September 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 September 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

• Overseed a cool-season lawnsoil temperature decides this

  About 180 minutes. Our guide

• Plant spring-flowering bulbssoil temperature decides this

  About 90 minutes. Our guide

On the interval

• Have the heating system servicedhigher risk

  About 90 minutes. Our guide

• Schedule the annual chimney inspectionhigher risk

  About 30 minutes. Our guide

• Clean the dryer vent

  About 60 minutes. Needs: vent brush. 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

• Weatherstrip doors, windows, and the attic hatch

  About 90 minutes. Needs: weatherstrip, caulk. Our guide