Home‑owners across the country vary widely in how quickly they tackle seasonal upkeep. A recent analysis from home‑services platform Angi, which examined fall‑maintenance requests logged in August 2026, reveals a clear divide between cold‑weather metros that act early and warmer regions that lag behind.

Top‑Prepared Cities

Washington, D.C., earned the highest per‑capita demand for fall‑maintenance services, followed closely by Columbus, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cleveland, Ohio, and the Albany‑Schenectady‑Troy, New York, area round out the top five. The remainder of the top ten—Rochester, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—are also dominated by colder climates.

Least‑Prepared Large Metros

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Los Angeles, California, recorded the lowest activity per 100,000 residents, with Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Riverside, California, completing the bottom three. California contributed four of the ten lowest‑ranked metros, including San Diego and San Francisco. These cities typically enjoy milder winters, reducing the urgency for fall‑time winterization.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the only clearly cold‑weather metro appearing among the least‑prepared large metros, highlighting that even in colder regions some homeowners postpone essential work.

What Homeowners Are Doing

Across the nation, 63 % of homeowners who hired a professional reported completing the requested maintenance, and 58 % finished repairs. The most common projects focus on outdoor upkeep: tree trimming leads the list, followed by lawn and yard‑waste cleanup and shrub care.

Angi’s data also underscores the importance of early inspections. Homeowners are advised to start at the roof and gutters, checking for loose shingles and clearing debris. Ensuring downspouts direct water away from foundations can prevent costly water damage.

Inside the home, checking for drafts around windows and doors, replacing worn weatherstripping, and resealing caulk can preserve heat once the furnace kicks on. Inspecting HVAC filters and having heating systems serviced before temperatures drop are also prudent steps.

Why the Gap Matters

Proactive maintenance not only protects property value but also reduces the likelihood of emergency repairs later in the season. In colder regions, early winterization—such as sealing leaks and preparing plumbing for freezing temperatures—can avert burst pipes and costly water damage.

Conversely, residents of warmer metros who delay these tasks may face a sudden surge in demand when unexpected cold snaps arrive, straining local service providers and increasing costs for last‑minute work.

How to Get Ready

• Schedule a professional roof and gutter inspection before the first frost.
• Seal drafts around doors and windows; replace weatherstripping as needed.
• Service heating systems and replace HVAC filters.
• Trim trees and clear yard waste to reduce fire risk and improve drainage.
• Consider a professional winterization package that includes pipe insulation and exterior faucet protection.

By following these steps, homeowners can join the ranks of the nation’s most prepared cities and avoid the higher costs and headaches that come with delayed maintenance.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.