Spring yard maintenance is a fact of life for Canadian homeowners. As winter’s grip loosens and we prepare for a season of barbecued meals and backyard entertaining, we must first take steps to protect our homes and beautify our yards. Complete these ten steps and there’ll be nothing left to do but start making smores.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Fall’s leaves and winter’s ice and snow can take a toll on your gutters and downspouts. Your spring inspection should ensure three things: that all gutters remain in place, that water can flow freely though, and that the downspout is pointed away from the home, draining in a manner that prevents pooling.
Inspect Walkways, Patios, and Paved Surfaces for Polymeric Sand and Cracks
Polymeric sand between pavers will ensure that your walkways remain free from weeds, anthills, and other unsightly blemishes. Don’t forget to inspect your polymeric sand each spring. Giving your patio or entranceway a powerwash will clean it up and have it ready for the summer months ahead. While you’re at it, inspect for cracks and sinking pavers as well.
Ensure Your Yard Working Equipment is in Good Working Order
A rock star always tunes their guitar before taking the stage. Spring means go-time for the yard artist, and there’s no time like the present to ensure that your gas and battery-powered lawn equipment is in good working order. This includes sharpened blades. Your fans depend on you!
Use Compact Soil to Prevent Yard Flooding
Swimming pools are a great addition to a yard. Naturally occurring pools of water? Not so much. Uneven yards allow spring rains to collect, which can lead to foundation damage, while also serving as the preferred breeding grounds for uninvited summer guests of the insect variety. Use compacted soil to level the playing field and avoid future headaches.
Examine Your Roof and Shingles
You’ve worked hard to put a roof over your head, let’s keep it leak-free! Winter’s fury and summer’s hot sun give Canadian shingles a vicious 1-2 punch, so regular inspection is important. Are any shingles damaged or missing? Is the caulking around vents and chimneys in good order? Please be safe when climbing onto the roof! If you’re uncomfortable, hire a professional.
Ensure Your Chimney is Free from Damage
Do you have a functioning chimney? If so, hire a chimney sweep to clean the flue. While you’re on the roof checking for loose shingles, check the chimney’s exterior for signs of damage.
Re-Caulk Windows and Doors
If you wanna talk the talk, you’ve gotta caulk the caulk. Water and bugs want to get inside of your house, and damaged caulking provides them their opportunity. Inspect the caulking around windows and doors, and replace as necessary. (Bonus: Notice your heating bill come down next winter!)
Move Wood Piles and Other Debris Away from Your Home
Think of that damp woodpile as a maternity ward for insects. Ditto for other piles of junk. The mess is no fun to look at either. Move it away from your home if possible.
Examine BBQs and AC Units
Summertime means heating up meals and cooling down living rooms. Start on the right foot by cleaning BBQ burners, tubes and grills this spring. Propane BBQ owners should ensure they’ve got a full tank (or two) so they don’t run out at an inopportune time.
As for AC units, a professional inspection is a good safety measure and may help extend your unit’s life.
Inspect Outdoor Lights and Faucets
Make sure that your outdoor faucets are in good working order, as well as all hoses. Ignoring leaks will aggravate you all summer, so get on top of it right now!
Outdoor lighting is another area to inspect as part of your spring yard maintenance routine. Outdoor lighting can really brighten up your home, but not if bulbs are blown or wiring is faulty. Be sure to ensure that sensors are functional as well.
Next Steps
Like a true champion you’ve survived the Canadian winter. Your reward is a summer full of hot days and relaxing evenings spent in your beautiful yard. A solid spring yard maintenance routine will increase your curb appeal, protect your home, and set you up for summer fun.
If you’d like to upgrade your yard with interlocking driveways, walkways, and patios, or innovative landscape designs, Davel is your top choice in the Georgetown area. Request a consultation today and let us beautify your yard!
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