Halloween is Saturday, October 31, and many of us are already pulling out the lights, inflatables, cobwebs, and pumpkins.
Decorating is fun, but it also adds extra cords, bulbs, and props around your home. A few quick maintenance checks can keep your decorations from becoming a safety problem.
Before you plug anything in, look it over.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for each product, since limits vary.
Candles inside carved pumpkins add atmosphere, but flames and flammable decorations do not mix. Battery-powered LED candles give you the same glow without the risk.
This is also a good idea in Southern California, where warm, dry conditions are common.
Fake cobwebs, paper decorations, and fabric props can burn easily. Keep them away from candles, bulbs that get hot, heaters, fireplaces, and grills.
Do not hang decorations over or near light fixtures that run hot.
Windy days can send lightweight decorations flying. Anchor inflatables with the stakes or tie-downs that come with them. Make sure tall props cannot tip over onto the walkway.
Decorations should never block your front door, garage, or any exit. Keep cords from crossing the walkway, and leave plenty of room for trick-or-treaters. For more, see our post on keeping your home hazard free at Halloween.
Decoration season is a good reminder to test your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. For more on fire safety, read 7 Steps You Can Take Today to Help Prevent a House Fire and our Holiday Fire Safety Tips.
Halloween decorations often go up in a hurry. In Southern California, warm, dry conditions and windy days make a few extra checks worthwhile, especially around lights, cords, and anything that could burn.
Taking ten minutes now, before everything is plugged in and staked down, is much easier than fixing a problem on Halloween night.
If outdoor outlets do not work, trip a breaker, or you see signs of damaged wiring, call a licensed electrician. Do not try to fix electrical problems unless you are qualified.
Prices vary, so ask for a written estimate.
A few minutes of checking cords, swapping candles for LEDs, and anchoring your props can help keep your Halloween fun and safe.
Buena Park families can also get a free Halloween Night Survival Kit from CARE Group. For more seasonal advice, browse our home maintenance tips.
Inspect lights and cords for damage, use outdoor-rated products outside, avoid overloading outlets, use LED candles instead of open flames, and keep decorations away from heat.
LED candles do not use an open flame, so they remove the risk of a flame touching flammable decorations.
Use the stakes or tie-downs that come with them, and anchor tall props so they cannot tip over.
Call a licensed electrician if outdoor outlets do not work, keep tripping a breaker, or you see damaged wiring.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
If you live in Orange County or Los Angeles County, earthquakes are part of life. We cannot predict them, but we can make our homes safer before one hits.
October is a great time to do it. The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill takes place every year on the third Thursday of October at 10:15 a.m., which this year is Thursday, October 15. Use it as your reminder to check your home and practice what to do.
During shaking, the biggest danger in many homes is what falls or tips over. Walk through each room and look up.
Most of this takes basic tools and an afternoon.
Plan to be on your own for at least three days. A basic kit includes:
Remember your pets too, with food, water, and any medications. Store the kit where you can reach it quickly, and check expiration dates once a year. For a grab-and-go version, see How to Pack an Emergency Go Bag, and for more preparedness ideas, read Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness 101.
Find your gas meter and the shutoff valve, and keep the right tool nearby. If you smell gas or suspect a leak after shaking, shut it off, leave the house, and call your gas utility. Do not turn the gas back on yourself. Some homeowners also add automatic gas shut-off valves, which are designed to limit damage from a gas leak.
When the ground shakes: Drop to your hands and knees, Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and Hold On until the shaking stops. Practice with your family, and pick a safe spot in each room.
Decide on a meeting spot, and agree on an out-of-area contact everyone can reach. Save important phone numbers in more than one place.
Earthquakes can happen at any time of year, which is why the October Great ShakeOut drill is a helpful yearly reminder for Orange County and Los Angeles County homeowners.
Doing your checks now means you are prepared long before the holidays, when your home is busy with guests and your attention is somewhere else. Pair these tasks with the drill and you can finish most of them in a single weekend.
