Spring Clean-up: Things to Do to Get Your Home Ready

Spring is nearly here and there are a number of things you need to do to get ready.

If you do not want bugs, the time to spray is now. An oil based or lime sulfer spray sprayed on trees and plants will not harm them or you. They will also keep the insects such as mites, mealy bugs, plant bugs and other harmful bugs or worms away from infecting plants and trees.

If you are planning a garden, you better start now. First plan the garden on paper being sure you allow enough space for plants. Then, plant seeds in containers to prepare them for planting in the garden. Remember to spray the lawn and garden now before planting to avoid snow mold. Give about 4 weeks after spraying before you plant.

The next step to prepare for spring is to check your lawn and garden tools. Is your lawnmower working or does it need a check-up? Does the mower need sharpening? Clean your trimmers and checks for breaks in the chord. You do not want to be electrocuted. Sharpen your spade, shovels, hoes or any other tools you may need.

How are the screens in your home? Are there any tears or rips? Rather than replacing the entire door, you can purchase metal screening kits and repair the entire screen area or a little bit of it. Do it now before mosquitoes and other spring/summer bugs become a problem.

Now go check out your outdoor furniture. Re-glue loose joints and use a scraper to remove residue or rust. You may also want to think about repainting metal ones now. Canvas or seating areas can be replaced or you can sew new coverings to give a new look this year. Check to make sure they are working and you did not keep broken ones around. The last thing you want is someone getting hurt at your spring outdoor party by falling from a broken lawn chair.

If you have a deck, you may want to think about putting a wood sealer on it now. See your local store for the best ones available for your type of wood. A patio will require a good wash depending on how dirty it got from the elements. It's never too early to start. Be sure to trim weeds around rocks and stones.

Check your windows and carpets. You may find tiny beetles and ladybugs. It's simple to get rid on them. Simply vacuum them. Be sure to vacuum the crevices around rugs and walls and keep an eye to see if they return. If they do, you may need to use an insecticide.

If your tools are sharp you may want to prune your hedges. American holly, evergreens, foundation shrubs and boxwoods are among the plants you need to trim during March and April. Also pruning vines back is a good idea. Remove branches and cut them back about three buds.

Once the frost is gone, it is time to once again rake the lawn. Raking is not only for the fall. It needs to be done in the spring as well. Clean off dead materials, pick-up shrubs and patch up dead spots about two weeks prior to the first mowing.

You may also want to think about fertilizing the lawn soon Depending on your lawn you could need three to four fertilizations a year. Check with an expert in your area.

The April rains will soon hit so you better check your gutters. Winter weather can cause tears in them and soon you may find clogs causing water damage to roofs, ceilings and walls. Bad drainage could also lead to flooding in your home.

As the time changes remember to check batteries on fire alarms as well.

You may also want to think about putting winter equipment away. If storing items like a snowblower, wash them first. Simple soap and water should do, but also check the oils and clean any areas that make have grease on them.

You may want to remove plastic from windows if you plasticized them soon and wash windows. Yuck! Also change curtains and clean shades. Don't forget about wiping down fan blades. It's amazing how dirty they get and you don't want dust and germs spread around the house.

Those are important things to do in March and April. Spring is the time to get ready for summer and enjoy warmer weather. Don't spend all your time cleaning. Spend sometimes enjoying the warmth again.