any dead limbs now so that they don’t do any damage to your property.
- Purchase Supplies for Snow Events: Purchase sand to place on sidewalks and driveways. One of the most common injuries during winter storms is slipping and falling, so prepare outdoor surfaces appropriately. We recommend sand as an alternative to deicers and salt treatments because the chemicals in deicers can break down the concrete finish. This could result in a diminished appearance and performance. Also, when it snows, try shoveling the snow off first and then applying sand or kitty litter for traction and re-freeze prevention.
- Cover or Put Toys, Outdoor Furniture, and Grills Away: It is always best to put toys, outdoor furniture, and grills away for the winter months. The cold, wet environment could harm them. If you have a tool shed or garage, it is best to store those items inside. If not, try using outdoor covers to protect them from the elements.
- Clean Your Chimney: To prevent any type of fire, have your chimney checked at least once a year to make sure it’s ready to go! Fireplaces are a great way to stay warm.
At HHHunt Communities, we want you to enjoy this winter season. After all, it’s how you live that matters, and winter is a great time to bundle up with friends and neighbors to create new memories. Happy Winter!