Call a licensed professional to strap or brace a water heater if you are not comfortable doing it, to inspect your foundation if you see new cracks, or to handle gas line concerns. Ask for a written estimate, since prices vary by home.
A few small steps now can make a big difference. Anchor the tall furniture, strap the water heater, pack your kit, and join the ShakeOut on October 15.
Want more ways to protect your home? Browse our home maintenance tips.
Anchor tall furniture to the wall, secure heavy items and electronics, strap the water heater, move heavy objects off high shelves, and keep a basic emergency kit ready.
Water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, medications, a radio, phone chargers, and copies of important documents. Plan for at least three days.
Drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
It is an annual earthquake drill held on the third Thursday of October at 10:15 a.m., encouraging people to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
The first thing guests see at the holidays is your front yard and entry. October is a great time to give them a little love, and a few simple updates can go a long way.
In Southern California, fall is also a good time to garden. Once the heat eases, many plants settle in better than they do in the stress of summer. Just wait for a cooler stretch before planting, and follow your city’s watering rules.
Planters by the front door are one of the quickest ways to make a home feel welcoming. Cool-season flowers that are commonly used in Southern California include:
Pick a few for pots by the entry or along the walkway. Check with your local nursery to see what does best in your area.
Fall is also the time to start cool-season vegetables in Southern California (see our fall vegetable garden guide). Ask your nursery about lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, and peas. Even a few pots on the patio give you something fresh to harvest for holiday meals.
Water new plants regularly while they get established, and follow your local watering guidelines.
A few small updates make a big first impression.
Trim back overgrown shrubs and pull dead plants (our guide to pruning dead wood shows how). Edge the lawn and walkway, and sweep away debris. A tidy yard makes everything else look better.
Make sure the path to your front door is clear and well lit. This helps your guests find their way after dark.
Even though Southern California afternoons can stay warm well into October, mornings and evenings are usually more comfortable for outdoor projects. New plants also have time to settle in before the cooler months, and your front entry will be ready well before holiday guests arrive.
A few small updates now also mean you are not rushing the week before Thanksgiving.
Call a landscaper if you have large trees to trim, drainage problems, or a big redesign in mind. Call an electrician for any outdoor wiring or fixture problems.
Prices vary, so ask for a written estimate.
You do not need a big project to boost your curb appeal. A few pots of fall color, a clean front door, and a tidy yard can make your home look welcoming for the holidays. For more ideas, read Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal or browse our home maintenance tips. Thinking of selling in the new year? Curb appeal matters to buyers, so see how to prepare your home to sell for top dollar.
Add planters with cool-season flowers, wash and refresh the front door, clean light fixtures and house numbers, and tidy the yard and walkway.
Cool-season flowers like pansies, violas, snapdragons, and cyclamen, and cool-season vegetables like lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, and peas. Ask your local nursery what does best in your area.
Wait for a cooler stretch before planting, and water new plants regularly while they get established.
Call a landscaper for large trees, drainage problems, or major redesigns, and an electrician for outdoor wiring or fixture problems.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
>> How Much Is My Southern California Home Worth?
>> How to Sell Your Home in Southern California Fast
>> Buy a Home in Southern California with Confidence
September in Southern California may still feel a lot like summer. Our afternoons can stay warm, the skies can remain sunny, and flip-flop season certainly isn’t over yet.
But this transition between summer and fall makes September a great time to inspect the hard surfaces around your property.
After months of heat and sun exposure, take a walk around your home and look for concrete cracks, shifting, settling, or uneven areas in your concrete and pavers.
Catching small problems now can help improve safety, maintain curb appeal, and give you time to address trouble spots before Southern California eventually moves into wetter weather.
Don’t stop at the front walkway.
Take a complete lap around your property and check:
Look closely at areas where different materials meet, around tree roots, and anywhere you’ve previously noticed movement or cracking.
