The wear and tear on your home from the outside elements year round is something you should never ignore as a homeowner. Wind, rain, and sun can cause damage over a period of time if left unchecked.
You need to schedule regular maintenance that tackles the exterior of your home and your yard. Do you remember my old article Fall Home Care Checklist? Yes, spring is coming and let’s get to the spring time home care items.
By keeping up with these seasonal tasks, you can avoid some costly repair bills. And remember, a well-cared-for property can better retain its value and attract more buyers when it comes time to sell. Here’s a breakdown of what you should put on your to-do list each season for outside maintenance.
Winter to Spring (January – Early April)
Remove debris such as dead foliage and fallen branches and twigs that may be scattered in your yard. Clear out any growth or brush you don’t want. Your roof drainage system including the gutter and downspouts should have been getting flushed by the winter rain. Check for any water spots on the exterior walls for any leaks in the drainage system. Get the leaks repaired in case of stronger rain this season.
Again, you want to prevent water damage to your home.
Get your grill cleaned now. Scrub the grates with liquid cleaner, and wash the burners and covers if you have them. Don’t forget to get the tank filled if you have a gas grill, or stock up on charcoal for other grills.
Get your garden tools and supplies cleaned and restocked. Remove rust and seal blades for pruning shears, hedge clippers, trowels, etc. Purge and organize your garden shed to get rid of what you don’t need or use anymore and then arrange the space for easy access and a more orderly set up. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are sites I’ve found gems from and sold my old stuff through.
After the last rain of the season, consider power washing to give the exterior of you’re a home a deep clean. You can hire a professional or rent the equipment to do-it-yourself. If needed, schedule a paint job for your siding. Clean and prepare your patio or deck and any outdoor furniture or planters.
Little critters start to come out in the warmer weather so consider hiring a one-time pest service that can help you deal with ants, rats, spiders, or mice. Make sure your garbage is always closed; and clean up any areas with debris that create an inviting home for critters.
Consider getting your deck and patio power washed or cleaned, especially now that it’s getting warm and you might want to spend more time outdoors. If you have wood furniture outdoors, you can protect them with new stain or sealant. If you are considering getting outdoor furniture, research the cost benefit of real wood vs polywood furniture!
Re-plenish your mulch in spring (but after the rain) so your yard will look clean and crisp in the coming weeks.
As it gets warmer, you can begin to plant spring / summer plants and vegetables. Come up with a plan so you purchase only what you need and what works for the soil and the zone in your yard. We are USDA zone 9b and you can find plants that will do well in this zone. If you have plans to plant trees, map out where you want each tree to be, and how you are going to water them. Having drip lines on automatic timers is a huge time saver!
Now sit back and watch the plants grow while you entertain on your patio with your family and friends.
Hope this list helps you narrow down your priorities and what to plan on doing in the upcoming few months!
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