Preparing your home and garden for winter

As winter approaches, it's essential to prepare your home and garden to ensure everything remains in good condition and functions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready.

Home Preparation

1. Check and service heating systems

• Inspect Heaters and Fireplaces: Ensure your heaters and fireplaces are in good working order. Clean or replace filters in heaters and have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional.
• Service Air Conditioners: If you use reverse cycle air conditioning for heating, schedule a service to ensure it operates efficiently.

2. Seal windows and doors

• Check for Drafts: Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Use weather stripping or draft stoppers to seal any gaps.
• Install Door Sweeps: Add door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors to prevent cold air from entering.

3. Insulate Your Home

• Roof and Wall Insulation : Check the insulation in your roof and walls. Adding or upgrading insulation can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency.
• Insulate Pipes : Insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

4. Clean Gutters and Downpipes

• Remove Debris : Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages and water damage.
• Check for Leaks : Inspect gutters and downpipes for leaks and repair any damage.

Garden Preparation

1. Protect Plants

• Mulch Garden Beds : Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds to help retain moisture and protect plant roots from the cold.
• Cover Sensitive Plants : Use frost cloths or old sheets to cover sensitive plants on cold nights.

2. Prune Trees and Shrubs

• Remove Dead Branches : Prune dead or diseased branches to prevent them from falling and causing damage during winter storms.
• Shape Plants : Prune trees and shrubs to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth in spring.

3. Prepare the Lawn

• Aerate the Lawn : Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and reduce soil compaction.
• Fertilise : Apply a slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients throughout winter.

4. Maintain Garden Tools

• Clean and Sharpen Tools : Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools to keep them in good condition and ready for use. This article on the Bunnings website shows you how.
• Store Properly : Store tools in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage.

Checklist

Home

•  Inspect and service heaters and fireplaces
•  Service air conditioners
•  Check for drafts and seal windows and doors
•  Install door sweeps
•  Check and upgrade insulation
•  Insulate exposed pipes
•  Clean gutters and downpipes
•  Inspect gutters and downpipes for leaks

Garden

•  Apply mulch to garden beds
•  Cover sensitive plants
•  Prune dead or diseased branches
•  Shape trees and shrubs
•  Aerate the lawn
•  Apply slow-release fertiliser
•  Clean and sharpen garden tools
•  Store garden tools properly