Home + Yard Maintenance Tips

Fall + Winter Maintenance Checklist

• Leaf + Debris Management:  Rake and remove fallen leaves from lawns, beds, and gutters.  Compost or bag to avoid smothering grass or creating mold buildup.

• Gutters + Downspouts:  When most leaves have fallen, clear gutters and downspouts thoroughly to prevent ice dams and water backup.  Be sure water drains away from foundations.

• Roof + Siding Check:  Inspect for loose or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or gaps in siding. Seal or repair issues before freezing weather sets in.

• Lawn + Ground Prep:  Mow to a safe winter height, aerate if needed, and apply a winterizing fertilizer.  Leave some leaf litter in native plant beds for insulation, but remove from lawn turf.

• Pruning + Dormant Maintenance:  Trim dead or damaged limbs, especially those near structures or walkways.  Prune non-spring flowering shrubs during dormancy.

• Pest + Wildlife Prevention:  Seal small gaps in siding, foundations, or around utility penetrations to keep rodents or other pests out.  Remove standing water to reduce overwintering insects.  

• Exterior Paint, Trim, + Woodwork:  Touch up peeling or weathered paint and stain exposed wood before cold, damp months accelerate deterioration.

• Deck, Porch, + Fence Care:  Repair loose boards, railings, or supports now so they don't worsen under snow, ice, or freezing/thawing cycles.  

• Snow, Ice, + Draining Planning:  Clear paths, stock salt or sand, and ensure downspout discharge zones are clear and can carry melting snow safely away from foundations. 

Helpful Local Resources

• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB):  Offers fall cleanup programs, leaf composting events, and tool-lending services for neighborhood beautification efforts.

• Indiana Native Plant Society:  Guidance on native plants suited for cold seasons, including those that offer winter interest or habit value with minimal upkeep.

• City of Indianapolis Code Enforcement:  Understand snow removal, slidewalk maintenance, and property upkeep requirements during colder months.

• Indy Zoning:  Use the city's interactive mapping tools to check property zoning, lot coverage, and permit status - helpful before seasonal projects. 

• Marion County Soil + Water Conservation District:  Resources on erosion control, winter runoff prevention, and yard practices that protect soil health through freeze-thaw cycles.

• Marion County Mosquito Control:  Though mosquito activity wanes, this office addresses lingering breeding sites that can matter late in fall.