We’re all familiar with indoor spring cleaning. This year, we encourage you to take that energy in your outdoor living space as well. Not everyone thinks about cleaning up around their yard, but once the snow melts and the days get warmer, there’s a lot you can do to get your space ready for summer. Just adding a few of the following items to your outdoor spring cleaning checklist can get you ready to enjoy your backyard all summer long.
Give Your Deck Some TLC
Colder weather can be hard on your deck. If you have a natural, hardwood deck, then moisture from the colder months can damage the sealant. Give your deck a good once over to look for any spots of moisture damage, cracking, or wear in the finish. Even vinyl or composite wood decking can benefit from this annual maintenance.
After any necessary repairs have been made, sweep your deck thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to clear off accumulated dirt and debris. If you have furniture on your deck, remove before cleaning. Keeping your deck as clean as you can will not only make for a better looking space for you and your family, but will extend the life of your deck overall.
Get In The Garden
This doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you do have garden beds on your property, then spring is the right time to get your hands dirty. From transplanting seedlings to preparing your outdoor pots and containers for your favorite annuals, there’s a lot of work to be done.
Start by clearing away accumulations of dead weeds or leaves. Add and mix fresh soil to garden beds, and trim any shrubbery you may have missed in the previous fall. If you already have a planting plan, you can get started putting your new greenery in the ground. If you’re starting from scratch, this is a great time to create a planting plan or hit up your local nurseries.
We know that not everyone has the space to consider their landscaping. Still, if you are lucky enough to have planting on your property, one of the best ways to maximize your home’s curb appeal is to keep them looking tidy.
Care for Your Concrete
Winter is hard on your hardscaping. If you have concrete and live in a seasonal climate, then you are probably familiar with the toll that freeze and thaw patterns can have on concrete paving. Spring is the time to walk around your property and check the condition of your paved areas.
Stepper, stairs, pathways, patios, and driveways are all subject to cracking and chipping over the winter. The longer a crack is left, the worse the damage can become. Getting damaged concrete repaired before the next cold cycle sets in is important.
Round Up Any Clutter
Tidying up isn’t just for the rooms in your house. When cold encroaches, we can find ourselves huddled inside before we’ve gotten the chance to pick up around the yard. When spring comes, we may notice that there are spare toys, lawn equipment, or even litter strewn around our outdoor space.
The more items you have cluttering your outdoor living space, the more hectic your yard will be. Make your backyard a relaxation zone by tidying up clutter, and finding a dedicated spot for all of those miscellaneous items.
String Up Lights
Mood lighting can make a huge difference in your outdoor living space. From setting ambience, to making the space safe and navigable, lights that you use spring through fall may come down once winter begins.
When the snow has melted, walk around your yard and check on your outdoor lighting. Ensure no pathway or stair lights have been cracked by ice, snow, or other debris. Replace any burnt out lightbulbs, and reinstate any seasonal string lights or accessories.
Service Sprinklers
Like outdoor lighting, sprinkler systems can find it hard to weather a long hard winter as well. Each spring, be sure to test and observe each of your sprinkler heads for functionality. If you notice issues with your system, or find a head that needs replacing, act quickly. Making sure you can water your outdoor space evenly is important as you move into the growing season.
Look at The Lawn
If you’re the proud owner of a lawn, then you know that taking care of it can feel like a full time job. Come spring, add your grass to your outdoor spring cleaning list. Rake and bag any dead leaves or debris. Identify any bare patches and determine if any patches of your lawn are in need of grass seed.
Once your lawn starts to grow, establish a regular mowing and watering schedule and stick to it for a green space you, your kids, and your furry friends can enjoy all summer long.
Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture
Finally, an outdoor spring cleaning checklist wouldn’t be complete without mentioning your outdoor furniture. If you move your pieces in and out of storage each season, then it may be as simple as giving them a quick dust and setting them down outside. However, if your outdoor furniture has hunkered down outside all winter long, they may need a little more TLC.
Clean outdoor furniture with a gentle water and soap solution, or designated furniture cleaner, and wipe dry. All finishes of furniture can and should be cleaned regularly to prevent build up and moisture. Left to accumulate, dirt and water will begin to degrade the finish of your pieces, shortening their life span significantly. Not to mention, no one wants to sit on a dirty porch seat!
Little Things Make a Big Difference
If you’re thinking about starting an outdoor spring cleaning checklist, you may not know where to start. The prospect of cleaning up your entire backyard can be daunting. Thankfully, it is all of the little things you can do that make the biggest difference in the appearance and livability of your backyard.
From cleaning furniture to checking your concrete and sprinkler system, small actions add up. Get the maximum enjoyment out of your backyard this summer by doing a little outdoor spring cleaning. We promise, you won’t regret it.