During summer, your family members will want to spend most of the time outside enjoying the outdoors. You, therefore, need to work on your home’s landscape, ensuring that everything looks great. This is a great time to preserve your garden, repair the roof, and take other projects that will make your home’s exterior stand out. Here are some landscaping tips that you can work on this summer.
Roof Repair and Replacement
Your roof is essential in protecting you from harsh weather conditions. As a result, it needs to be in great shape at all times, safeguarding your home. However, roof damage is common, and at one time, you may have to call a residential roofing company to either repair or install a new roof. There are some signs that you can look out for when inspecting your roof. You can tell you have a leaking roof if you notice signs of water damage on your ceiling. If this is not addressed quickly, it can cause severe damage to your home.
Mold and mildew are also common with a leaking roof, and if not removed, it leads to serious health issues. While inspecting the top, you may also notice missing, misaligned, or cracked shingles. Do not delay with the repairs to prevent further damages. The lifespan of your roof ranges from 20-30 years, depending on the type of roof and how well you maintained it. It is better to replace an old roof with a new one than repairing it. When it is in great shape, it improves the curb appeal of your home.
Replace Fences
A sagging and broken fence can make your home look unkempt and unlived in. During winter, your fence is constantly exposed to rain, wind, and snow. Some common fence damages that you are likely to see include rusting, breaking, rotting, wobbly posts, and insect problems. Such repairs have to be fixed immediately, especially if your fence is used to keep small children and pets inside and intruders away from your property.
Rotten wood fencing is one of the major causes of fence damage. The part most vulnerable to decay is the base of the fence, where the post emerges from the ground. A garden hose can easily clean a moderately soiled fence, and it will look as good as new. However, when a fence is entirely rotten, then it is time to get a new one. You can either hire residential fencing contractors or replace the fence yourself. The good thing is that you can get ready-made fences at your local home store, and you only have to install them. You can also opt for chain link fencing if you are looking for something durable with low maintenance.
Invest in Gutter Repair and Maintenance
Your gutters are vital in protecting your walls, ceilings, foundation, and doors from water damage. For any homeowner to enjoy the benefits of an efficient gutter system, they should clean them at least twice a year and repair them as soon as they notice any damage. If you do not clean off twigs, leaves, dirt, and any other debris, they will build up in your gutter, eventually clogging it and rendering it inefficient. You should also consider installing gutter guards. They prevent any form of debris from getting inside your drain, which in the end saves you on time and maintenance costs. Summer can be a great time to work on those repairs since there is barely any rain.
Some common gutter damages you need to be on the lookout for when inspecting it include leaks, hanging fixtures, sagging areas, and clogs. For water to flow smoothly, your gutter needs to be sloped towards your downspouts. A gutter that is not appropriately slopped collects water and overflows towards your home structure, causing damage. While some damages can be easy to fix, if you are unsure of your skills, hire a gutter installation service for any repairs.
Get Rid of Bugs Outside
Your family is going to spend most of the time outside, doing fun activities. If your yard is infested with pests, the outdoors will not be appealing at all. Start by removing anything that attracts bugs to your compound. Bugs love clutter since they can hide there and breed. Things that are not nailed down, like firewood, should be stored far from the house and stacked above the ground. Make a habit of cutting grass and trimming trees and shrubs regularly. Any excess leaf and grass debris should be removed immediately.
Mosquitoes take advantage of such an environment making that breeding ground. You should also consider eliminating extra mulch or replacing it with pea gravel which is pest unfriendly. If you have an outdoor pet or bird, ensure that any animal food that remains after feeding is cleared. You can also buy a pesticide and spray it over your yard. Preferably, get one that kills multiple insects rather than a product that only targets one. The alternative is hiring insect removal services to exterminate the bugs for you.
Repair Your Driveway
Your driveway contributes to your landscaping, hence the need to properly maintain it. Driveways get cracks or damaged, especially during winter, which can cause an accident and ruin your car’s tires. When you start noticing cracks, you should hire a paving company to fix the repairs before they get worse. If your driveway is made of asphalt, consider seal coating it during maintenance checks. Sealcoating your driveway can help protect it from harsh weather conditions like snow and extreme sun.
