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!
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