Small cracks aren’t the only issue worth noting.
Watch for:
Pay particular attention to surfaces people regularly walk across.
A raised section of concrete or loose paver may create a trip hazard even when the underlying damage doesn’t look severe.
The original maintenance advice focuses on repairing walkways before snow and freezing temperatures arrive.
That’s obviously not our biggest concern in Cerritos, Buena Park, or most of Orange and Los Angeles counties. 😄
For Southern California homeowners, the better reason is heat, safety, drainage, and preparation for the wetter months ahead.
Extended heat, soil movement, tree roots, irrigation, age, and other factors can contribute to cracking or movement in exterior surfaces.
Inspecting now gives you an opportunity to address problems while the weather is generally still favorable for outdoor projects.
Some minor, nonstructural concrete cracks may be manageable as a DIY project.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the crack and surrounding surface. Dirt and loose material can prevent repair products from bonding correctly.
Then choose a concrete crack repair product designed for the size and type of crack you’re addressing.
Concrete repair products aren’t interchangeable.
Some work best for narrow cracks, while others are designed for wider gaps or different applications. Preparation, application, drying, and curing requirements can also vary.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
If you’re unsure why the concrete cracked—or whether movement is still occurring—consider getting a professional opinion before simply filling the gap.
If your property has pavers instead of poured concrete, check them for movement, too.
Look for individual pieces that have:
Sometimes a small section can be reset. More extensive movement, however, may point to a problem with the base, drainage, soil, or nearby roots.
Here’s another reason to tackle this project before Southern California’s wetter months: drainage.
Look for low areas where irrigation or rainwater tends to collect.
Water that repeatedly pools near cracks, foundations, steps, or other structures deserves attention.
The crack itself may not be the only problem. You may also need to determine why water is collecting there.
Some cracks are better left to someone with experience.
Consider professional evaluation if you notice:
The original source notes that significant concrete repairs can exceed $1,000, but that shouldn’t be treated as a standard price for every repair.
Actual Southern California costs can range widely depending on whether you’re filling a crack, leveling a slab, resetting pavers, repairing drainage, replacing a section, or completing a larger demolition and replacement project.
Get a current local estimate for the specific problem you’re addressing.
Southern California may not have snow-covered sidewalks to worry about, but our walkways, driveways, patios, and entryways still deserve attention.
September is a perfect time to walk your property and look for cracks, uneven surfaces, loose pavers, and drainage concerns.
Small maintenance issues are generally easier to address when you catch them early.
And with wetter weather eventually ahead, now is a good time to make sure the surfaces around your home are safe, functional, and ready for the season to come.
Check your concrete now—before the rainy season.
September’s generally warm Southern California weather provides an opportunity to inspect and address outdoor surfaces before the wetter months arrive. It can also help identify trip hazards and drainage concerns.
Check walkways, driveways, patios, steps, entryways, side-yard paths, pool-area hardscaping, and other concrete or paved surfaces.
Some small, nonstructural cracks may be DIY-friendly. Clean and prepare the surface carefully and use a concrete repair product appropriate for the specific crack, following the manufacturer’s directions.
Large or widening cracks, sinking slabs, significant elevation changes, recurring damage, extensive crumbling, or cracking near the home’s foundation may warrant professional evaluation.
Standing or poorly directed water can contribute to problems around hardscaping. If water repeatedly pools near damaged concrete, identifying the drainage issue may be just as important as repairing the crack.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
September may technically mark the beginning of fall, but Southern California homeowners know the warm weather isn’t necessarily going anywhere just yet.
That’s actually good news for your home maintenance list.
After months of sunshine, heat, dust, backyard gatherings, sprinklers, and everyday outdoor exposure, September is a great time to clean and inspect your home exterior.
