The Great Fall Clean-Up Myth

Every year when the leaves start to turn, homeowners across town dust off the rakes, fire up the leaf blowers, and march into the yard for what’s become a ritual: the Great Fall Clean-Up. But here’s the thing, some of these chores are more about tradition than actual necessity. If you’d rather spend your weekends enjoying pumpkin spice lattes than breaking your back outside, here’s your cheat sheet to what really matters and what you can skip.

Worth Your Time

1. Cleaning the Gutters

It’s not glamorous, but clogged gutters are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Left unchecked, they’ll channel water into your roof, walls, and foundation. A quick afternoon of scooping, flushing, and securing those downspouts could save you thousands in repairs later.

2. Mulching the Leaves

Forget the endless raking and bagging. Studies show mulching leaves into your lawn actually improves the soil and feeds the grass. Just run them over with your mower a couple of times, and let nature do the rest. Your back and the landfill will thank you.

3. Sealing Cracks and Gaps

Little gaps around windows, doors, and siding don’t just let in cold air—they invite rodents and bugs looking for a cozy winter spot. A $5 tube of caulk and an hour of your time will pay off all season long.

4. Lawn & Garden Final Touches

Cutting your lawn a little shorter before winter reduces the chance of snow mold. And pulling out dead annuals now means fewer pests setting up camp until spring. Think of it as giving your yard a clean slate.

Save Your Energy

1. Raking Every Last Leaf

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to chase every leaf off your lawn. As long as you mulch the bulk of them, a few stragglers won’t hurt. In fact, leaves in garden beds act as natural insulation for plants and critters.

2. Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Put down the shears. Most trees and shrubs actually prefer to be pruned in late winter or early spring, when they’re dormant. Fall pruning can stress them and leave them vulnerable to disease.

3. Fertilizing

Many homeowners reach for fertilizer in the fall, but if your lawn is already healthy, you’re better off holding off until spring. Overdoing it now can actually weaken the grass over the winter months.

The fall season is about preparing your home and yard for the months ahead, not exhausting yourself with tasks that don’t move the needle. Focus on the chores that protect your house from water, pests, and energy loss, and let go of the ones that are more about keeping up appearances.

Because let’s face it: nobody ever sat down at Thanksgiving dinner and said, “Wow, your yard was raked so perfectly in October.” But everyone appreciates a warm, draft-free house and a lawn that comes back strong in the spring.

So this year, skip the guilt-driven marathon clean-up. Do what counts, ditch what doesn’t, and enjoy the season for what it was meant for - apple cider, football games, and not wearing yourself out before the snow even falls.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

5 Late‑Summer Home Projects to Tackle

As summer winds down here in Connecticut, now is a golden opportunity to tackle home improvement projects with maximum return. Late summer offers warm, dry days that are perfect for outdoor work before the wet chill of fall sets in. Here are five smart projects every homeowner should consider while there’s still daylight (and deck furniture to enjoy).

1. Exterior Painting or Staining

August and early September give you cooler, less humid weather which are ideal conditions for paint and stain to dry evenly without peeling or blistering. Whether it’s freshening up siding, restoring your deck, or repainting trim, late summer ensures the new finish cures properly for a long-lasting result.

2. Roof Inspection & Minor Repairs

Summer storms can loosen flashing and shingles, and if left unchecked, those small issues become leaks once the snow flies. A roof check now helps you avoid water damage and insulation headaches. Plus, contractors in Connecticut can often still fit this work into their schedules before fall gets busy.

3. Gutter Cleaning & Guard Installation

Leaves haven’t started falling yet, so now’s the best time to clean out your gutters and downspouts. While you’re at it, consider adding gutter guards. This prepares your home for leaf season and keeps you off the ladder in cold weather. It’s an investment you won’t regret. 

4. Window Sealing or Replacement

Drafty windows? Now’s the time to replace or seal them before the heating season hits. Caulking and weatherstripping stop cold air in its tracks, while double‑pane, energy-efficient replacements reduce your heating bills. Connecticut homeowners can tap into rebate programs for these upgrades. Check out Energize CT for information.

5. Driveway Sealing or Repairs

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway protects it from salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice damage, just what Connecticut winters bring. Asphalt requires daytime temps above 50 °F to cure; late summer givesplenty of time before cooler weather sets in.

Late summer may feel like the calm before the leaf blowers, but it’s also prime time for smart homeowners to take care of the jobs that will protect and preserve their homes into the colder months. A little time and effort now can go a long way toward keeping your home dry, warm, and efficient all season long.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Eight Quick Home Projects to Tackle This August

August is a great time to roll up your sleeves and knock out some easy home improvement jobs before fall rolls in. Whether you’re looking to boost your home’s value or just give it a little glow-up, these projects don’t require a contractor or a ton of time. Just a weekend, some elbow grease, and maybe a cold drink or two.

1. Clean and Seal the Deck

Your deck’s taken a beating all summer through the sun, rain, foot traffic, and maybe a few BBQ sauce mishaps. Give it a good power wash and reseal it. You’ll prevent wood rot, keep splinters at bay, and extend the life of the wood. Bonus: it’ll look brand new heading into Labor Day.

2. Swap Out Air Filters

Your HVAC system’s been running hard. Dirty filters make it less efficient and kick dust and allergens back into the air. Swap in clean filters and breathe easier. It’s cheap, fast, and makes a real difference for indoor air quality.

3. Caulk Windows and Doors

Feel a breeze where there shouldn’t be one? August is your last call to stop drafts before cooler weather hits. A $5 tube of caulk can save you serious cash on heating bills down the line.

4. Add a Smart Thermostat

Speaking of heating bills, installing a smart thermostat is an easy DIY with big returns. It helps you manage energy use and can pay for itself in a year. Many are compatible with Alexa or Google Home, if you’re into that kind of thing.

5. Declutter and Donate

This one’s less about tools and more about tackling the post-summer mess. Sort through the garage, basement, or that closet you’ve been ignoring. You’ll make space for fall gear and maybe even uncover something useful you forgot you owned.

6. Freshen Up the Front Door

Curb appeal matters, even if you’re not selling. A fresh coat of paint on your front door or new hardware (like a modern handle or knocker) can give your entryway a whole new vibe. Go bold or classic, just make it intentional.

7. Clean Out the Gutters

August is dry, which makes it the perfect time to clear out gunk from your gutters. You’ll be glad you did once the leaves start falling. Bonus: you’ll prevent water damage, mold, and unwanted pests.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It takes five minutes, and it could save your life. Replace batteries, test the alarms, and make sure you’ve got one in every key area. Safety first, always.

You don’t always need a full-blown renovation to make your home better. These projects are simple, affordable, and perfect for that August energy before school starts and the busyness of the fall season begins.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.