Spring cleaning your yard and home exterior

Winter's icy grip may have loosened, but chances are that your yard and home exterior are still sporting a case of the hibernation blues. Spring cleaning your outdoor spaces isn't just about aesthetics (although a fresh, sparkling home on the outside is pretty dang lovely). It's about giving your property a good once-over after a long winter and ensuring everything is ready to blossom (literally and figuratively) come spring and summer.

So, grab your gardening gloves and a can-do attitude to banish those winter cobwebs!

Yard Spring Cleaning: Three Nifty Ideas 

• Unearth the Emerald City (Under Your Lawn): After months of snow and dormancy, your lawn might be looking a little, well, lackluster. Grab your rake and de-thatch your grass. De-thatching removes dead grass and debris that can suffocate your lawn, allowing it to breathe and grow nice and thick again. Think of it as a spring detox for your precious green patch.
• Become a Weed Warrior: Now that the snow has melted, those sneaky little weeds are probably popping up like uninvited guests at a barbecue. Don't let them steal the spotlight! Instead, arm yourself with a garden fork or a good-quality weed killer (environmentally friendly, of course), and reclaim your flowerbeds and walkways.
• Mulch Ado about Nothing: Spring is a great time to add a fresh layer of mulch around your trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. It's a superhero for your plants. Just remember to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of your plants to prevent rot.

Now that your yard looks spiffy, let's turn our attention to your house!

Sprucing Up Your Home's Exterior

• Power to the Porch: Your porch furniture has probably been tucked away in the garage all winter or under cover outside. Give it a good scrub down with soapy water or, for tougher jobs, consider renting a power washer (just be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first). And don’t forget to clean and refresh those throw pillows for a comfy place to relax after a hard day of yard work.
• Window to the Soul: Winter grime can leave your windows looking a bit dull. Grab your favorite glass cleaner and some newspaper or microfiber cloths, and get those windows sparkling again. Natural light is not only good for your mood, but it also allows you to show off that beautiful, newly landscaped yard!
• Spidey Sense Tingling?: Spring is prime time for those eight-legged acrobats to start spinning their webs. Grab a broom or your trusty cobweb duster and sweep your eaves, siding, and outdoor light fixtures well. This will keep your home neat and clean while deterring unwelcome guests from setting up shop.

So there you have it! With a little elbow grease and these handy tips, you can have your yard and home exterior looking beautiful and ready to embrace the joys of spring. And once complete, it’ll be the perfect time to schedule a date with a comfy porch swing and a refreshing glass of lemonade!