I grew up in Wisconsin and often started getting the winter blues around July 4 because that meant my summer was already half over.

Fortunately we have many more months to enjoy the outdoors each year in the Carolinas.

With school back in session and new routines in place, now is a great time to spruce up your outdoor living areas.

There are major sales and closeouts on outdoor furniture this time of year because space needs to be cleared to make room for incoming Christmas items.

That makes September a great month to introduce new pieces to your outdoor décor whether decorative accessories or functional items such as a propane heater that can extend your outdoor entertaining even further beyond summer and/or fall.

With more moderate temperatures coming, it’s time to think about your landscaping.

Homeowners should prune all shrubs and bushes around the property two times annually including fall. In this region, fall is also the best time of year to aerate and over-seed your lawn.

Aeration loosens soil for seeding; it also improves drainage.

Adding lime and fertilizer to the mix will help condition your soil resulting in a healthy yard.

Jamie McNeilis is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Centerpiece Home Staging in Cornelius. Email Jamie at Jamie.McNeilis@CenterpieceHomeStaging.com for home decorating and improvement topics you would like covered in Home Decor