Autumn is here! School is back, football is back, and that seasonal list of jobs to get
done before winter is back. But unlike your seasonal allergies, it doesn’t have to
give you a headache. Dare knows everything your property needs for
autumn maintenance and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
One of our favorite things about autumn are the gorgeous leaves. But they can be
dangerous if left unchecked. All of that foliage must go somewhere. Without proper
leaf removal and scheduled sweeping, they’re likely to end up in places you’d rather not have them.
Image courtesy of Aaron Burden.
When the wind blows the leaves around, they tend to gather and clump in places
such as the corners of fences and courtyards, but also in inlets and dry retention basins.
If your inlets and retention basins are filled with leaves, they can’t
do their jobs properly when it rains, which could result in flooding.
It’s important to winterize sprinkler systems as well as beds and grass. If you fail to
winterize your sprinkler system in the fall, you may be dealing with burst pipes in the winter.
Winterizing beds and grass fortifies them for the winter. Putting in the
work now will ensure your grass comes back healthy and green.
Image courtesy of Paul Moody.
Now is the perfect time to schedule some power washing to remove any dirt or debris
that might have found its way into cracks in your pavement. Cracks are the biggest
issue you want to sort out early, as they can become a big problem when the weather turns colder.
Image courtesy of Tim.
Asphalt expands in the heat of the summer months, allowing dirt and debris
to enter the cracks. The colder weather causes the asphalt to contract,
thus worsening the crack. Autumn provides the ideal temperatures for sealing and repairing cracks:
“Sealcoating should only be applied when temperatures are above 50 degrees for at least 24 hours.”
If leaves are allowed to accumulate on your lawn, they can cause the growth of fungus.
Fallen leaves provide the “perfect cellulose-based food source” for mold spores to
grow and cultivate. When leaves are left to pile up, they create a layer of
insulation on top of your grass, trapping in heat and moisture. All of this creates the
perfect conditions for mold. Mold causes grass to look patchy, as shown below.
These patches are often referred to as “dollar spots.”
Image courtesy of ag.umass.edu
But this isn’t the only reason why leaf removal is vital for your property. Dead leaves also
provide the perfect environment for bugs and other small critters to thrive. The leaves offer
warmth and moisture for any animals seeking such a refuge. Fallen leaves can also
cause weeds to grow come springtime, as a buildup of
leaves prevents the grass from getting enough sunlight and nutrients.
Image courtesy of Andrus Lukas.
Dare is ready to help you get started with everything you need involving your autumn maintenance.
Just click the link below to get your quote today!
Featured image courtesy of Aaron Burden.
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