CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The first official day of fall in 2025 is Monday, September 22. As the days get shorter and the nights get a little crisper, Central Illinois begins its transition into harvest season, back-to-school routines, football weekends, and cozy evenings. For homeowners and property managers alike, it’s also the perfect moment to shift into fall prep mode.
Whether you’re caring for a home, a business exterior, or a rental property, now is the time to take a quick inventory of your space before leaves start to fall in earnest.
Here are five simple but impactful clean-up tasks to help you start the season fresh and protect your investment:
- Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts – Falling leaves and autumn storms can quickly clog gutters, leading to water overflow and potential damage to siding and foundations. Cleaning them now will ensure water flows away from your structure when heavy fall rains hit.
Tip: Consider installing gutter guards if leaf buildup is a yearly battle.
- Trim Trees and Remove Dead Branches – Overhanging branches can become hazardous in high winds or storms. Trimming back dead or low-hanging limbs protects your roof, windows, and pedestrians below.
Bonus: Trimming before heavy leaf fall means less raking later!
- Cut Back Garden Beds and Compost Debris – Remove spent vegetable plants and cut back perennial flowers like daylilies or hostas. Clean up any diseased or mildewed leaves and compost healthy plant matter.
** Agricultural note: This cleanup is also key in preventing overwintering pests and diseases in gardens and fields.
- Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture – Cold weather can wear down outdoor furniture, especially plastic, wood, or metal pieces. Clean and store items in a shed or garage, or use covers to protect them from weather and critters.
- Inspect Exterior Equipment – Check your lawn mower, leaf blower, hoses, and sprinkler systems. Drain and store hoses, cover spigots, and prep power tools for winter storage. Also, if you have a snowblower, now’s a good time to test it.
Final Thought
The first day of fall isn’t just a date, it’s a mindset. A seasonal pivot toward preparation, reflection, and care. Taking just a few hours to do these cleanup tasks can help you avoid costly surprises and enjoy everything fall in Central Illinois has to offer—from pumpkin patches to Illini tailgates—with peace of mind.
Happy Fall Y’all!