How do I close up my backyard for winter?

Clean and cover your grill and furniture, disconnect and drain hoses, winterize your sprinkler system before the first hard freeze, decide whether to run or drain your hot tub, and store anything that cracks in the cold. The fall checklist lists each step for the gear you own.

When should I winterize sprinklers?

Before the first hard freeze in your area. Water left in the lines can freeze and crack pipes and heads, so the system should be shut off and drained or blown out. If you are not sure how, hire an irrigation pro.

What should I do to my grill in the spring?

Check the gas hose, brush spider webs out of the burner tubes, leak test the connections with soapy water, replace the igniter battery, and give it a full clean. Our spring checklist covers gas, pellet, charcoal and griddle setups.

Is my checklist saved anywhere?

Only on your device, in your browser's local storage. Nothing is sent to our servers, and clearing your browser data clears the list.

Backyard Maintenance Checklist: Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter

Fall closing checklist

Clean, cover and winterize before the cold.

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Whole yard

Clear leaves from patios, drains and gutters near the patio.
Bring in anything that cracks in freezing weather: ceramic pots, cushions, electronics.

Gas grill

Burn off residue, clean the grates and empty the grease tray before putting the grill away.
If you will not use it, disconnect the propane cylinder. Store it outdoors and upright, never in a garage or indoors.
Cover the grill once it has cooled completely. Best grill covers →

Fire pit or fire table

Stock dry, seasoned hardwood. Store it off the ground and covered on top with the sides open. Why fire pits smoke →
Put cold ashes in a metal container, never a bag or a bin.

Patio furniture and cushions

Clean and fully dry furniture, then cover it or store it. Cushions come indoors.

Hoses and outdoor faucets

Disconnect and drain hoses and store them. This also helps protect pipes from freezing. Winterizing guide →

General guidance only. Your manual and local codes come first. If you smell gas, see damaged wiring, or the job involves a gas line, hot tub electrical or chemicals, turn it off and call the maker, a licensed pro or your gas utility.

Keep going

Your seasonal backyard checklist