There’s no need to limit outdoor space to the summer months. With these quick tips, you can be outdoors year round.
Step 1: Refresh and Reseed
First, remove any grass that the sun damaged over the summer. Scrape it out and re-seed – but ensure the top of the dirt is wet and receives at least one inch of water per day. Frank Giorno, a Garden department supervisor at The Home Depot in Westerly, Rhode Island, suggests using a winter guard to prevent any future damage when the ground freezes.
Step 2: Keep Leaves at Minimum
One key to fall lawn maintenance is removing any falling leaves. Frank recommends this Ryobi self-propelling mower to help.
“It’s battery powered, has a bag and is self-propelled,” he explains. “The mower will pick up the leaves and mulch it for you,” Frank says. This prevents the leaves from causing damage to the freshly re-seeded lawn. The mulched leaves can also be added to your garden as fertilizer.
“It also holds a good charge so it can handle a big job.”
Step 3: Make it Fun and Functional
Don’t let the landscaping go to waste. Find a way to stay outdoors in the cooler temperatures. Building corn hole boards is a fun way to keep the blood moving at half time during the big game – and they’re simple to put together with some plywood, saw and drill. Use this detailed project guide for step-by-step instructions. And when it gets really chilly, add a fire pit to stay warm.
What does your backyard oasis look like? Submit photos into the RYOBI Nation contest by October 8 for a chance to win $350 in RYOBI power tools and Halloween décor.
