In the fall, your yard and gutters see more leaves and limbs littered over the yard. 

If a storm rolls through, you can expect debris-filled lawns. Here are some helpful cleanup tips.

Fallen debris on these areas can cause some serious damage to a home:

  • Roof
    • Wet branches and leaves keep moisture in contact with shingles, tiles or metal sheets on your roof, and this water will find ways to penetrate the roof if left sitting.
  • Gutters

Trimming back trees in the fall leaves you with less mess for the rest of the season. Here’s how to get the job done:

  • If a storm hits, inspect trees and powerlines first.
  • Be cautious around damaged trees and broken limbs — prune broken limbs back to a healthy branch
  • For taller trees and thicker limbs, consider calling in a professional — especially if branches are dangerously close to power lines.

Here’s why it’s important to clean up debris from your yard and lawn:

  • Leaves and organic debris can harbor fungi, bacteria and overwintering insects.
  • Leaves can become matted and moldy, smothering the ground.
  • Fallen branches can create traps.
  • When you add all of these to a compost pile, these ingredients are transformed into the world’s best plant nourishment.
  • If a storm hits, separate various debris into three piles for easy cleanup — vegetation, garbage and construction waste.

Watch the video for more information!


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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