If the sight of the mercury creeping upward fills you with spring fever, we're with you. We, too, are restless for the toastier and longer days that are just around the corner.
Clean the gutters
Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter so your gutter system is ready to handle spring showers. Overflowing gutters and blocked downspouts can damage siding and foundations.
Clean the AC condenser
Remove dust and debris that have accumulated on the AC condenser (the big metal box outside your house) so that the AC works efficiently.
Clean the siding
Get rid of dirt and grime that can cause mildew and shorten the life of your siding. As a bonus, the exterior of your home will look fresh and clean for spring.
Caulk around windows and doors
Inspect the caulking and repair any that was battered during the winter. Check around your windows, doors, and corner trim to prevent water infiltration and avoid costly repairs.
Inspect the roofing
Take a close look at your roofing to check for loose and missing shingles, worn and rusted flashing, and cracked boots around vent pipes.
March really kicks off the beginning of the lawn care season! Not sure where to start on your lawn? Here are a few things you can do this month:
- Remove any winter damage. Any branches, leaves, dirt, etc. laying on top of your grass should be removed. Although your lawn hasn’t started growing yet, these branches and weeds are going to start taking advantage of a weak lawn. They need to be removed.
- Prepare your mower and lawn tools. Your tools have likely been sitting in your garage or shed for a few months. Pull them out and clean them up. Make sure they work and are ready to go when it’s time to start using them.
- Aerate. If you have warm-season grass (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine), you should have your lawn aerated in early spring every year. This is really where the “lawn calendar year” starts. It’s the foundation for a healthy, thick lawn.
- It’s likely your lawn is fine and does not need mowing yet because it hasn’t started growing for the season. But if you do feel your lawn is ready to be mowed, just take off very little from the top.
March Maintenance Tips
- Clean garbage disposal
- Clean gutters and make sure they drain well Clean and replace window screens
- Check the roof for damage
- Check that the sump pump is draining properly