Spring is finally here. For me, it happens 24 hours after our first 50 degree day when people start inquiring about exterior painting and deck projects. 24 hours after that, I’m knee deep in bittersweet vines in what can only be viewed as hand-to-hand combat. The Asian Lady Beetle spawns I fight with my hand-held vac.
From there, key tasks include putting all the winter gear away, clearing gutters of winter debris, and washing windows, cars and trailers, “Burping” the house (which is a thing now although it was done in the past without a name). Raking accumulated leaves, removing sand/salt from walkways, and dump runs, dump runs, dump runs.
Here is my extended list of Spring to-dos.
Exterior Maintenance:
Yard Clean-up: Raking left-over leaves, twigs, and pinecones is essential. It is also the time to clear away sand, gravel, and salt tracked onto walkways and driveways throughout the winter months. A power broom is great for this. I occasionally use mine in the winter for light snow removal.
Deck: Decks often need a good power washing for composite decking and a good scrubbing to remove mildew from wood ones. You can use a pressure washer on a wood deck, but extra care should be used as the high-pressure water can damage the wood. This would also be the time to look at the deck’s condition. Is it safe? Does it need repair or upgrade to meet code? Should you schedule an evaluation or schedule deck upgrades and repairs?
Windows/Storm: Clean and Inspect both for damage. Ideally damaged window screens are dropped off at Aubuchon in the winter so they can be prepared before the rush.
Lighting: It can take a beating especially in danger prone areas. Check for damage and repair if needed.
Interior Maintenance:
Window Cleaning: Cleaning windows inside and out, including window tracks, is essential to remove dust and the dead bugs the hand vacuum may have missed. Wood windows deserve a closer look. The freeze and thaw cycles and the condensation can blow out the glazing which can result in loose glass and cracked panes.
HVAC Care: Before the heat and humidity hits, changing air filters, cleaning vents, and intake registers is important to ensure efficient airflow. Your mini splits will thank you for a filter cleaning every 2-4 weeks and a professional cleaning twice a year.
Lighting: It can take a beating especially in danger prone areas. Check for damage and repair if needed.
Interior Maintenance:
Window Cleaning: Cleaning windows inside and out, including window tracks, is essential to remove dust and the dead bugs the hand vacuum may have missed. Wood windows deserve a closer look. The freeze and thaw cycles and the condensation can blow out the glazing which can result in loose glass and cracked panes.
Deep Cleaning: High-traffic areas, particularly entryways, need specialized attention to remove salt and mud stains.
Lawn and Garden Preparation
It is recommended to wait until daytime temperatures are consistently around 50°F for seven days before extensive gardening, as this allows beneficial insects and pollinators to emerge.
Aeration and Seeding: Once the ground is no longer frozen or excessively wet, aerating the lawn and repairing bare spots with quality grass seed is crucial for a healthy summer lawn.
Lawn and Garden Preparation
It is recommended to wait until daytime temperatures are consistently around 50°F for seven days before extensive gardening, as this allows beneficial insects and pollinators to emerge.
Aeration and Seeding: Once the ground is no longer frozen or excessively wet, aerating the lawn and repairing bare spots with quality grass seed is crucial for a healthy summer lawn.
Mulching: Adding fresh mulch to garden beds helps retain moisture and suppress weeds that spread quickly during the spring.
Planting: Early spring is the best time to prune woody perennials and remove debris from cold-tolerant plants like hellebores. My 4 apple trees had a huge number of suckers this year compared to last.
No Mow May: It’s a conservation movement urging homeowners to stop or reduce lawn mowing during May allowing wildflowers like dandelions and clover to bloom to feed early-season bees and butterflies. It helps create temporary habitats, though some critics suggest "mow less" is more practical for managing invasive weeds.
Local Community Resources
Towns within The Windham Eagle newspaper’s delivery range may have special disposal options for spring trash, leaf, brush or heavy item pick up. Familiarize yourself with your town’s trash operations and schedule.
Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <
Start up your gear: Winter is harsh on yard equipment primarily due to fuel degradation, moisture-induced corrosion, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Stale fuel (especially with ethanol) creates sludge that clogs engines, while freezing conditions damage batteries and cause tires to dry rot. Inspect and start them up early so you know they will work when you need them.
Local Community Resources
Towns within The Windham Eagle newspaper’s delivery range may have special disposal options for spring trash, leaf, brush or heavy item pick up. Familiarize yourself with your town’s trash operations and schedule.
Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <
No comments:
Post a Comment