For many homes in Cerritos, Buena Park, and throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties, that means checking stucco rather than traditional siding. Either way, a quick exterior inspection can help you spot cracks, deteriorating caulking, stains, or other problems while they’re still manageable.
Before you start washing anything, walk around your property and take a good look at the exterior.
Check for:
Pay particular attention to areas exposed to intense afternoon sun and places regularly hit by sprinklers.
You don’t necessarily need to climb a ladder to get a better look.
Use your smartphone camera and zoom function to photograph higher areas of your home’s exterior. You may be surprised by how much detail you can see once you enlarge the photo.
This can be especially useful for checking areas near rooflines, second-story windows, eaves, trim, and other difficult-to-see locations.
Once you’ve inspected the exterior, it’s time for a cleanup.
Dust and grime can accumulate over a long Southern California summer. Cleaning these surfaces can instantly freshen your home’s appearance.
However, the correct cleaning method depends on your exterior material.
A pressure washer can be useful on certain surfaces, but more pressure isn’t necessarily better.
Excessive pressure or improper technique can damage stucco, paint, wood, seals, and other exterior finishes. It can also force water into cracks or behind exterior materials.
For many surfaces, a garden hose, soft brush, mild appropriate cleaner, or lower-pressure washing method may be a safer choice.
Always follow the recommendations for your home’s specific exterior material.
September is also a good time to inspect exterior caulking.
Look closely around:
Caulking can deteriorate, separate, or crack over time due to heat, sunlight, movement, and age.
Small gaps may allow moisture and pests into places they don’t belong.
Some minor caulking repairs are manageable DIY projects.
First, determine whether the joint is actually intended to be sealed. Remove deteriorated material as appropriate, clean the area, allow it to dry completely, and use an exterior-grade sealant that’s compatible with the surrounding materials.
Follow the product manufacturer’s application and curing instructions.
And don’t indiscriminately seal every opening you see. Some exterior assemblies are intentionally designed with drainage or ventilation openings.
While much of the country may be preparing homes for freezing temperatures, our priorities are different.
A September exterior inspection can help Southern California homeowners:
That makes this a particularly useful transition-season project for our area.
Some exterior problems are more than cosmetic.
Consider calling a qualified professional if you find significant stucco cracking, damaged siding, widespread deterioration, signs of water intrusion, substantial mildew or staining, or damage that keeps returning after repairs.
Professional cleaning may also make sense for large homes, difficult-to-access areas, or surfaces that require specialized equipment or techniques.
The original source for this maintenance tip estimated professional pressure washing at approximately $200 to $400, but current Southern California pricing can vary substantially based on home size, surface material, accessibility, and scope of work.
Get a current local estimate before budgeting for professional services.
September’s warm Southern California weather gives homeowners another opportunity to tackle exterior projects before the seasons begin to shift.
Walk around your home. Look closely at the stucco or siding, windows, doors, trim, and caulking. Then give appropriate surfaces a gentle cleaning to remove the remnants of summer.
It’s not just about making your house look good.
Regular exterior maintenance can help you spot small problems earlier, protect your property, and keep that all-important curb appeal looking its best.
Wash away summer—and give your home a fresh start for fall.
September’s warm Southern California weather makes it a convenient time to remove summer dust and grime while inspecting the exterior for cracks, deteriorating caulking, stains, and other maintenance issues.
Use caution. Excessive pressure can damage some stucco finishes or force water into cracks and openings. Follow the recommendations for your particular exterior finish and consider gentler cleaning methods when appropriate.
Look for stucco cracks, damaged siding, peeling paint, deteriorating caulking, stains, mildew, gaps around windows and doors, and signs of possible moisture intrusion.
Some small caulking repairs can be DIY-friendly. Make sure the joint should be sealed, prepare the surface correctly, and use an exterior-grade sealant compatible with the surrounding materials.
