As the evenings draw in and the leaves start to fall, it is time to give your garden some attention before the autumn arrives bringing its stormy weather. A little work now will keep things secure and looking good. Think of it as your garden’s annual “MOT” before winter sets in – fixing what is loose, protecting what is weather-worn, and stocking up on the essentials.
From repairing wobbly fences to feeding the birds and tidying up your outdoor storage, here is your step-by-step checklist to get everything in order.
1. Fencing Check-Up: Beat the Autumn Storms
Autumn can be tough on garden fences, with wind and rain putting extra strain on posts and panels. Left unchecked, a small wobble can quickly turn into a toppled panel when the first big storm hits. So, before the bad weather arrives:
- Inspect fence posts for signs of rot or movement. Push gently to see if they sway. If so, a concrete repair spur can add years of life without replacing the whole post.
- Tighten loose fixings with sturdy coach screws for extra stability, especially where nails have worked loose over time.
- Replace or patch damaged panels now rather than waiting for the wind to make the problem worse.
- Use wire fixings to secure trellis or panels more firmly, ensuring they don’t rattle or shift in strong gusts.
If you remember our “wobbly fence” tips from earlier this year, the same principle applies—deal with small issues now, and you’ll avoid the cost and hassle of an emergency repair in November. https://www.woodfordforest.co.uk/how-to-fix-a-wobbly-fence-with-a-concrete-repair-spur/
2. Give Your Garden a Proper Tidy-Up
A neat garden isn’t just about looks—it’s about making sure nothing is lurking that could cause damage in bad weather. Fallen leaves, overgrown shrubs, and stray branches can trap moisture against wood, speed up rot, and even create hazards.
Set aside a weekend to:
- Cut back plants that are leaning against fences, sheds, or your home
- Rake and sweep up leaves to prevent slippery paths and blocked drains
- Clear moss from decking or paving before it becomes dangerously slick
- Empty, clean, and reorganise your bin store—it’ll smell fresher, look tidier, and keep pests at bay
Wooden Bin Store
This not only improves safety but also makes your garden more pleasant to use during those crisp, sunny autumn days.
3. Stock Up and Store Your Logs Properly
If you are planning for cosy fires this autumn, now is the time to make sure you are ready. There’s nothing worse than a chilly evening and damp logs. A log store keeps your firewood dry, neatly stacked, and easy to reach.
Log Store
- Store logs off the ground to avoid moisture from the soil
- Stack them loosely to allow airflow—this helps them burn more efficiently
- Keep kindling and eco firelighters in a dry spot for quick fire-starting on cold nights
A well-stocked log store is not only practical but also adds a rustic, welcoming touch to your garden. We stock kiln dried and air dried logs too.
Kiln Dried Logs
4. Look After Your Feathered Friends
As autumn progresses, natural food sources for birds start to dwindle. By setting up and maintaining a bird table, you can help local wildlife and enjoy a bit of nature right outside your window.
Epsom Bird Feeder
- Clean your bird table before refilling to prevent the spread of disease
- Provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and suet for high-energy feeding
- Place feeders in a sheltered spot so birds can feed in bad weather
It’s a small effort that makes a big difference, and it can bring life and colour to your garden through the colder months.
5. Add a Protective Finish to Woodwork
Fences, sheds, and wooden garden furniture all benefit from a coat of wood preservative before winter. Damp weather can cause untreated timber to swell, crack, or rot, so sealing it now is a smart move.
Wood Protective Treatment
- Choose a dry, mild day for application
- Brush or spray evenly, paying special attention to edges and joints where water can collect
- Reapply as per the product’s recommendation to maintain protection year-round
A little time spent now will help your garden structures look better and last longer.
Final Tip: Preparing your garden for autumn is like giving it a warm coat and sturdy boots—it’s all about comfort, safety, and being ready for whatever the season brings. With the right products and a bit of effort, you can enjoy a tidy, secure, and welcoming outdoor space all season long.
Explore our full range of repair spurs, fixings, preservatives, logs, kindling, firelighters, log stores, bird tables, and more at Woodford Forest & Landscape.