It is hard to imagine springtime during the winter when you live in the upper Midwest. But as certain as the sun rises, springtime is coming. Along with longer days comes melting snow, standing water, and once the snow starts to disappear we notice the months of hidden lawn debris. March is the perfect time to start preparing for it. We have put together a list of the top ten things to add to your to-do list before the snow melts.
Top ten ways to prepare your home and property for the spring
- Check your home’s exterior for any damage: Inspect your home’s exterior for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Look for cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear. If cracks are detected, consider using an epoxy sealer and a DIY video to repair cracks to prevent moisture from entering your home or outbuilding. For severe cracks or leaks a professional may be your best choice.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris that may have accumulated during the winter. Consider an EGO blower that has an add on option of a gutter tool cleaning kit.
- Check your roof: Check your roof for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Look for missing shingles, cracks, or other signs of damage. If shingles are missing or damaged, they are replaced as quickly as possible. There are multiple roof sealants and fabrics that can be used to repair flashings or other gaps. (Remember, roofs are particularly dangerous when wet, icy, or snow covered. Never go on a roof if you don’t have experience.)
- Clean up your yard: Clear your yard of any debris or clutter that may have accumulated over the winter. This will help prevent damage to your lawn and garden. Consider a hand truck, rake or wheelbarrow to make quick work of collecting debris. Leaf scoops are an excellent choice when dealing with soggy leaves.
- Check your sump pump: Make sure your sump pump is working properly. This will help prevent water from entering your basement or crawl space. We highly recommend you always keep a backup sump pump and a generator in case inclement weather knocks out your power when you may need your pump the most.
- Check your foundation: Inspect your foundation for any cracks or signs of damage. (See repair tips regarding foundation above.) Make sure the ground around your foundation slopes away from your home. If your foundation slopes towards your home it can be tricky to repair during the winter months, but it should be a project that you work on as soon as possible. If you don’t have gutters, add gutters any time to direct as much water away from your home’s foundation as possible.
- Check your plumbing: Inspect your plumbing for any leaks or damage. If leaks or damage is found, make it a top priority for repairs yourself or with help from a professional. Make sure your pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing.
- Prepare your lawn and garden: Prepare your lawn and garden for the spring by aerating, fertilizing, and pruning as needed.
- Check your outdoor equipment: Check your outdoor equipment, such as lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to make sure they are in good working order. Now is a great time to consider updating your equipment for top performance.
- Stock up on supplies: Stock up on supplies such as sandbags, tarps, and plastic sheeting in case of flooding or other weather-related emergencies.
Mimbach Fleet and Supply is an employee-owned Ace Hardware and fleet farm store operating in Sauk Rapids, MN since 1953. We stock a full line of hardware, farm supplies, clothing, feed, seed, power equipment, automotive tools, and more to the Central Minnesota community.
We pride ourselves in offering a wide selection of products for fleet and farm, gardening, auto and more. We have the technical knowledge needed to complete your next home, farm, or yard project, large or small. If we don’t have the tools you need for the job, we’ll help you find them!
