Your fall to-do list: Getting your home and yard ready for winter

It’s hard to believe that winter is right around the corner. Before the winter weather hits, you may be planning to give your home and yard a cleaning. This may include clearing debris out of your eavestroughs and downspouts, closing your pool, and collecting and raking up leaves. When going through your fall to-do list, consider these steps to help reduce the risk of water damage, keep pollution out of local waterways and help protect the environment.

Clear out your eavestroughs and downspouts

Making sure that your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of debris and blockages is important for protecting your home against potential leaks and water damage.

• If it is safe to use a ladder, put on a pair of gloves and scoop out all leaves, pine needles, sticks and other debris.
• Consider spraying water into the eavestroughs to make sure water flows freely and there are no leaks. Once dry, seal any seams or joints that are leaking.
• Consider disconnecting your roof downspouts from the clay or plastic pipe that connects with your basement weepers. These are the pipes that help to drain water away from your basement foundation to keep it dry. Instead, direct that water onto your lawn and garden at least three feet away from any basement foundations using an elbow and downspout extension.

Put away your rain barrels

Protecting your rain barrels from harsh winter weather helps extend their life.

• Empty all the water and rinse all components to remove any debris.
• Remove the lid and anything attached (e.g. hoses and spouts) and detach the bin/barrel from your downspout.
• Make sure to re-attach your downspout extension for the winter to divert rainwater and melted snow from your roof. Ensure it flows away from your home.
• Store your empty rain barrel upside down in a shed or garage. If it’s staying outside, keep it out of direct sunlight and make sure the wind won’t be able to blow it around.

Closing your backyard pool until next summer

Roadside catchbasins connect to local freshwater creeks and Lake Ontario, and many pool and spa chemicals can be harmful to the environment. Protect your pool and the environment through proper care and draining.

• Stop adding chemicals seven to 10 days before you plan to close your pool. During this time, keep the pool’s water surface uncovered to allow sunlight to break down the remaining chlorine.
• Discharge the pool water to the curb using a hose.
• Saltwater pools and sand filters that require backwashing should be drained slowly to the sanitary sewer, which can be done in a basement sink or floor drain. Avoid discharging to your sanitary connection when using internal plumbing.
• For more information about safely discharging pool water, check out the City’s online brochure.

After jumping in the leaves, why not use them to beautify your yard?

Now is a great time to give your yard a glow-up before hibernating for the winter.

• Consider collecting your dry leaves and mulching them directly on your lawn. Leaves contain nutrients that help to keep your lawn and trees lush and healthy.
• If safe to do so, trim any tree branches that may break and fall during the winter. Consider bringing in a professional arborist for any branches that are higher up.
• Rake up any remaining leaves and consider composting them to use as a fertilizer in next year’s garden. Remaining leaves can be put in yard waste bags for disposal.
• If using a leaf blower, remember to be respectful of your neighbours and use it between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. as per the City’s Noise Control by-law.
• Avoid piling leaves on the road or on top of roadside catchbasins, which can lead to slippery conditions and flooding on your street.

How the City is getting ready for winter

The City is gearing up for the upcoming winter season by taking proactive measures to ensure that parks, trails and public spaces are well maintained and safe for residents and visitors. When visiting a park or green space, you may see crews doing the following:

• Mulching and collecting leaves.
• Moving waste bins to park entrances from their summer locations.
• Preparing garden beds for the winter.
• Restoring sports fields so that they are ready for next summer.
• Cleaning litter and debris.
• Continuing to inspect playgrounds to make sure they remain safe year-round.
• Making sure irrigation systems and plumbing are ready for the winter, like water fountains and seasonal park washrooms.
• Closing certain facilities for the winter. Select City natural turf soccer fields, baseball diamonds, cricket pitches that don’t have fall permits and spray pads are now closed. Natural turf football fields will close for use on November 1 or upon snowfall. Artificial turf fields remain open until further notice (weather dependent).

To learn more about Mississauga’s parks, visit mississauga.ca/parks.

To learn more about Mississauga’s stormwater system, visit mississauga.ca/stormwater.

Tags

• Parks and Forestry
• Stormwater