Along with the beauty inherent in fall leaves there is also a measure of work to counteract the mess and potential for destruction.
Trees and Shrubs
Now is an excellent time to trim any branches or vegetation that touches the exterior of the building, as they can lead to damage over time. Protect your investment and ensure that all foliage is maintained before the wet season gets in way.
Leaves and Your Gutters
Your gutters protect your property by redirecting rain away from your roof and siding. However, as most of us know, gutters can become clogged, causing water to back up and spill over the edge and exposing your roof and siding to potential water damage and mold. Fall leaves are usually the biggest contributor to rain gutter blockage.
For most property owners, clearing out the gutters twice a year is necessary to keep gutters free flowing year round. However, it’s important to consider the foliage surrounding your home. If you have large deciduous trees overhanging or near your roof, you should consider cleaning your gutters more frequently. Keep an eye out for water spilling over the edges of your gutters for a sign that a gutter cleaning is overdue.
Lawn Leaf Removal
While raking and disposing of leaves is still a good option to keep a healthy lawn, there are several other options to consider that can be less work and provide added nutrients for your lawn and landscaping. Consider these options:
- Composting – Leaves make a great additive to your compost pile to create a nitrogen-rich additive great for use in gardens
- Mulching – Whether you have a leaf shredder, use a mulching lawn mower, or simply run over your leaves with a traditional lawn mower, a thin layer of leaf mulch on the lawn, or surrounding your plantings in the garden or around trees and flower beds can insulate the ground from heat and cold and add back nutrients to make lawn plants and trees thrive.
If you’re short on time and looking for help with your rentals, consider outsourcing the job to Shoreview Property Management. Our property managers can oversee maintenance, fall prep, and even emergencies for you to make your life easier and save you time and headaches. The variety of services we offer can allow you to have a complete hands-off approach if desired, or choose from our a la carte services. We can do as little or as much as needed, from fielding late night calls from tenants regarding maintenance issues to making sure your contractor stays on budget and on time.