October maintenance checklist
Two lists, on purpose. Some jobs run on an interval. Others run on a measurement, and no calendar can tell you when — including this one.
Check the data first
These are typically October jobs, but the trigger is a reading, not the date. See today's numbers for your region.
Winterize the irrigation systemfirst frost decides this
About 120 minutes. Higher-risk job — read before starting. Our guide
Plant a tree in fallfirst frost decides this
About 120 minutes. Our guide
Shut off and drain outdoor faucetsfirst frost decides this
About 30 minutes. Our guide
Winterize rain barrelsfirst frost decides this
About 30 minutes. Our guide
Plant spring-flowering bulbssoil temperature decides this
About 90 minutes. Our guide
On the interval
Clear gutters and downspoutshigher risk
About 120 minutes. Needs: ladder, gloves. Our guide
Have the heating system servicedhigher risk
About 90 minutes. Our guide
Inspect the water heaterhigher risk
About 45 minutes. Our guide
Prep the snow blower for winterhigher risk
About 45 minutes. Needs: fuel stabilizer, cleanout stick. Our guide
Schedule the annual chimney inspectionhigher risk
About 30 minutes. Our guide
Check attic air leaks before ice-dam season
About 60 minutes. Our guide
Winterize the lawn mower
About 60 minutes. Needs: oil, fuel stabilizer. Our guide
Fertilize the lawn
About 60 minutes. Needs: spreader. Our guide
Test smoke and CO alarms
About 15 minutes. Our guide
Check and change the HVAC filter
About 10 minutes. Our guide
Decide which perennials to cut back
About 60 minutes. Needs: pruners. Our guide
Mulch fallen leaves into the lawn
About 90 minutes. Needs: mower. Our guide
Weatherstrip doors, windows, and the attic hatch
About 90 minutes. Needs: weatherstrip, caulk. Our guide