Yardwork is never over. As the seasons change, as your needs and family change, and as you try new landscaping you will need to get out there and work on your lawn. Weeding, mowing, planting, fertilizing, watering, and just plain enjoying your yard is a year-round job. But is there a way to keep your yard work at a minimum?
One annoying task in your yard is cleaning out your window wells. Keeping your window wells clean is critical not only for the cleanliness and order of your home but also for safe entry and exit of your home in the event of an emergency.
In addition, you need to keep your window wells clean to prevent damage to your home’s foundation and windows. Unfortunately, all of the other elements of your yard will find their way into your window well eventually.
How can you minimize the leaves, grass clippings, branches, trash, dirt, rocks, kids toys, and other debris getting into your window well?
1. Regularly Maintain Your Landscaping
You’re more likely to discover debris in your window well if you irregularly maintain your yard work. Allowing things to build up and become overgrown is harmful to your entire yard, and can also make the accumulation of debris in your window well a much bigger battle. Take care of weeds and growth weekly if possible, and clean out your window wells at least once per season even if it doesn’t look like there’s much debris that has fallen down there.
2. Adjust Landscaping
You can prevent leaves and foliage from getting into your window well altogether by carefully planning or adjusting your landscaping. Move brushy plants away from window wells or use landscaping retaining walls to keep the foliage from drifting. Trim and carefully stake any plants near your window wells to keep them contained.
3. Watch Edging
Regularly monitor the edges of your window wells. Through precipitation and general settling, you may find that the edges of your window well which once were a few inches above ground are now below the surface. Level out the ground around your window well and give it plenty of clearance to prevent runoff from falling into your window well.
4. Get a Window Well Cover
The easiest way to keep your window wells clean is to get a window well cover. Grated styles will still allow some debris into your window well, but a fine mesh or small weave grate will prevent most leaves and larger objects from falling into your window well. A bubble window well cover can cover the entire opening of the window well, preventing anything from entering your window well and making your job much easier.
Although it may be a hassle, cleaning out your window wells and keeping them clean will make a huge difference in the safety and security of your home, as well as preventing long term damage and future work.