FALL YARD PREP

Scroll down to see a step-by-step overview of this project.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED:

  1. All-purpose cleaner
  2. Sponges
  3. Rags / towels
  4. Glass cleaner
  5. Stainless steel cleaning spray
  6. Multipurpose oil
  7. Fuel stabilizer

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED:

  1. Pressure washer cleaning solution
  2. Lawn and leaf bags
  3. Furniture covers
  4. All-purpose cleaner
  5. Sponges
  6. Rags / towels
  7. Glass cleaner
  8. Stainless steel cleaning spray
  9. Multipurpose oil
  10. Fuel stabilizer

STEP 1: Tree Trimming and Pruning

If you’ve got large limbs to remove — 6 inches in diameter on up — it’s best to work with a heavy-duty gas-powered chainsaw to deliver the necessary power and torque to handle large, dense limbs. Look for a chainsaw that features a kickback reducing system and a chain catcher to lessen the chance of injury should the chain break during operation.

It’s also a good practice to have a work buddy on hand to make sure any falling chunks don’t cause injuries. And make sure you wear durable work gloves and safety glasses. Cut halfway through the limb, then switch the direction of the cut by cutting from the opposite side of the limb until if falls.

If you’ve got some smaller branches to clear, a tree pruner will suffice and allow you to reach up high. Once you have your tree trimmed, run the branches through a chipper to make mulch for your garden. You can also use a log splitter to make firewood out of the limbs and use them in the winter to help heat your home.

 

STEP 2: Gutter Cleaning

You’ll want to clean your gutters twice a year to ensure proper drainage away from your home and your home’s foundation. Depending on the height of your home, you’ll most likely need an extension ladder to reach your gutters.

Take the proper safety precautions before climbing the ladder. Make sure you have the ladder positioned on level ground and make sure it doesn’t move from side to side as you start to climb. We also stock stabilizers that can be attached to the top of your extension ladder for added stability. They’re also perfect when working around windows.

When you’re sure you have your ladder properly secured, climb up to your gutters. You can put on some waterproof gloves and scoop the leaves out by hand. Just remember to always keep one hand on the ladder for safety. Or, here’s a handy tip: Take a half-gallon milk or juice jug and cut the bottom off. Then cut into the sides at a 45-degree angle. Grip the handle and use it as a tool to scoop out the leaves. Another option is to use a pressure washer gutter cleaner attachment. It’s curved to fit easily into your gutters and shoots a powerful stream of water in opposite directions. It’s really effective at removing old dirt and leaves and can help save you time. Now that you’ve got your gutters all nice and clean, consider topping them with a gutter topper to help keep them leaf-free.

 

STEP 3: Removing Leaves from Your Yard

Leaving the leaves on your lawn may result in withering or dead grass, so it’s best to remove them.

To help speed things up, consider using a powerful leaf blower. We carry several gas-powered, electric-powered, cordless and backpack models that will help cut down the amount of time you spend gathering up or blowing away leaves.

We even carry dual-function blowers that also vacuum leaves and turn them into mulch, lessening the amount collected and bagged by as much as 90 percent. Or if you prefer, put on your work gloves and break out your rake to get in an extra workout.

Rake or blow the leaves into manageable piles so that you can easily dispose of them. To make the bagging process easier, try a bag bone. It fits securely inside paper lawn bags during cleanup, and is easily removed when you’re done. A lawn and leaf chute is another option. We also have collapsible lawn and leaf bags that are wider and contain handles for easy transporting. Or you can pile the leaves into a large 32-gallon trash can, or opt for a wheelbarrow and haul them off to your dumpsite or compost bin.

 

STEP 4: Cleaning With a Pressure Washer

We carry many pressure washers, including electric, gas-powered and commercial-grade. We also have a variety of cleaning solutions, spray wands and gun kits, and connectors and adapters in case you want to upgrade to get better cleaning performance. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can rent one at your local Home Depot Tool Rental Center. We’ll even show you how to use it.

Begin by giving your home’s exterior a good once over to loosen dirt that the sun has baked on all summer. You can add mold and mildew cleaners, concrete degreasers and all-purpose cleaners specifically designed for use in pressure washers to remove stubborn stains and get better cleaning results. Next, give your driveway, walkway, patio, porch and deck a thorough cleaning. You can also pressure wash your patio furniture. But make sure you select a gentle setting.

Once clean and dry, cover your furniture with furniture covers or store them in your garage or shed for safekeeping. You can store the cushions in a deck box for easy access next spring.

 

STEP 5: Cleaning Your Grill

Before retiring your grill for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. If you have a gas grill, this will require removing some of the parts. First, remove the cooking grates and set them aside. Clean the metal undercarriage of the grill, including the sides around the burners. Start by scooping out burnt food remnants, grease dirt and grime.

Once you’ve removed most of the debris, spray the undercarriage with an all-purpose cleaner to help cut through the grease and grime. Thoroughly wipe away the remaining residue with an old sponge or towel. You should also clean and inspect the burners to make sure they aren’t compromised.

Next, move onto the grates. With a good stiff wire brush, scrape off any caked-on food particles. Use a mixture of warm water and soap to clean off the grease and grime with a scrub brush. Let them air dry or use an old towel. Once they are clean and dry, give them a light coat of oil to keep them from rusting over the winter.

Use glass cleaner or stainless steel cleaning spray to polish the grill’s exterior and side trays. Make sure you use a soft nonabrasive cloth to avoid scratching the grill. Take an old broom and wipe away any spider webs that have accumulated outside of the drip pan. Lastly, cover the grill so it will be all ready to go next spring.

 

STEP 6: Cleaning and Storing Your Tools

Remove any grass clippings, leaves, dirt, mud and grime from your rake, shovel, garden hoe or any other tool that you’ve used in your fall cleanup projects. Apply a light coat of oil to keep them from rusting over winter. Store them in your garage or shed for safekeeping until they are needed again.

When it comes to fuel, you can drain any unused gasoline from your lawn mower, pressure washer, leaf blower, chainsaw or any other gas-powered outdoor power equipment you own. Gasoline left in place over the winter will deteriorate over time and gum up your engine. If you run old gasoline through an engine, it could potentially ruin the carburetor and end up costing you money to repair or replace. So use up the gas in your tank or drain it before storing your equipment.

Another option is to leave the gas in place and add a fuel stabilizer. These additives will stabilize fuel through the winter and prevent the formation of gums and solids that will clog fuel injectors and carburetors in the spring. Wipe down your machinery with an old wet towel to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean and dry, store them in your garage or shed for safekeeping.