Spring Home Maintenance Tricks

1. Prune Trees/Shrubs

Chances are, the trees or shrub branches on your property have been damaged by cold, snow, and wind. Pruning damaged tree limbs and branches create stems that will eventually lead to new growth—and new growth is what’s going to make your property POP. If you’re dealing with a large branch or limb, you may need a handsaw or a chainsaw. There are plenty of local tree companies that can help with larger jobs as tree maintenance can be quite tricky! Hand pruners work best on shrubs or bushes.

2. Prepare Flower/Garden Beds

Your flower/garden beds are likely overrun with decaying leaves, twigs, and anything else that managed to survive throughout the cold winter. Unchecked, these leftovers can smother future growth and even lead to disease. If you want your flowers and vegetables to grow and bloom this summer, it’s best to dedicate your spring to get them prepared for the long growing season. This is simple and often involves raking out leaves and dead foliage, pulling up old plants and replacing the old mulch. Spread some new fertilizer once the ground has fully thawed.

3. Reseed Damaged Areas

Grass in New England typically tends to start growing in mid-April—meaning early spring is the best time to start treating damaged areas of your lawn. If an area of your lawn is in fact damaged, remove it and start anew. Apply a generous layer of fertilizer to the barren patch of land and apply your grass seed.

4. Clean Up Walkways

Equally as important as your outdoor area are the pathways you take to get there, so don’t skimp on this task. While this ultimately depends on the type of walkway you have, be sure to clean, sweep and spray all of it away to ensure a smooth transition from your indoor living space to your outdoor paradise. If you have pavers that were re-positioned during winter, take this time to set them back in place. Some walkways may also suffer from algae growth or leaf stains. For heavy duty clean up you can rent a pressure washer, or simply grab a hose and a scrub brush and use some muscle to wash away the grit.

5. Power Wash Deck

Hopefully, you still have that pressure washer you rented or borrowed and can tackle this project in no time. A quick hit of your outdoor deck will have it looking like new and will ensure it’s longevity for years to come. Gauge the pressure to be sure that you aren’t losing the finish as well unless you are planning to apply a fresh coat of stain or paint.

6. De-Junk Gutters

When it comes to making improvements to your actual home, de-junking your gutters may be the most important of them all. Chances are, your gutters filled up with dead leaves and gunk during the fall, and then during the winter all of that was left to decay and then freeze. Come springtime, the last thing you want is for your gutters and downspouts to be clogged and unable to drain. Excess buildup can cause your gutters to take on more weight, and lead to weed and plant growth—both of which can cause damage and a bad smell. If you have a ladder, a tarp, and some rubber gloves, get up near your roof and do your best to clear any and all obstructions. Throw what you find on to the tarp below. You can also grab a hose and thoroughly wash your gutters once all of the clutter is removed.

7. Clean Windows

You’ve probably already washed the interior side of your windows, but what about the outside? This may not be as simple, but it’s equally as important. Wiping away mildew, fingerprints and smudges will have your windows looking fresh and clean. Cleaning out windowsills and washing dormers is also a good habit to get in to. There is handyman and window cleaning companies that specialize in making things sparkle!