Coming out of the winter and into the garden as the weather gets better can seem like coming out of hibernation. The good news is that summer is finally on its way, the bad news is that there’s a list of jobs that need doing before you can start to enjoy the nice weather.
We’ve put together a handy 12 point checklist of some of the things that you should do during spring to avoid problems later. It’s not a list of everything you might need to do, but it’s a good starting point… think of it as an annual service for your garden.
1. Visual inspection of the house.
You’ve been locked away inside the house for the past few months and probably haven’t done much more than glance at the outside of your house since October. Take time to take a close look at everything – from the satellite and aerial fixings to the drain grids. We’re not saying that you should start scrambling across the roof, but a good look (with binoculars, if you like) should give you an idea whether further inspection from a professional is needed.
2. Drainage.
Check all drainage routes and make sure they haven’t become blocked with winter debris. Check any grids and maybe give them a bit of a clean.
3. Check soffits and gutters.
Make sure that you spot any serious work that may be needed as early in the spring as possible, giving yourself plenty of time to plan and budget for the work during the good weather.
4. Check pathways
Cracking and other damage to concrete paths and driveways often occurs in the winter with ground movement and frost damage being the main culprits. Make sure small cracks and holes are repaired as soon as you spot them. Damage like this can get worse very quickly, especially as pathways start to get used more frequently during the summer months.
5. Check garden furniture
You don’t want to find that your garden furniture needs replacing or repairing on the afternoon of your first summer barbecue! A quick check to make sure that wooden furniture is still sound and plastic furniture (that you may have left out in the winter weather) is still strong.
6. Check fences and walls
Make sure that there’s been no frost or wind damage to your boundaries. This is especially important if you’re responsible for the boundary and a poorly maintained fence or wall collapses creating a hazard or damage to someone else’s property.
7. Preserve your wood
Make sure that fences, sheds and garden furniture get a fresh coat of wood preservative – a ‘once a year’ coat means that wood can last for many years.
8. Check external paint work
A simple touch up or single coat of paint now, could save you a much bigger job later in the year.
9. Jet wash paths, patios and decking
Getting rid of winter dirt and moss makes paths, patios and decking safe and looking good.
10. Outside doors
Garage doors, shed doors, greenhouse doors and gates all have hinges that can rust. A quick clean-up, a spot of oil and tightening of any screws keeps everything in good working order for another year.
11. Shed felt
Now could be the time to check that the felt on your shed is still securely in place and has not been unsettled by the bad weather. Again, a bit of preventative work now, could save you money in the long run.
12. Check barbecue
Do you keep your barbecue in the garage or under a cover in the garden? Either way, now’s the time to dig it out and give it a quick check over to make sure that it’s clean, safe and ready to use on that one afternoon when the weather’s good enough!
With any luck, your home and garden will pass these simple check-ups, but if not and you need help getting ready for the summer, call us on 0800 123 333.
Have a great summer!