Walk your property and note problems that need attention. Is there a low spot in the sidewalk where ice could form? Are dying tree limbs in danger of falling?

Check the condition of caulk around windows, doors, chimneys and other openings to the house. Reapply if needed.

Replace worn weatherstripping on windows and doors.

Inspect the roof and make necessary repairs. Look for damaged shingles or any that stick up, as well as cracks in the sealant around flashings and in roof valleys. Check the condition of chimney mortar, and make sure a chimney cap is installed.

Make sure roof and soffit vents are clear of debris.

Clean gutters and downspouts after the leaves have fallen.

Shut off the water to outdoor spigots and drain the lines.

If you don't have thermal-pane windows, install storm windows or insulating plastic film.

Get your snow blower tuned up, or hire someone to shovel or plow.

Have your heating system inspected and tuned up.

Have the fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected. Do this yearly if you use the fireplace frequently or every two years otherwise.

Cover the top only of an outdoor air conditioning unit. Don't cover the whole unit, or condensation may form.

Apply a slow-release fertilizer to your lawn.

Consider aerating the lawn to let in air and water and give the roots room to spread. Rent a core aerator, or hire the job out.

Apply systemic, selective herbicides to kill perennial broadleaf weeds. But don't do this if you're seeding your lawn this fall.

Rake enough leaves so they won't smother the grass. A good approach: Chop the leaves with a mower, rake off the big pieces and leave the rest to filter into the ground and feed the soil.

Remove any diseased plant material from flower and vegetable beds.

Rake or blow leaves out of perennial beds. Or leave them there to protect plant crowns, but be sure to remove them before growth starts in spring.

Divide black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, salvia, coreopsis, perennial geraniums, coral bells, hostas and peonies, if needed. You can divide daylilies and irises, too, if you didn't do it earlier in the summer.

Enrich garden soil by adding a layer of 1 to 2 inches of compost. You don't need to work it in. Earthworms and microorganisms will do that for you over the winter.

Cut most shrub-type roses to about waist height in late fall. Add protection around temperamental roses.

Give trees a long, deep watering if conditions have been dry. Make sure to water the ground well beyond the drip line.

Apply a new layer of shredded wood mulch to the bases of trees in the shape of a shallow doughnut. Don't let the mulch touch the trunk.

Spray azaleas with an anti-desiccant to protect them from drying winds.

Prune trees after the leaves drop.

After the last mowing, add fuel stabilizer to the lawn mower's gas tank and run the mower dry.