Consider professional help for significant cracks, widespread deterioration, damaged siding, recurring moisture problems, difficult-to-access areas, or conditions you’re unsure how to repair correctly.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
September in Southern California doesn’t exactly mean sweaters and chilly nights. We can still have plenty of warm days ahead in Cerritos, Buena Park, and throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Instead of preparing for frozen pipes, September is a great time to focus on something especially important in Southern California: water conservation.
One of the easiest places to start is right at your faucets.
A slow drip may seem insignificant, but water waste adds up over time. A leaking faucet can also signal worn plumbing components that are often easier and less expensive to address before the problem becomes more serious.
Testing your faucets only takes a few minutes.
Turn each faucet on, then shut it off completely. Watch the spout for continued dripping and look around the handles and base for moisture.
Check faucets in:
Don’t forget faucets you rarely use. A slow leak in a guest bathroom or utility area can easily go unnoticed.
Not every faucet leak appears at the end of the spout.
As you inspect each fixture, look for:
Moisture inside the cabinet beneath a sink deserves attention, too. That may point to a leaking supply line, drain connection, or another plumbing issue rather than the faucet itself.
Some faucet repairs make manageable DIY projects.
Depending on the faucet design, a leak may come from a worn washer, O-ring, cartridge, valve seat, spring, or another replaceable component.
Before taking anything apart, turn off the water supply to the fixture.
It also helps to identify your faucet type and manufacturer before purchasing replacement parts. Faucet designs vary, so the correct repair depends on the fixture.
Sometimes the best first step isn’t dismantling the faucet at all.
Clean the fixture, inspect visible connections, check for loose components, and determine exactly where the water is coming from.
If you’re unsure about the source of the leak, stop before turning a small repair into a bigger plumbing project.
Here in Southern California, conserving water is valuable regardless of the season.
Repairing leaks can help:
It’s a simple home maintenance habit that benefits both your property and our local water resources.
A persistent drip isn’t always a simple washer replacement.
Consider calling a licensed plumber if:
The original source for this maintenance tip estimates that professional faucet repairs can start at a couple hundred dollars. Actual Southern California costs will vary based on the problem, fixture, parts, accessibility, and plumber.
September may still feel like summer in Southern California, but it’s a perfect time for a quick plumbing check around the house.
Walk from room to room and test your faucets. Listen for drips, look for moisture, and inspect the areas underneath your sinks.
A tiny leak today may be an easy fix. Ignoring it gives that small problem more time to waste water—and potentially become a much bigger repair.
Stop the drip. Conserve water. Protect your home.
Leaky faucets waste water and may indicate worn plumbing components. Finding leaks early can help conserve water and prevent small plumbing problems from becoming more expensive.
Turn the faucet on and then shut it off completely. Watch for continued dripping and inspect the handles, faucet base, cabinet, and plumbing underneath for moisture.
The cause depends on the faucet design. Common problems can include worn washers, O-rings, cartridges, valve seats, springs, or other internal components.
Some minor faucet repairs are DIY-friendly. However, identify the faucet type, shut off the water supply, and follow the manufacturer’s repair instructions before disassembling the fixture.
Consider a professional if the leak persists, you find water beneath the sink, plumbing is corroded, shutoff valves aren’t working, or you’re unsure how to make the repair safely.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
September may signal the beginning of fall, but here in Southern California, our air conditioners don’t necessarily get the memo.
Warm afternoons can continue well into September and October, which means your HVAC system may still be working hard after an already-long summer. That’s why changing your air filter is one of the easiest—and most worthwhile—tasks to put on your September home maintenance checklist.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow, make your system work harder, and contribute to higher energy use. Regular filter changes can also help protect your HVAC equipment and improve indoor air quality.
After months of summer AC use, your filter may have collected plenty of dust, pet hair, pollen, and other airborne particles.
When that buildup restricts airflow, your HVAC system has to work harder to move conditioned air throughout your home.
A clean filter can help:
For Southern California homeowners, September is an especially logical time to check the filter because AC season may be far from finished.
