Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips
Tags: OUTDOOR SPRING CLEANING, LAWN, FLOWER BEDS, GARDEN BEDS, SPRING CLEANING, PROPERTY, SELLING A HOME, MOVING, FRIST TIME BUYER, HOMES FOR SALE, HOME MAINTENANCE, TORONTO REAL ESTATE, VAUGHAN REAL ESTATE, VAUGHAN HOMES, VELLORE VILLAGE, VELLORE WOODS, MAPLE, WOODBRIDGE, KLEINBURG
Spring has sprung, which means more sunshine, blooming spring tulips, and daffodils, and chirping and singing birds. It also means that the brutal winter has left our home exterior in a little need of tender love and care. So as you start to do your spring cleaning don’t forget about the exterior of your home.
Fences
Good fences may make for great neighbors but a fence that looks rundown will definitely not result in great curb appeal. Spruce up your fence by raking leaves and other debris that may be leaning against the base and then hose and scrub off any mud. Also touch up wood fences with a fresh coat of stain, paint, or sealant.
Windows
Don’t allow the dirt to dim the spring sunshine. Washing windows and screens will give you a sparkling view of the outdoors even if it is still a bit too cold. You can hire someone to clean the exterior of your windows or you can do the job yourself. The crisp view of your windows will make the hard work worthwhile.
Exterior Walls
Your home’s exterior walls keep you warm and cozy all through the brutal winter’s fury, but they also get splashed and stained with mud particularly near the ground. A power washer or even a hose will do the trick. But don’t forget to start at the highest points of your home to avoid washing dirt down onto the clean areas. Don’t forget about the recessed areas, tops of walls where insects nest.
Outdoor Entertaining Areas
When backyard entertaining dies down for the winter, dirt and creepy crawlers make themselves at home in your patio furniture and barbecue. Even if you store these items indoors they will require a good hose down and scrub to get them clean again.
Garden Beds
Whether you have a large garden, medium flowerbeds, or just a small planted area you can bring it back to life with the following steps:
- Rake out dried old leaves and debris
- If you did not get a chance in the fall to pull out last year’s annuals pull them now
- Weeding – removing weeds is much easier when they’re small and the soil is moist from the melted snow and spring rain. Weeding is important to reduce the spread of weeds and you may want to consider using a weed control fabric in your garden or flower beds
- Spring is a great time to prune trees and shrubs
- Spring is also the best time to treat your garden for insects to minimize pest problems in the coming months
A beautiful lawn makes a beautiful home look even more appealing. We have all heard that curb appeal is the key when selling a home.
Our grass goes dormant over the winter and may not be looking very appealing. There are a number of spring cleaning chores that will help your lawn come alive. Here are some steps to take to make your lawn stand out:
- Dormant grass is easily flattened and matted by months of snowfall. Gently rake the dormant grass to remove dead grass and perk up the grass blades which will give your lawn a boost
- Over time your lawn can become compacted, making it difficult for air and water to get to the roots. Consider an aeration service to loosen your lawn to give it an opportunity to thrive
- A spring fertilization treatment will give your grass the boost of nutrients it needs for a strong spring and summer growth.
While you are cleaning up the exterior of your home don’t forget about your garage. Clear out anything that you are not using such as old tools, unused sports equipment to make way for all the summer stuff such as bikes, outdoor games, and garden equipment. It may be a good time of year to host a yard or garage sale to clear out both exterior and interior household items that you no longer need.
Our exterior pathways and walkways have also taken a beating during those brutal winter months. Bring out your power washer and blast away the algae, salt stains, mud, and grunge from your walkways. Use a stiff broom if needed and if needed refill the spaces between the interlock and pavers with fresh sand, grout, or gravel. If your walkway has been lifted by winter’s many freeze and thaw cycles lift and level the ground and return to its place.
Once you have finished your outdoor spring cleaning I can assure you that your home will look great and you now you are ready for the warmer weather and have given your garden a head start enjoying the exterior of your home all season long!
