Although many of us have been experiencing a particularly wet summer so far, the sun is coming out and, as such, you might want to spend a lot more time in your yard. However, that might not be easy if the outside of your home is in a pitiable state. Having to suddenly tidy the whole exterior if you haven’t done it in a while can be pretty daunting, even overwhelming, so let’s break it down into the tasks you can tackle one by one, building your routine along the way.
Lawn Care And Landscaping Maintenance
A good, healthy lawn is the foundation of any home’s appearance. Grass grows rapidly and needs constant mowing, so finding the right lawn care appliances to streamline or even automate things can make it much less of a chore. Similarly, you might want to opt for sprinkler systems to keep your lawn hydrated, with smart systems even able to adjust watering needs based on the weather and temperature. Fertilization, weed control, edging, and other landscaping maintenance are important, as well, so take the time to steadily work at it. It’s not too difficult to transform a messy, unkempt lawn into the neat patch of green that your home deserves, so long as you’re consistently working at it.
Gutter Cleaning And Drain Inspection
Although fall is typically the time of year you might think to check your gutter, summer’s a good time to get started with it. It’s right after the blooming period of spring, when leaves, twigs, and debris can easily block water flow. The heat can often bring storms with it, after all, so you want ot make sure that your home can handle drainage as it should. Otherwise, clogged gutters can cause them to overflow, potentially damaging your siding, foundations, and landscaping. Cleaning your gutters yourself or scheduling a professional cleaning can keep them and your downspouts free of obstructions, making your home much better able to withstand those heavy summer rains.
Pressure Washing Exterior Surfaces
While summers do bring rain, there are going to be plenty of dry, sunny days, which are the perfect time to pressure wash your outdoor surfaces. Dirt, mold, mildew, algae, and other stains can build up throughout the year, directly affecting the look of driveways, sidewalks, patios, siding, and more. Not only does it look a lot more unsightly, but it can be potentially dangerous, as well, increasing the risk of slips and falls on your property. Professional pressure washing ensures that you’re keeping your surfaces clean and safe, while also preserving the materials and removing contaminants. You can pressure wash them yourself, with the right equipment, but you have to be careful to use the power settings and cleaning products that are best suited to the material. You don’t want to inadvertently damage them.
Tree Trimming And Shrub Management
Just like your lawn and surrounding plants, your trees and shrubs are likely to experience plenty of growth in the summer months as well, meaning that some trimming is going to be essential for both the safety and aesthetics of the garden. After all, overgrown branches aren’t just a bit of a visual mess; they can interfere with power lines, block walkways, or pose a risk during storms. Heavy branches can snap, falling onto whatever or whoever might be beneath. Proper pruning is also important to prevent disease and reduce the risk of pest infestations. Trimming can also help you remove dead or weakened limbs before they’re able to affect the health of the tree more broadly. Just like trees, shrubs, and hedges should be trimmed regularly to better maintain their shape and prevent overcrowding. Well-maintained trees and hedges enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior, while heavily overgrown greenery only tends to obscure it.
Pool Cleaning And Maintenance
It’s getting to be hot enough that you might be super tempted to jump into your pool. However, if it has been sitting unused since last summer, or even just for a few months, you might want to wait on that. Regular pool care needs to become a priority to make sure that your water stays clean and safe, but starting with a professional pool service can make sure that not only are the pool surfaces cleaned, but the systems that keep it running are cleaned too. Professionals can also help you test and adjust the water's chemical balance so that you know it’s safe to swim in. If you see any algae growth or cloudy water, your pool is in immediate need of assistance. Even when all looks well, however, make sure you’re doing routine care to not just keep it swimmable but to extend the lifespan of the equipment that keeps it that way, too. Do keep in mind that everything from stormy weather to frequent use of the pool can affect the water’s chemical balance, so testing and adjusting it routinely is wise, too.
Pest Control And Prevention
Warm temperatures create the ideal conditions for pests, so it’s vital to start putting some preventive measures in place. As mentioned, keeping the garden tidy and well-maintained provides less cover for them to get closer to the home, but if you spot any signs of unwanted guests in the home, it’s time to call pest control services ASAP. Not only can they help you eliminate any infestations in or around the home, but they can also identify problem areas and implement preventative treatments to stop them from returning once again. Outdoor inspections can help you find entry points around your windows, foundations, and landscaping that you could potentially block off physically. They can also recommend long-term approaches to help ward off pests, including natural options that are better for the local environment than heavy-handed use of pesticides.
Remember, it’s important that you keep up with the tasks mentioned above as necessary throughout the months ahead. If you’re able to maintain it routinely, then you’re not going to have to do another big cleanup by the time summer rolls around next year.