There’s no single schedule that’s right for every household.
How often you need a new filter depends on factors such as the filter type, HVAC system, pets, household size, indoor air quality concerns, and how frequently your system runs.
Instead of automatically replacing it every month, check the filter regularly and follow your HVAC and filter manufacturers’ recommendations.
Homes with pets, heavy HVAC use, or more airborne dust may need more frequent changes.
Changing a filter is usually a straightforward DIY project.
Before buying a replacement, look at the dimensions printed on the side of your current filter.
Using the correct size is essential.
Turn the system off before removing the old filter.
Most filters have an arrow showing the correct direction of airflow.
Install the replacement with that arrow pointing in the appropriate direction for your system.
While you’re working on the HVAC system, inspect accessible return-air grilles and vent covers.
Dust, pet hair, and debris can collect around them. Vacuuming accessible buildup can help keep the area cleaner and improve airflow.
Filter efficiency ratings can be useful, but higher isn’t always better for your particular HVAC system.
A filter that’s too restrictive can reduce airflow if the system wasn’t designed for it.
Check your HVAC manufacturer’s specifications or ask a qualified HVAC professional which filter type and MERV rating are appropriate for your equipment.
September can also be a convenient time to have your system inspected after a long summer of heavy use.
An HVAC professional can evaluate components that go beyond routine homeowner maintenance, including the thermostat, electrical connections, blower components, and heating equipment where applicable.
The source material for this maintenance tip estimates professional HVAC service at roughly $150 to $500, although actual Southern California pricing can vary considerably depending on the system and services performed.
If your AC has struggled to cool your home, started making unusual noises, produced unusual odors, or caused an unexpected increase in energy use, don’t wait for the season to change before having it checked.
Fall may technically be approaching, but Southern California homeowners know September can still feel a lot like summer.
Changing or checking your HVAC air filter is a quick task that can help your system finish AC season more efficiently while preparing your home for the months ahead.
Think of it as a fresh start for your HVAC system after a long Southern California summer.
Southern California can remain warm throughout September and into fall. After months of summer AC use, checking the filter helps ensure accumulated dust and debris aren’t unnecessarily restricting airflow.
It depends on your HVAC system, filter type, pets, indoor environment, and system usage. Check the filter regularly and follow the equipment and filter manufacturers’ recommendations.
A heavily loaded filter can restrict airflow, which may reduce HVAC performance and force the system to work harder to maintain indoor comfort.
Not necessarily. Some high-efficiency filters can restrict airflow in systems that aren’t designed for them. Use a filter compatible with your HVAC manufacturer’s specifications.
Consider professional service if your system isn’t cooling properly, makes unusual noises or odors, has airflow problems, or needs maintenance beyond routine filter replacement and cleaning.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Summer may still be in full swing, but August is a great time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden.
Depending on your local climate, planting in late summer can give vegetables and herbs time to establish before cooler fall weather arrives. Better yet, a productive garden can add beauty and function to your backyard while giving you fresh ingredients to enjoy at home.
However, successful fall planting starts with choosing the right plants for your specific climate and growing zone.
Your ideal planting list will depend on where you live, local temperatures, and whether you’re planting from seeds or transplants.
Possible late-summer and fall garden choices include:
Here in Southern California, our relatively mild climate can provide a longer growing season than many colder parts of the country. Still, planting dates vary, so check a local planting calendar before heading to the nursery.
Before planting, consider how much sunlight your garden receives and how temperatures typically change during fall.
A regional planting guide can help determine which vegetables to plant and when.
This is especially important because a recommendation that works in one part of the country may not make sense in Orange County or Los Angeles County.
Your local climate should guide your planting decisions.
A healthy fall garden starts with healthy soil.
Clear away weeds and spent plants from previous crops. Then, loosen the soil and add appropriate compost or other organic matter when needed.
Also, make sure your planting area drains properly.
