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