With warmer days ahead and Chicagoland starting to thaw, one thing is clear — spring is on its way! Daffodils will pop up, robins will return to nest before you know it and our real estate agents want to ensure your home's outdoor space is ready for the changing seasons.
Check Faucets and Reconnect Hoses
Spring is the time to inspect your outdoor spigots for any damage. Ideally, you should have turned the water off to these faucets last fall, and you can now turn them back on as soon as the worst of the winter cold has passed. Reconnect the hoses and check the nozzles and sprinklers to make sure they're all in good working order.
Clean and Retouch Your Deck
Outdoor decks and patios take a beating throughout the harsh winter months, and they often need a little TLC when the first signs of spring arrive. Start by sweeping away debris like dirt, dead leaves and other plant matter, and then perform a deep cleaning using water and a gentle cleanser with a stiff-bristled brush. Concrete, brick and stone patios can also be pressure washed for a deeper clean. Wood decks don't generally need to be power washed, but consider it every few years if your deck shows significant wear and needs to be re-stained and sealed.
Bring Out Patio Furniture
Patio furniture can be brought back out as soon as you're relatively sure there won't be any more ice or snow. They'll probably need cleaning, too. A sponge and a mild solution of soap and water are sufficient for wood and wicker pieces and work great for plastic and metal furniture, too. Cushions can be hosed off and left out to dry.
Provide Some Illumination
Add some lights to your outdoor space to brighten up your evenings outside and allow for nighttime entertaining. String lights add a welcoming ambiance, especially if you have a pergola or other overhead structure to hang them from. Solar lights are great for illuminating pathways, and torches double as lighting and insect repellent.
Trim the Trees and Shrubs
Many landscape plants are best trimmed in early spring. Timing is key — plants should be pruned after the worst or the cold winter weather and heavy frost have passed, but also while they are still dormant and new buds have not yet appeared. Trim away any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Take special care to trim back trees and shrubs that might brush up against your house, as they can provide avenues for pests to enter.
Prep the Grill
The season of cooking and eating meals outside will be here before you know it. Pull out the grill and give it a good cleaning — including scrubbing the grates with a stiff wire brush — to make sure it's ready for use. If you use a gas grill, re-fill the propane tank and make sure the gas lines and connections are undamaged. This could also be a great time to make some additions and upgrades to your backyard cooking setup.
With spring on the way, now is the time to get your Chicago home ready for the thaw and make the most of your outdoor spaces! Still looking for your dream home in Chicagoland? Contact us today to talk with our real estate agents about how we can help you find it.
