As cooler air settles over Long Island, it’s time to prepare your outdoor spaces for the fall season. Whether you’re enjoying cozy evenings by the fire pit or hosting autumn gatherings on your patio, getting everything ready now ensures a smooth transition. Here’s how to care for your backyard for fall while also adding seasonal touches to enhance your outdoor living space.
Closing the Pool
With summer behind us, most pools will need some attention to get it ready for the colder months. Consider the following steps:
Remove Debris: As the leaves fall and until you cover your pool, it’s important to skim the surface of your pool regularly to prevent clogging your filter. Check the filter basket at least daily to prevent debris buildup that can damage your pump and filter systems.
Check Water Levels and Chemistry: Ensure the water is balanced by checking pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. Proper chemical balance helps avoid potential damage during the winter, and if you cover your pool in perfect condition, it is more than likely it will uncover next spring perfectly as well.
Invest in a Quality Cover: A sturdy pool cover will keep out debris and protect your pool from the elements until it’s time to reopen in the spring. Also remember to cover your pool only when the chlorine has completely dissipated. Leftover chlorine can damage your cover.
Patio Care: Protecting Your Pavers and Patio Furniture
Your patio is a central hub for outdoor living on Long Island, so it’s important to maintain it through the fall. Paver patios require little maintenance, but some special attention as temperatures drop can help them stay beautiful for many years to come.
Clean and Seal: Sweep away debris and gently power wash your pavers to remove dirt and stains. Sealing your patio before winter helps protect it from moisture, which can cause damage during freeze-thaw cycles. However, keep in mind that sealing will often change or darken the color of your pavers. If you’re unsure about how this will look, or if you want to weigh the pros and cons, call us at Genstar Masonry to discuss your options.
Re-Sand Joints: Over time, the sand between pavers erodes, leaving gaps where water and soil can gather. Fall is a good time to re-sand these joints for a smooth finish and to prevent weed growth. Using polymeric sand, which hardens to lock the pavers in place, is recommended. This durable sand is used in all Genstar patio installations. If you’d like more information or advice on re-sanding, we’re here to help.
Cover Outdoor Furniture: Protect your patio furniture with weather-resistant covers to extend its lifespan through the fall and winter months.
As Long Island’s Top Masonry Installer, Genstar specializes in creating beautiful and durable paver patios. Whether you’re looking to install a new patio or maintain your existing one, their expert team will ensure your outdoor living space looks its best. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Fire Pit Care: Warm Up Your Fall Nights
A fire pit is a fall favorite, and now is the perfect time to make sure yours is in good working order. To keep your fire pit safe and functional:
Clean Out Ashes: After each use, clear away ashes and debris to prevent buildup, which can harm your fire pit over time.
Check for Cracks: Inspect the materials of your fire pit for cracks or damage. Taking care of minor repairs now can prevent larger, more expensive issues later.
Prepare for the Season: Stock up on firewood or ensure your gas lines (for gas fire pits) are ready for use. A fire pit brings warmth and ambiance, making your outdoor space enjoyable on chilly evenings.
Landscape Care for Autumn
Your landscape will also need some love to stay healthy through the fall and winter months. Here are a few key tasks:
Aerate and Seed: Fall is the ideal time to aerate and overseed your lawn to fill in bare spots and prepare your grass for next spring.
Mulch Beds: Applying a fresh layer of mulch to flower beds helps retain moisture and insulates the roots of your plants.
Prune and Trim: Trim shrubs and prune dead or weak branches from trees to tidy up your yard and protect against damage from strong winds or snow.
Water Features: Special Care for Fall
If you have water features like a pond, fountain, or waterfall, they require extra attention as the weather cools. Here’s how to care for them:
Clean Out Leaves: Regularly remove fallen leaves to prevent them from clogging your pumps and filters.
Winterize Pumps: Turn off and drain your water feature’s pumps before freezing temperatures arrive. Store them indoors to prevent damage.
Check Water Levels: Cooler temperatures slow down evaporation, so it’s essential to monitor water levels and ensure aquatic plants and fish remain healthy.
Fall Decor and Design Ideas
Spruce up your outdoor living area with seasonal decor that brings warmth and style. Add autumnal colors like deep reds, oranges, and golds through outdoor cushions, throws, and decorative planters. String lights or lanterns add a magical glow for those early evening gatherings, while mums and ornamental grasses can provide a fresh, seasonal touch to your garden.
Genstar Masonry can help you take your outdoor living space to the next level. Whether you want to add a new patio, an outdoor kitchen, or upgrade your fire pit, their expert team offers custom designs and top-notch installations. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Add a Fire Feature: Cozy Comfort for Cool Weather
A fire feature extends the usability of your outdoor space well into the fall. Whether you opt for a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, these features provide warmth and ambiance, making your backyard a cozy retreat. Fire features not only enhance your outdoor experience but also increase the value and appeal of your property.
Why Choose Genstar Masonry?
At Genstar Masonry, we take being Long Island’s best patio installers seriously. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. As Long Island’s leading masonry experts, we specialize in creating stunning outdoor living spaces, including paver patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and water features. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard with a new feature or need help maintaining your existing spaces, Genstar is here to help.
Fall is the perfect time to think about adding or upgrading your patio or fire pit. Call Genstar Masonry today to schedule a consultation and start planning the outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of.