Tree and shrub roots also contribute to cracks when they start pushing up from underneath. It is best to remove trees near driveways or have the roots trimmed away. You should also minimize water on the driveway to reduce the chances of it penetrating the surface. Have a runoff area around the driveway edges so that water does not stagnate on the driveway. Your downspouts should also drain water on the runoff rather than the driveway. It would help if you also clean your driveway often, removing stains caused by radiator oil or motor oil. Not only are they unsightly, but when motor fluids penetrate your driveway, they can soften asphalt.
Maintain your Garden
During summer, your garden can take a beating because of the heat, ruining its look. However, if you properly maintain your garden, your family and pets will enjoy spending some time there during summer. Spread about a 2-inch-deep layer of mulch over the garden to protect the soil from heat exposure and help it retain moisture. One of the best types of mulch you can use for your garden is back the dust. It will help suppress any weeds that are trying to come out because of the heat. Consider hiring bark dust blowers as they have the expertise, and they will leave your garden looking good. How you water your garden is also significant.
During summer, the best time to water is either in the morning or in the evening. When you water in the middle of the day when it is too hot, most water evaporates instead of sinking into the roots. Do not water the garden once a week, then oversoak it. Do it several times in the week and use enough water. If you prune faded flowers, you are likely to see more flowers this summer. To encourage the vegetables in your garden to keep producing, harvest what is ready. Overripe vegetables will fall on the ground and attract pests.
Tend to your Lawn
A well-kept lawn can be very inviting to relax and unwind, and for the younger kids, a safe and healthy place to play. One way you can ensure that you enjoy your lawn over summer is by mowing. When it is hot, mowing is a necessity because the warm weather makes your grass grow quickly. Mow higher than you often would. The longer grass blades will give the soil more shade keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. You do not have to worry about longer grass blades making your lawn look unkempt. It will still look neat and tidy. In case of the occasional summer showers, do not mow your lawn when the grass is wet.
The soil may be spongy, giving you a hard time mowing. There are several lawn treatment methods that you can use, especially if your lawn has weeds, pests, and dead spots. However, for better results, hire lawn spraying services to tend your lawn. It will save you time, and you focus on other things. At the same time, they have the skills and will know how to address the needs of your lawn.
Replace Your Siding
Your siding contributes to the general curb appeal of your house. When it is damaged, it can contribute to water damage in your home or cause the paint to peel, leaving your home unattractive. Inspect your siding to see whether there are any repairs needed. Poke underneath the siding with a screwdriver and feel whether the layer under the siding is firm or soft. If the layer feels soft, then it is probably rotten and needs repair.
Paint peeling on your walls can indicate that your siding allows moisture to seep into your wallboard, and it may need replacing. The material you use for your siding contributes to how long it will serve you. Most homeowners prefer vinyl siding as it requires low maintenance and is resistant to mold and mildew. Sometimes, a simple paint job is all your siding needs. Paint can transform the exterior of your home, giving it a fresh look.
Renovate Your Deck
Since you and your family will spend time outside most of the summer, your deck must be in good condition. Evaluate your outdoor furniture and see which ones need repair or replacing. Some repairs can cost you a lot hence better to replace the furniture. Install a pergola in your deck so that your family can enjoy the outdoors without dealing with the sun. There are times when only a power wash is needed to transform the look of your deck. If this is not enough for you, you can consider giving it a fresh coat of paint.
You may want to spruce things up by adding an outdoor bar to your deck, especially if your family loves partying and entertaining. It does not have to be grand, especially if you do not have space. Installing a small shelving unit or using a sturdy cart for the drinks will do the trick. One way to add color and life to your deck is through flowers. Get some pots and plant summer flowers, then place them strategically on your patio. Custom decks are even more appealing since you can have them personalized to suit your family’s needs and the style of your home.
Add a Water Feature
Adding a water feature in your home will make it look more attractive, and it provides a space where one can unwind and chill. The most common water feature that most homeowners add is a swimming pool. If you feel that you and your family no longer want to go swimming in a hotel or a club, this may be ideal for you. It may be costly, but it is convenient because your family can swim anytime. Another water feature that you can consider is adding a fountain in the middle of your garden. If you get good contractors, they can design it to conserve water by recycling it. During summer, the fountain will fill the surrounding air with moisture, giving your family, pets, and plants some relief from the heat. A pond is also an excellent water feature for your garden. You can either have a clean and clear body of water or add some friendly koi fish and floating water lilies on top. Whichever you choose, a pond will improve the look of your home.
As you upgrade your landscape for summer, aim to improve the quality of your family’s life and the air quality around your home. If done right, the exterior of your home can be a great place for you and your family to relax and unwind.
