May Maintenance Tips: Preparing Your Home and Garden for Spring
As spring unfolds and warmer days approach, it's the perfect time to focus on essential home and garden maintenance tasks to ensure everything is in top shape. Here are a few key tips to guide your preparations and make the most of May:
1. Deep Water Your Lawn
In preparation for hotter weather, deep watering encourages root growth, ensuring your lawn can withstand drier conditions later in the season. Water thoroughly but less frequently to help roots reach deeper into the soil.
2. Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs and Perennials
Get ahead of the growing season by planting summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias, lilies, and gladiolus. This is also an excellent time to add perennials that thrive in the sun, ensuring a colorful garden that will bloom throughout summer.
3. Clean and Inspect Patio and Deck Areas
Inspect your deck and patio for any necessary repairs. Replace damaged boards, nails, or screws and give the entire area a thorough cleaning. This is also a good time to reseal wood surfaces to protect against moisture and UV damage.
4. Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs
Once spring-blooming shrubs have finished their flowering phase, it's time for a light prune. This ensures the plants maintain their shape while encouraging healthy growth for the following season.
5. Clean Kitchen Exhaust Fan Filters
Prevent buildup in your kitchen by cleaning the exhaust fan filters. This simple task improves air quality and helps keep your kitchen efficient and fresh.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure your home safety systems are working properly by testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and defective units to provide peace of mind for your family.
