As autumn turns to winter, October and November are key months for protecting and preparing your home and garden for colder weather.
Growth slows, leaves fall, and damp conditions return, so now’s the time to stay ahead with a simple maintenance checklist.
At WeDo.property, we’ve pulled together the essential garden and property maintenance tasks every homeowner should tackle before winter sets in.
🌿 Garden Maintenance Tasks
Lawn Care
- Final mow of the season: Cut your grass one last time, raising the mower height to protect the roots.
- Rake up leaves: Keep your lawn free from damp patches, moss, and fungi.
- Feed and aerate: Use an autumn lawn feed (low nitrogen, high potassium) to build strong grass for winter.
- Edge and tidy: Trim borders and pathways to maintain a crisp finish through the colder months.
Beds and Borders
- Cut back perennials to remove dead stems and prevent rot.
- Mulch and protect with compost or bark to insulate roots.
- Lift tender plants such as dahlias and cannas, storing them in a frost-free spot.
- Plant spring bulbs — daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths — before the ground freezes.
- Prune lightly to remove diseased or crossing branches, leaving heavy pruning until late winter.
Trees and Hedges
- Prune deciduous trees once leaves have fallen to remove weak or crossing growth.
- Trim hedges for a tidy finish before winter dormancy.
- Clear fallen leaves from lawns, patios, and driveways to prevent slippery surfaces.
Vegetable Patch & Greenhouse
- Harvest final crops: pumpkins, squash, carrots, and beetroot before the first frost.
- Clean greenhouses to prevent pests from overwintering.
- Sow overwintering crops: garlic, onions, and broad beans.
- Add compost or manure to enrich the soil ready for spring.
🏠 Property Maintenance Tasks
Exterior Checks
- Clear gutters and downpipes of leaves to prevent damp or blockages.
- Inspect your roof for missing tiles or damage.
- Check drains and gullies to ensure rainwater flows freely away from the house.
- Repair cracks in render, paintwork, or masonry to stop moisture ingress.
- Jet wash patios and paths to remove moss and algae.
- Secure outdoor furniture and bins to avoid wind damage.
- Test outdoor lighting to make sure everything’s working before darker evenings.
Windows, Doors, and Heating
- Check seals and draught-proofing around windows and doors.
- Bleed radiators and service the boiler for efficient heating.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Book a chimney sweep if you use a wood burner or open fire.
Outbuildings & Tools
- Clean and oil garden tools to prevent rust.
- Drain hosepipes and protect outdoor taps with insulated covers.
- Organise sheds and garages for easy access over winter.
- Check security lighting and locks on outbuildings.
🌤️ Prepare Now, Relax Later
A few weekends of maintenance now can save you costly repairs later. A well-kept home and garden are not only safer and more efficient but also look their best year-round.
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, WeDo.property offers trusted garden and property maintenance services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Essex, Oxfordshire, and Cambridgeshire.
Let us take care of your property — so you can relax knowing everything’s ready for winter.
📞 Contact us today to book your autumn maintenance visit.
