The kids are back to school, the petunias are fading and it's getting dark just  a little earlier each day. It's still beautiful outside, but the glory of summer  is coming to a close, and it's time to ready your home for cooler weather to  come. Where to start? 

The lawn. Fall aeration and overseeding are great ways to keep the grass lush  and the soil beneath it as healthy as possible. 

Your gardens. To ensure beautiful spring colour, the time to get tulip bulbs,  daffodils, winter pansies and hydrangeas into the ground is September. If you  have a vegetable garden, now is also the time to sow shallots, spring onions  and garlic, 

Your lighting and security. Ensure your outdoor lighting is adequate for  darker nights, and that your security system and fire alarms are functional with  fresh batteries. 

Your deck. Keep your deck free of leaves and debris to prevent  discolouration. If you need to paint or stain your deck, be mindful of the  temperature and the amount of drying time required 

Your eavestroughs. Cleaning the troughs can be a dirty job but on a dry  day and with the right equipment, it's relatively easy. The goal is to ensure all  debris is removed so that water can easily flow through the downspouts. 

Your insulation. If you found last winter a little cool inside your home,  September is a great time to consider adding insulation, which can help save  on energy costs while keeping you warm. 

Your heating system. Have your mechanicals serviced to ensure everything  is in good working order and to prevent surprises when the first cold snap  occurs. If you have a wood burning fireplace, this is also the time to schedule  an annual sweeping of the chimney, flue and stove, along with an annual  servicing of any gas fireplaces.  Dealing with these seasonal tasks will help you to relax and enjoy your  beautiful home!