1. Branch out: Trim any trees or shrubs growing too close to the house; wet branches can cause trouble in the winter months. Pros recommend pruning shears with curved blades because they make cleaner cuts. Use lopping shears for branches that are 1/4 inch to 1 inch thick. More than 1 inch thick? Use a bow saw. When in doubt, call in an expert!

2. Don't leave the leaves: Cut your fall raking chores in half with the Wet N Dry Leaf Rake, about $20, Home Depot and Ace Hardware stores. With an extended handle with a cushion grip (no back strain or blisters!), a tension adjuster for raking wet or dry leaves and a cupped shape designed to accommodate large volume, it will help you get your yard shipshape in no time.

3. Backyard bedding: Spread an old bed sheet on the grass and rake leaves directly onto it. Gather the corners together. Now drag the bundle to your compost pile, or transfer leaves into a heavy-duty garbage bag by holding two adjacent corners of the sheet and pouring into the leaf bag.

4. Good to the last drop: Drain and put away garden hoses. Make sure your sprinkler system is completely emptied of water, and install insulating covers on exterior spouts. Store your outdoor tools and lawn mower as well.

5. Ask me how mulch: If you already have a compost pile, spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer on your empty garden beds, rake it in and recharge your soil in time for spring! If you aren't composting, fall is the ideal time to start. You can simply pile up decaying vegetables, leaves and grass clippings, which contain excellent nutrients that will break down over time. To learn about faster composting methods, visit howtocompost.org.

Outdoor Patrol

1. Douse the house: Regular cleaning of your house's exterior, including the roof and siding, protects against the destructive effects of dust, mildew and stains, especially if you live in a warm, humid climate. For simple removal of dust and cobwebs, a sprayer attachment on your garden hose works fine. Or rent a pressure washer (adjust the pressure to no more than 300 to 500 pounds per square inch so you won't ruin your siding). Note: Wash from bottom up and rinse from top down.

2. De-glop the gutters: Use a garden trowel or a scoop made from a plastic milk jug to dig matted leaves and debris out of your gutters, and dump them directly into a garbage bag. When you're finished, bring out the hose to flush the gutter and check for leaks.

3. Screen savers: Remove summer screens and scrub them down with a wet brush and a solution of mild dish detergent and hot water. Rinse them with your hose and let them air-dry, then store in a watertight area. Replace worn or torn screens now — you'll be happy next spring that you did.

4. The party's over: Clean and then dry your patio furniture. Cover outdoor furniture with plastic sheeting, seal with tape or staples, and put in a dry basement, garage or shed. If indoor space is a problem, stow the furniture snugly against a protected outdoor wall or under a porch, and cover with a tarp. Outdoor cushions should be sealed separately in plastic garbage bags in a dry location, preferably indoors.

5. Pass the ketchup: If you're a fan of winter grilling, keep your grill near the house (but at least 10 feet away) or on a patio so you can light up at a moment's notice. (Remember, never barbecue inside the house or in a closed garage!) Invest in a high-quality cover to protect your grill from the elements.

6. Stocking stuffer: Double the life of your patio umbrella by storing it through the winter in a pair of panty hose! Graham and Rosemary Haley, authors of Haley's Cleaning Hints, recommend you stretch one panty-hose leg over the umbrella and tie the other around the handle to hold the first leg in place. This will keep your umbrella snug all winter long but still allow it to breathe — your best defense against mold (as well as the spiders who want to nest in the folds).

7. Beat the drifts: Check your snow-removal equipment to make sure it's in good working order. Buy new snow shovels or replacement parts for your snowblower now, while winter is still months away and everything is priced to sell.

8. Get gritty: Stock up on cat litter, fertilizer or sand — inexpensive alternatives to lawn-destroying salt — to combat winter snow and ice. Sand is best for traction, experts say.

9. Don't blow your cool: Remove air conditioners, drain any residual water, and store the units in a dry place. If your air conditioners are year-rounders, make sure your outdoor condenser coils are clear of dust, leaves and debris. Don't forget to inspect the seals between the air conditioners and the window frames to ensure that they make contact with the units' metal cases. Moisture can damage these seals, allowing heat to escape all winter long.

Indoor Tour

1. Winter strip-down: Inspect external house and garage doors to make sure they close tightly. Install new door thresholds if needed. Check and replace caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors. Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant, $5, Home Depot, gives a weather-tight seal in no time flat, without messy tubes of caulk. A good trick for checking for drafts: Hold a lit candle or incense stick up to indoor windows. If the flame wavers — you've got a leak!

2. A secret in the attic: Checking your attic insulation should be your number-one priority for improving your home's energy efficiency. Adding 3 to 12 inches of insulation could save you up to 20 percent on winter heating costs.

3. All heated up: Heating-system maintenance should be done twice a year. Have your furnace and boiler professionally cleaned and checked out.

4. Fire starter: Inspect fireplace brick and mortar for cracks and deterioration. It's fine to patch small cracks yourself, but hire a professional to handle the large ones. While the pros are there, have them inspect and clean your chimney. And start bulking up your woodpile!

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