September Maintenance - Midwest
Fall prep begins. Get ahead of the leaves and ready your home for winter.
September in the Midwest is deceptively pleasant. Don’t let the nice weather fool you—winter is coming, and now is the time to prepare.
This Month’s Focus
1. Gutter Cleaning (First of Many)
Leaves are starting to fall. Get ahead of it.
- Clear all debris
- Check for proper drainage
- Look for sagging or damage
- Consider gutter guards if you’re tired of this
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 1-2 hours
2. Seal Driveway and Walkways
Before freezing weather, seal cracks in concrete and asphalt.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly
- Fill cracks with appropriate filler
- Apply sealant to asphalt driveways
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 2-4 hours
3. Service Your Heating System
If you scheduled in August, great. If not, do it now.
- Professional inspection and cleaning
- Replace filters
- Test the system before you need it
Difficulty: 🔧 (for filter) | Professional service recommended for full tune-up
4. Drain and Store Garden Hoses
Freezing water in hoses can damage hose bibs.
- Disconnect all hoses
- Drain completely
- Store indoors
- Shut off interior valve to outdoor faucets if you have one
Difficulty: 🔧 | Time: 15 minutes
5. Aerate and Overseed Lawn
September is prime time for lawn care in the Midwest.
- Aerate compacted soil
- Overseed thin areas
- Apply fall fertilizer
Difficulty: 🔧🔧 | Time: 2-4 hours
6. Check Fireplace and Chimney
If you have a wood-burning fireplace:
- Schedule chimney sweep
- Check damper operation
- Inspect firebox for cracks
- Stock up on firewood
Difficulty: 🔧 | Professional cleaning recommended
Need a chimney sweep? Find one locally →
The Bottom Line
September is the calm before the storm. The weather is nice, the work isn’t miserable, and you’ve got time to do it right. Don’t procrastinate—October gets busy fast.