One thing many campers do at campsites is light fires. One tip to help the forests you’re visiting when camping is to never bring firewood with you if you’re traveling more than 50 miles away. Wood that isn’t native to a forest can harbor invasive species, or the eggs or larvae of these insects, and introduce them to a forest when you bring in firewood. If you want to light a fire and help the forests, always buy firewood at the campgrounds. This wood has been tested to be invasive insect-free.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Fall is the best time to both fertilize your lawn and to get it ready for the harsh winter months. Instead of buying chemical or store-bought organic fertilizers, you can use what your lawn and trees already provide. Start by leaving the grass clippings on the lawn when it’s your final mow of the season; this will provide much-needed nitrogen. Use a shredder or your lawnmower to mulch fallen leaves, creating smaller pieces that you can leave on your lawn. This layer of mulched leaves will both feed your lawn and insulate it during the winter months.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the best investments you can make for both your home and health is to hire an HVAC technician during the fall to inspect your furnace or heat pump. The visit costs about $100, and they’ll make sure your system is working efficiently and is clean. They will also check to make sure there is no carbon monoxide leaking into your home. This autumn visit will pinpoint any potential problems that need fixing, and repairs now are better than breakdowns during brutally cold winter months, when getting your system fixed can mean a wait of several days.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION