Don‘t forget these home & yard maintenance tasks
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but preparing your home and yard for the hot weather is also essential. Here’s a checklist to help you keep your house cool and lawn lush all season long.
Exterior Maintenance:
- Clean and Check: After spring, your gutters are probably overflowing with leaves and debris. Clear them out and check for any leaks or damage. While at it, wash your windows to remove winter grime and let the sunshine in! Remember to check and replace window screens if necessary.
- Spruce Up Your Siding: Give your home’s exterior a good scrub with a hose and a mild detergent solution. You can also power wash siding, but be careful not to damage the material. Inspect your siding for loose or damaged boards and fix them as needed.
- Deck and Patio TLC: Summer is prime time for outdoor entertaining. Renew the stain or paint on your deck to protect it from the sun’s rays, and clean or power wash your patio stones to remove built-up dirt and grime.
Yard Care:
- Mow and Edge: Regular mowing keeps your lawn healthy and looking neat. Aim to mow high (around 3 inches) to help retain moisture in the hot weather. Keep your lawn’s edges crisp with a string trimmer or edger.
- Water Wisely: Early morning is the best time to water your lawn, as less water evaporates in the cooler temperatures. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
- Fertilize: In early Summer, boost your grass with a slow-release fertilizer. This will help it stay green and healthy throughout the hot season.
- Beat the Heat Stress: Watch your plants during hot and dry spells. Wilting is a sign they need water. You can also add mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil.
Indoor Comfort:
- Air Conditioning Check: Schedule a professional tune-up for your air conditioning unit to ensure it’s running efficiently. By replacing clogged air filters and inspecting the system, you can avoid a breakdown on a scorching summer day.
- Reverse Your Fans: Set your ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise in the summer. This will push cool air down and create a refreshing breeze.
- Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Following these simple tips, you can keep your home and yard in tip-top shape all Summer. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the warm weather without any worries!