Once your garden is ready, follow the recommended spacing, planting depth, watering, and sunlight requirements for each vegetable.
Although you’re planting for fall, August can still bring plenty of hot Southern California weather.
New seedlings and transplants may require extra attention during hot periods. Check soil moisture regularly and follow the watering recommendations for each plant.
Additionally, planting at the correct time can help cool-season vegetables mature as temperatures become more favorable.
A backyard garden can provide more than fresh produce.
It can also:
Even a small raised bed or container garden can produce a surprising amount of food.
You don’t have to build your fall garden alone.
A professional gardener can help prepare soil, choose plants, design beds, install vegetables, and maintain the garden.
The source for this maintenance tip estimates skilled gardening services at approximately $20 to $50 per hour. However, local pricing varies based on the gardener, services provided, property size, and scope of work.
For many homeowners, professional help can be especially useful when starting a garden from scratch or improving an existing growing area.
August isn’t only about squeezing in the last few beach days and backyard barbecues. It’s also a great time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for the season ahead.
If you’ve always wanted a backyard vegetable garden, consider starting small. Choose a few plants suited to your local climate, prepare the soil, and give them the care they need.
Plant now, and you may have fresh homegrown vegetables waiting for you this fall.
••••••••••••••••••••
Depending on your climate and planting date, fall gardens may include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, and other leafy greens. Always check a regional planting calendar.
Not necessarily. In many climates, midsummer and late summer are important planting periods for fall crops. Timing varies considerably by location and vegetable.
Remove weeds and spent plants, prepare the soil, add appropriate compost or organic matter when needed, and confirm that the planting area receives suitable sunlight and drainage.
Yes. Southern California’s relatively mild climate can support many cool-season crops. However, planting schedules vary within the region, so check recommendations for your specific location.
Yes. A gardener can help with soil preparation, planting, garden design, and ongoing maintenance. Pricing depends on the services required and your location.
••••••••••••••••••••
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Summer can be tough on your home’s outdoor surfaces. After months of backyard barbecues, family gatherings, pool days, and everyday outdoor living, natural stone may be showing signs of the season.
Food, dirt, sand, grease, and oil can collect on outdoor granite countertops, stone patios, and walkways. If you leave that grime untreated, some stains can become increasingly difficult to remove.
That’s why August is a great time to give your natural stone a little attention before summer winds down.
Before adding any cleaning product, remove loose dirt, dust, and sand from the surface.
This step matters because abrasive particles can scratch or damage some types of natural stone when you wipe them across the surface.
Depending on the area, gently sweep, dust, or wipe away loose debris first.
Natural stone requires different care than many other household surfaces.
Avoid reaching for a harsh all-purpose cleaner. Instead, choose a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner that’s appropriate for your particular type of stone.
Additionally, soap-based products may leave streaks or film behind.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate cleaner, use a soft cloth or microfiber towel rather than an abrasive scrubber.
Follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions and rinse the surface as directed.
When in doubt, test a product in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Depending on the type of stone and its current condition, a penetrating sealer may provide additional protection from stains and grime.
However, not every stone or existing finish requires the same treatment. Check the stone and sealer manufacturer’s recommendations before applying a product.
If you’re unsure what type of stone you have or whether it needs sealing, consider consulting a stone-care professional.
Natural stone appears in many areas around a home.
During your August maintenance check, inspect:
Pay particular attention to grilling and dining areas where grease, food, beverages, and other spills may have accumulated throughout summer.
Some stains won’t disappear with routine cleaning.
Deep-set oil, grease, discoloration, or heavy buildup may require specialized products and equipment. Improper treatment can potentially make the problem worse, so professional restoration may be worthwhile for significant staining.
The source for this maintenance tip estimates professional natural-stone restoration at approximately $400 to $1,200, depending on the amount of grime and work required.
Actual pricing varies by stone type, condition, square footage, location, and the services needed.
