In many areas of the country, now is the time to begin closing up the outdoors. Here are some fall cleanup projects:

• clean out and take in all flower pots; moisture in the dirt left in the pots can freeze and crack the pots
• after the first frost, clear away any annual flowers
• remove any hoses from the outside faucet and make sure the water is off; otherwise hoses can freeze and cause substantial plumbing damage
• unless you barbecue all year round, put away the gas or charcoal grill until Spring; protect your investment, not all grills are manufactured to be left outside in the cold
• winterize necessary lawn and garden equipment -- any that contain gas and oil -- like lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc.
• cover exterior central air conditioning units
• take out all window air-conditioning units