This week, we are picking up where we left off on the spring cleaning front and moving into spring cleaning: the outdoor edition. Last week, we covered spring cleaning indoors and how to tackle areas of your home that need some love after the long winter. Now it is time to tackle the outside of your home and your yard. Now, Dabs is not big into the great outdoors, but I have been watching The Mathematician do it for years, so I consider myself pretty knowledgeable.
But first, I owe you an apology. Last week’s article was perhaps in poor taste. I mean, sending you an article about spring cleaning when the weather was freezing and snowy was unkind. In my defense, I wrote the article on a day when it was sunny and mid-60s. I should have known our Michigan weather would whiplash us back in the other direction before we arrived at the true warm weather!
April Showers, in May
Every year, I think about that rhyme and how it does not seem to apply to Michigan. Anecdotally, I feel like we see the rain mostly in May and even into June (hello, thunderstorms!).
Whatever the truth, the rainy season is upon us, so you want to get your home ready. Repeat our mantra after me, friends. “Water is our #1 household enemy!”. Good job. We’ve identified the “why”. Now let’s look at the “how”.
On and Around the House
Doorways
Spice up your home with some fun mats outside your doors and colorful rugs just inside them. If you are like me and your mats are a utilitarian navy blue all year round, drag those mats out and hose them down in your driveway.
Don’t forget a home for your umbrellas because you’re going to need them! Hang them on a hook in your coat closet or pick up a funky old school umbrella bin.
Roof
Take a look at your roof. How does it look in the cold clear light of a spring day? If you see any missing/loose shingles or areas that are dirty or inconsistent in color, it may be time for some professional help.
This roof suggestion comes from Gary in Novi (thanks, G!): If your roof is looking dirty or depressed, you can hire a professional company to come in and clean it using environmentally-friendly agents. It will enhance the exterior appearance of your home and potentially extend the life of your roof. If your roof is under warranty, ensure you comply with the requirements of your warranty.
Gutters
Double check your home’s gutters, French drain system or downspouts to make sure they are clog-free and water is moving away from your home’s foundation. Fix any broken or loose gutters from winter storms — rainwater that pools can really damage roofs, ceilings, attics, and walls.
If you have been toying with purchasing gutter guards to make future clean outs unnecessary, now is the time! You can have the gutter guard company clean out the gutters before they install the guards. #win
Drainage
Observe your lawn during a rainstorm so you are ready to address any drainage issues. If your lawn has a drainage ditch, like mine, clean out any pass through pipes to ensure the water flows as it should.
Hire a contractor/landscaper to examine any problems with standing water or lack of adequate draining. You’ll have a better idea of the cause and avoid the consequences (basement flooding) of poor drainage. Proper grading, a French drain system or curtain drain may be needed.
The Great Outdoors
If you haven’t watched this classic John Candy and Dan Ackroyd film in awhile, get a hold of a copy because it is HILARIOUS. Worth it just for the scene where John Candy eats the The Old ’96er.
Anyways, back to your yard. Take a good hard look at your yard and the exterior for home looking for winter damage or areas that need some TLC.
Cleanup
Take the time to remove debris such dead foliage and fallen branches and twigs that may be scattered in your yard. Clear out any growth or brush that you want to eliminate.
Experts recommend holding off on raking up leaves in your yard until mid-May. Our local pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, often winter in areas that are vulnerable to being thrown in the compost. Your can read more on best practices to save the bees HERE.
Garden Supplies
Get those garden tools and supplies cleaned, sharpened and restocked. Remove rust and seal blades for pruning shears, hedge clippers, trowels, etc. Clean and restock garden pots, gloves, knee pads, and watering cans.
Don’t forget to pick up that oh-so-expensive gas for your lawnmower. Purge and organize your garden shed or storage area to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Then you can arrange the space for easy access and a more orderly set up.
Patio or Deck
Clean and prepare your patio or deck and any outdoor furniture or planters. Consider power washing to get rid of grime on some items that can withstand the pressure. If you can get your hands on a power washer, they are very cool. Maybe borrow one from your brother, like this author did. (Thanks, Chris!)
However, know that you will get soaked and you will be sore the next day from trying to control the spray. My first experience was a lot like Spanky in the Little Rascals wrestling with the fire hose. I also ripped a long gouge in my grass because I wasn’t paying attention, uh, so watch where you are aiming it.
That being said, very few life experiences give you the immediate satisfaction of blowing away dirt and grime with serious horsepower. I speak wisdom words of experience here.
Grill
YES! GRILL SEASON IS HERE! Clean your grill and address any issues that might need repair. Scrub the grates, wash the burners and wash your grill cover if you have one.
Don’t forget to fill the propane tank if you have a gas grill or stock up on charcoal for other grills. There is nothing worse than running out of gas midway through cooking a fabulous meal. Again, wisdom words of experience from Dabs.
Pests
Little critters start to come out in the warmer weather so hire a pest service that can help you deal with ants, rats, spiders, or mice. Ensure your garbage is securely sealed up in an appropriate bin. Clean up any areas with debris that create an inviting home for critters. The rats love to hid in dense brush or under wood piles.
Driveway
Winter weather can be harsh on garages, driveways and sidewalks, especially with the road salt and other disgustings (Yes, I made up a word there!) geared toward addressing ice and snow. Use an environmentally-friendly biodegradable cleaner, if you need something beyond water. The power washer is your friend here as well!
Repair cracks whether you have concrete or asphalt. Sealing or resurfacing can give a driveway a bright lift. If you have pavers, make sure you know how to clean and re-sand or hire a professional.
Flower Garden
You can begin to plant summer bulbs, annuals, and perennials for beds and planters. Come up with a plan so you purchase only what you need and what works for the soil and sunlight in your yard. Order your mulch so your yard will look “clean and crisp” in the coming weeks.
I give you this advice knowing full well in June I will look around the neighborhood and realize I am the only house without any flowers. Again, Dabs + the outdoors = not a thing.
Trees and shrubs
Your yard is most likely showing signs of spring now. Once growth or buds sprouts, you can fertilize and prune certain plants. You can transplant trees before they leaf out. Prune trees and shrubs that have any damage from the winter.
You can’t prune some shrubs such as azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons until after they bloom. You can prune nonflowering trees and shrubs.
I hope you enjoyed Spring Cleaning: The Outdoor Edition. Let me know if you have any questions on maintaining your home. Reach out to me if I can recommend a contractor who can help you with any of these tasks. I’d love to help you get these items done so you can avoid costly damage or long-lasting problems down the line.
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Good read!