Winter is on its way out, and spring is on its way in. That means it’s time to stop hibernating and get outside! Before you do, though, you’ll need to help your home recover from the damage incurred during winter and take steps to prepare it for spring. Don’t stress about what you need to do; just follow our lead with these six steps for preparing your home for spring. 

Step 1: Clean your yard

It’s been a while since you’ve spent an extended amount of time in your yard, and it’s likely got leaves and other debris scattered about. Take time in early spring to rake up all the leaves, loose twigs, and anything else your yard has collected over the winter. If you own a mulching mower, you can shred the leaves and allow them to compost on your lawn to provide it with important nutrients. 

Step 2: Prep your grass and other plants and trees

At winter’s end, you’ll want to ensure your grass, shrubs, flowers, and trees are all set to bloom in the spring. Prune all dead and diseased branches from trees with a handsaw and use a strong bypass lopper for pruning smaller bushes and shrubs. Be sure to cut all branches away from you so they don’t fall toward you. 

At this time, you’ll also want to prep your lawn for optimal grass growth. Pull up all weeds and crabgrass, making sure to pull up the entire root. Use a shovel or a weed-whacker to make the job easier. If your lawn has heavy weed growth, you may want to use a strong herbicide to stop the weed before it takes over your entire lawn. Finally, fertilize and seed your lawn to promote new, healthy roots and strong grass growth in the coming seasons. 

Step 3: Clear your gutters

Clogged gutters can cause severe damage to your home. After a long winter, your gutters may be full of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Use a gloved hand to clear your gutters of all objects and then flush the gutters with a running hose. This will help you find any leaks that need to be repaired. Also, if using a ladder, be extra cautious to avoid falls and injury.

Step 4: Clean the exterior of your home

It’s time to get the outside of your home looking beautiful again! If you own a pressure washer and already have the specialized cleaning solution to use with it, you’re ready to go. Otherwise, you can rent a pressure washer from a home improvement store, like Lowe’s or Home Depot, and purchase the cleaning solution in these stores as well. Load the washer with the solution and clean the outside of your home with slow movements. Let the solution rest for a few minutes, and then rinse with water from the washer or a garden hose. 

Step 5: Prepare your patio

To prepare your patio or deck for spring, check for any damage it may have incurred over the winter. Make any necessary repairs and clean the entire area with a broom, garden hose and/or pressure washer. If there is any mildew growth, use a scrub brush and specialized deck cleaner to remove it. You may also want to reseal your deck if it’s showing significant signs of aging. 

Next, take your patio furniture out of storage and check it over for damage. You may need to wipe each piece down with a damp cloth or wipe. Set up your outdoor rugs, planters, lighting, and wind chimes as well. 

Finally, prepare your grill. It’s best to remove your grates and scrub them with a wire brush to remove any caked-on debris. For tougher stains, use a spray-on grill cleaner. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of the grill thoroughly with hot, soapy water and then rinse with water, then allow it to dry before using. 

Step 6: Prepare your A/C units

Make sure your home is ready to handle the heat by inspecting your A/C units early in the season. Check your outdoor unit panels, removing all leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Also, check the interior of the unit to be sure it’s clear of any debris that may have blown inside. Finally, it’s a good idea to change your HVAC system’s air filter before you turn it on for the season.

Your home is ready for the new season! Have a wonderful spring. 

For more information regarding homeownership, visit https://yourasecu.com/other-services#enrich.