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October, 2019

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By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Fall in Wisconsin means crisp air, bonfires, and leaves changing to brilliant colors. For homeown- ers, autumn equals outdoor chores such as raking leaves, cleaning gutters, and protecting gardens from impending winter tempera- tures. As the weather turns cooler, it's a good idea to stock up on lawn maintenance items, such as tarps for covering flower beds and haul- ing piles of leaves and paper refuse bags for sticks, leaves, and grass. For those who don't want the has- sle of raking leaves by hand, a leaf blower is a good option. Leaf blow- ers are available in handheld, gas, and electric versions. "Electric is probably the cheaper way to go, but then you're drag- ging the cord around," said Steve Langbauer, store manager at Elliot's Ace Hardware in Muskego. Gas leaf blowers generally range from $150 to $650. Some come with backpacks ("It's on your back so you're not getting arm fatigue," Langbauer noted) and attach- ments for cleaning gutters on a single-level home. Falling leaves can cause clogged gutters for homeowners. Gutter guards, made of materials such as copper and aluminum, can help shield gutters from animal feces, leaves, and other debris, and help cut time spent on cleaning gutters in half. According to www.angieslist. com, gutter guards, which should be installed by a professional, cost between $7.50 and $10 per foot. Depending on the types of guards, installation can run upward of $1,500. Gary Bohrer, president of land- scape company Central Services, Inc., which has been in business for 45 years, has several bits of advice for homeowners interested in doing fall lawn chores in a smarter and more environmental- ly friendly manner. He recom- mends purchasing low nitrogen- based fertilizer, also known as C O N T E N T S NARI remodeling show to offer ideas You work hard in the garden, it works hard for the planet What to expect during a home remodel A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • OCTOBER 2019 Buttoning down the yard for winter While there might be a certain element of fun to gathering fall leaves — for the young, at least — a leaf blower can make quick work of the annual chore. Hand- held, gas and electric are some of the options for leaf blowers. Do your fall chores like a professional See FALL CHORES, Page 2 Fall Home & Garden Special Edition Your Guide to Homes, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden & MORE!

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