Does your home's exterior look drab after being neglected all winter?
Spring is the perfect time to clear the outdoor clutter in anticipation
of the planting season. You instantly improve your home's curb appeal
and get to soak up all the warm spring weather. Here's how to do it.
Turn Over a New Leaf
We raked and raked last fall, but we always seem to end up with dead
leaves in our yard come spring. Removing the brown leaves makes the lawn
look better and gives the grass an all-access pass to the sun and
rainwater of spring. While you're at it, pick up any sticks or branches
that fell into the yard.
Clean the Beds
Now is
the time to clean out your existing planting beds to prep them for the
flowers or vegetables you'll plant soon. Get rid of any leaves or
leftover plant debris in the beds. Till the soil to make it workable.
This is also a good time to add organic material like compost to your
planting beds and any soil amendments needed to make the soil fertile.
Don't forget your planters. If you use them for annuals, empty the
soil you used last year and clean the pot. You can sanitize your flower
pots with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts of water. Soak
the containers for 10 minutes or longer and rinse thoroughly.
All Hands on Deck
Your patio and deck can probably use a spring cleaning, too. Hose off
the outdoor living spaces to get rid of dirt and sand that build up over
winter. If you have a brick patio or walkway, check the joints to see
if they need more sand. Scrub down your patio furniture so you're ready
for outdoor entertainment.
Spruce It Up
With
everything outside cleaned, you can look for little improvements that
will make your landscape pop. Repaint the fence. Power wash the
foundation. Add shutters to your windows. Replace the railings on your
deck. These little outdoor home improvement projects get your home's
exterior in shape and improve curb appeal with just a little effort and
money.
