Fairground Neighborhood Association

Fall Yard Maintenance

May 16, 2008

At the first killing frost, when the growing season ends, it is time for the gardener to give attention to maintaining the various man-made features of his home landscape. Fall is a perfect time for this-cool weather, and no pressing need to hurry to some other task, make these jobs a pleasure.
Walls, Fences and Gateways-Fences made of wire should be checked for security. Many fences sag or are pulled out of shape by plants growing on them or for other reasons. Check for loose staples, broken wires, or rotting posts.
Wooden posts or braces may need repainting or treating to prevent rotting or destruction by termites.
Wooden fences of all types, including the stockade fence may need repainting or treating. Check for nails that are drawing out, due to heat and curing of the wood. This often happens where there are long days of hot sunshine. Painting is always necessary for wooden fences, and especially if the colors are a key part of the overall color scheme. Fall painting is recommended so that the "new" will weather off before spring. This prevents that glaring new look and the smell of fresh paint in the spring garden.
On trellises, check for loose or hanging vines. These should be clipped and confined to their structure because if they become loaded with snow or ice, the extra weight may easily break them down, or the structure on which they are climbing. Check and realign the espalier plants for the same reasons.
Check masonry walls for loose stones or mortar, and repoint if necessary.
Inspect the garden gates for sagging or dragging, oil the hinges, and make sure the latches are in good working order. A squeaking gate is not in any sense esthetic.
Terraces, Benches, Retaining Walls, and Walks-Loose paving stones are frequent offenders on terraces, and chipped paving is another. In terraces paved with combined materials, the length of durability varies, so the surface must be checked regularly.
Every gardener realizes the value of a comfortable seat in the garden. Keep benches and lawn chairs in good repair.
The walks should be inspected as to construction and surface condition, and any necessary repairs made. Remove encroaching grass and weeds from the walks.
Loose steps, or loose stones in steps, should be checked and repaired. Nothing detracts more from the pleasure of a garden than insecure footing.
Outdoor Grills and Fireplaces-Whether permanent or portable these need to be cleaned, repainted, painted or otherwise made ready for the winter. In the permanent fireplaces, check for loose firebrick, loose grill rods and rusty accessories. A good coat of stove paint will clean up the metal parts. It is also a good idea to put away all of the accessories for the grill or fireplace. Often these items have a way of becoming misplaced or disappearing.