Your outdoor spaces probably worked hard this summer, too.
Giving natural-stone patios, walkways, and countertops a thorough but gentle cleaning in August can help remove summer grime before stains become more difficult to address.
Use products designed for your particular stone, avoid abrasive cleaning methods, and consider professional help when you’re dealing with significant staining or damage.
A little care now can help keep those beautiful stone surfaces looking their best for seasons to come.
••••••••••••••••••••
Start by removing loose dirt and sand. Then, use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner suitable for your specific type of natural stone and wipe it with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Not all household cleaners are appropriate for natural stone. Harsh or acidic products may damage certain stone surfaces, so choose a product specifically suitable for your stone.
Some natural-stone surfaces benefit from a penetrating sealer, but requirements vary by stone type, location, and existing finish. Follow the stone or sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.
Consider professional help for deep stains, heavy buildup, discoloration, damage, or situations where you’re unsure how to safely restore the stone.
••••••••••••••••••••
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Real Estate Agents | CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
August may signal that summer is winding down, but insects aren’t necessarily ready to call it quits.
Wasps can become particularly noticeable in late summer. Meanwhile, warm weather and standing water can keep mosquitoes active around your yard.
Fortunately, a few simple August home maintenance tasks can help you reduce unwanted pests and make your home and outdoor spaces more comfortable.
Start by walking around your property and looking for areas with repeated wasp activity.
Pay attention to wasps flying to and from the same location, especially around eaves, landscaping, sheds, fences, and other sheltered areas. Some species may also nest in or near the ground.
If you discover a nest, keep children and pets away from the area.
Small, accessible pest problems may sometimes be handled with products specifically labeled for the pest you’re treating. Always read and follow the product’s directions and safety precautions.
However, wasp nests can become dangerous quickly. Disturbing a nest may trigger defensive behavior and multiple stings.
Therefore, don’t attempt to remove a nest if it’s large, difficult to reach, inside a wall or structure, or located in an area where treatment could put you or others at risk.
Another important August pest control task is checking your property for standing water.
Mosquitoes need very little water to reproduce. As a result, small collections of stagnant water around your yard can become breeding areas.
Check:
Empty unnecessary standing water and regularly refresh water that needs to remain outdoors.
Insects don’t only cause problems outside. Small gaps around your home’s exterior can give pests an easy way indoors.
Inspect areas around:
Depending on the location and material, caulk or another appropriate exterior sealant may help close small openings.
This simple maintenance task may also complement other energy-efficiency projects around your home.
Sometimes the safest solution is to leave pest removal to an experienced professional.
Consider professional help if you discover a large or difficult-to-access wasp nest, experience recurring pest problems, or aren’t comfortable treating the affected area yourself.
The source for this maintenance tip estimates wasp removal at approximately $100 to $1,300. Mosquito control varies considerably based on property size, treatment type, and frequency. Seasonal treatment may cost $500 or more.
Actual local prices can vary, so request an estimate based on your property and specific pest problem.
A little pest prevention can make the final weeks of summer much more enjoyable.
Watch for wasp activity, remove unnecessary standing water, and inspect your home’s exterior for gaps that could allow insects inside.
Most importantly, recognize when a pest problem is better handled by a professional. A few preventive steps now can help you enjoy your home and yard with fewer unwanted visitors.
••••••••••••••••••••
Wasp colonies can be especially active in late summer, increasing the chance that homeowners will encounter them around yards and homes.
Eliminate unnecessary standing water from containers, planters, birdbaths, toys, and other areas where water collects. Reducing breeding areas can help decrease mosquito activity.
Inspect doors, windows, dryer vents, utility penetrations, and exterior gaps. Seal appropriate openings with caulk or another suitable sealant.
Consider professional removal when a nest is large, difficult to access, located inside a structure, or presents a risk of multiple stings.
••••••••••••••••••••
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Real Estate Agents | CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly
with information about your home.
