
Fall Property Care Checklist for the Hamptons
As fall gets underways in the Hamptons, it’s time to ensure that your property is in tip-top shape and ready for the winter weather.
Below are our suggestions for tasks to do this season. We provide world-class grounds maintenance services for properties throughout the Hamptons – please call us if you would like help with any of these activities.
Lawn Care
- Rake leaves from lawn (or mulch them if it’s an organic lawn)
- Overseed the lawn where needed
- Aerate and fertilize the lawn
- Ensure that the lawn is receiving an inch of water a week
Plants and Trees
- Plant any new trees or shrubs; fall is an excellent time for planting while the soil is still warm
- Cover shrubs and plants that are susceptible to cold weather, especially boxwoods and holly shrubs, with burlap or similar protective cloth
- Prune out dead wood or branches in trees that might prove dangerous in winter weather
- If your trees or shrubs have had any problems with diseases, remove the leaves around them to ensure diseases don’t spread
- Continue to water trees, especially those that have been planted within the past two years
- Continue to water plants, as they need to store up water for the winter months
- Spray anti-desiccant spray on broadleaved evergreens to prevent them from drying out
- Apply mulch around trees and plants to help hold in moisture and moderate soil temperatures
- Spray deer spray on shrubs and trees to discourage feeding and antler rubbing
Other Yard Care
- Remove weeds – doing so now lessens the spread of weeds in spring
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs
- Put tall makers along driveway before the ground freezes
- Replace any burned out light bulbs
- Cover up air conditioning units
Water Features
- Drain pools and ponds
- Blow out outdoor water lines/irrigation systems
- Winterize spas
- Winterize the pool house and outdoor showers
- Insulate exposed pipes
Tools
- Make sure gas is emptied from any gas-powered tools such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws
- Store hoses, outdoor furniture tools, flower pots, etc.
Miscellaneous
- Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams
- Inspect roof
- Check batteries, including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace if needed
- Clean security camera lenses
- Seal windows to make the buildings more energy efficient
- Install storm doors
- Ensure vents are clear in HVAC systems