North Dakota’s Pre-Fall Checklist: Steps To Prepare For Autumn

As summer begins to fade and the first hints of fall start to appear, it’s time for North Dakotans to embrace the seasonal transition. In this part of the country, autumn isn’t just a fleeting moment of pumpkin spice lattes and colorful leaves; it’s the final countdown before winter barges in with its subzero temperatures and snowdrifts. So, before the frost sets in, here’s your pre-fall guide to getting your yard and home in shape—because in North Dakota, you know what’s coming next.

1. The Great Leaf Rake Begins

The leaves are just starting to turn, but soon they’ll be carpeting your lawn in a mix of gold and brown. Sure, it’s tempting to let them sit, but that would be underestimating North Dakota’s unpredictable fall winds.

Get a head start on raking before the leaves have a chance to gather in ankle-deep piles that will turn into mulch before winter hits. Plus, every time you rake, it’s one less layer of mess that can potentially get buried under snow.

2. One Last Mow (And We Mean It)

Your lawn is still green, but it’s slowing down, knowing what lies ahead. Give it one last mow before the cold really starts to bite. This final trim isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about making sure your grass is as short as possible before winter buries it=.

3. Seal Up and Button Down

As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, it’s time to think about how your home will fare when the real cold sets in. Now’s the time to check for drafts, reinforce your windows, and make sure your siding is snug. It might seem premature, but in North Dakota, it’s never too early to winterize. The last thing you want is to be caught unprepared when the first cold front sweeps through.

4. Plan Your Fall Décor Strategy

Fall is a season of beauty, but in North Dakota, it’s also a season of practicality. While you’re planning your fall decorations, think durability. Windproof pumpkins, sturdy hay bales, and well-anchored wreaths are key. This is not the time for delicate, blow-away décor. And remember, whatever you put out now might need to stand up to an early snowstorm—so choose wisely!

5. Ready the Snowblower (Because You Know What’s Coming)

It might be fall on the calendar, but we all know how quickly things can change. Before you get too caught up in autumn’s charms, take a moment to prepare for the inevitable. Get your snowblower out, give it a test run, and make sure it’s ready to go. This small task could save you from an early winter panic when the first snowflakes start to fall, weeks before you were ready.

6. Prepping for Halloween: Cold-Weather Edition

Fall in North Dakota means Halloween is as much about staying warm as it is about collecting candy. If you’re planning on setting up a haunted yard or handing out treats, think ahead. Motion-activated decorations are a must—but make sure they can handle the cold. And don’t forget to stock up on hot drinks for those brave trick-or-treaters who venture out in their winter coats over their costumes!

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In North Dakota, fall is a season of preparation, a time to get everything in order before winter comes crashing in.

So, as the leaves start to change and the air gets a little crisper, take advantage of these last few weeks of mild weather. Rake those leaves, mow that lawn, and button up your home. Because when winter arrives—and it will—you’ll be glad you did.