As the bite of winter weakens to a nibble, it’s time to leave the cozy reading nook behind and walk the path to a lively spring. Transitioning your outdoor lifestyle area from winter to spring can be quite the tasking chore. From pulling off the patio furniture covers that protect your patio and giving them a good cleaning to catching up on neglected yard work, you certainly have a wide range of things that need to be done. Breaking the work down into easy phases, however, can help to seamlessly transition from season to season without skipping a beat.
Spring Clean
Before diving into the all-consuming process of transitioning your patio for the new season, it’s important to start with a bit of spring cleaning. Removing built-up gunk from gutters with a garden variety hose helps to clear them for when those notorious seasonal showers roll in. Sweep your deck or patio well, then give it a once over with a pressure washer to clean off the layers of unsightly grime left over from the colder weather. Be sure to use a non-toxic cleaner in combination with the high-pressure water to ensure surfaces stay clean all season long. Then lay clear vinyl tarps over the surface to protect it from anything that might get it dirty before it’s even dry.
The Whole Nine Yards
Rake up the remnants of winter by collecting leaves, twigs, and other yard debris into bags, doing the same with trimmings from shrubs and limbs from low hanging trees. For easier manageability, you can collect yard scraps onto clear vinyl tarps to ensure no stubborn bits get left behind. Make sure the blades of your lawnmower are nicely sharpened for a clean cut of grass that is both uniform and crisp. Edge perimeters of walkways for a nicely groomed appearance. Clear out the dead winter in barren flower beds before lining with a vinyl tarp and covering in mulch for a look that is both clean and elegant. Finally, spring is the season for celebrating flower power. Flex your green thumb by planting an array of blossoms that will be ready for bloom by the time spring turns into summer. Flowers like Azaleas are gorgeous annuals that mature just in time for the summer months.
Home and Improvement
Remember that this phase isn’t meant to be a total home renovation, but rather a moment to put a little luster back onto the exterior of your home after a harsh winter. Touch up any problem spots with a fresh dab of paint, being sure to cover adjoining areas with paint tarps before getting started. Sand and stain dull patches in your wooden porch or deck. Replace any broken or irreparable fixtures around the backyard area, making sure all lights or other auxiliary features are working for the spring ahead. Then inspect your roof for any missing shingles or tiles, paying special attention to any areas that might require repair. Consult with a handyman for questions such as how to put a tarp on a leaking roof. If you have an outdoor kitchen, make sure to have a thorough inspection at the start of the season to ensure your space is in tip-top shape for entertaining from spring all the way to fall when you winterize it all over again. Finally, do any small touch-ups to cement walkways and other paved areas with repair kits from your local hardware store.
Furniture Fabulous
With the tedium out of the way, you can get down to the fun stuff. Spring is the perfect time to update your outdoor style. Furniture made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum or teak is preferable to basic plastic pieces that look worn by the end of one season. You’ll also want to replenish your patio with furniture that is resistant to Mr. Sunshine himself. You can even consider covering your patio with an awning tarp, providing pavilion-like shade and shelter during the unpredictability of spring weather. For an alfresco outdoor lifestyle, accessorize your backyard patio furniture with decorative pillows, cushions, wicker chairs, lounging beds, and patio furniture covers. These refreshing touches help to make your patio a sure-fire gathering spot throughout spring and into summer.
Fire Up Spring
It’s time to transition your grill into the new season! Start by pulling off the grill cover or elastic tarp that’s protected it from winter woes and giving it a good wipe with a warm water rag and a rust cleaning solvent. Give it a second wipe with a dry rag before inspecting the mechanisms to ensure everything is functioning properly. For gas grills, reconnect the propane tank, being sure to test the lines before firing it up. For charcoal barbies, get a bag of fresh minerals. When everything is finally situated, do a test run of snags and hamburgers to prepare for the busy season ahead.
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