When the weather is changing, and spring has begun, it is time to prep your homes outdoors. Whether you are living on base or not, you should prepare your outdoors for the change in weather. We have all the tips and tricks you need to get your outdoor space ready for enjoyment during spring and summer to come.
On Post
Pest Control: As the weather changes, and rain is more prominent, it may be more common for mosquitoes or gnats to hang out in your yard. On-base pest control may be commonplace, but also may require a phone call to housing. This differs from base to base and based on which military branch is running the base. While the housing is privatized across all the CONUS military bases, pest control may lie with the base. If the base does the pest control, they likely treat all the areas. If pest control is organized by the privatized housing, you will likely need to arrange pest control treatments. Get ahead by asking for pretreatment for mosquitoes, if it is allowed for your area.
Lawn Care: If you have a fence line, you are likely responsible for lawn maintenance of the fenced-in yard. Warmer weather means that the yard will be growing. Make sure to keep the lawn cared for to limit rodents or other animals that may want to hang out in tall grass.
On most bases, flower beds can be changed while you are living in the home. But make sure to check what will happen to those carefully planned and planted plants after you leave. Some bases totally remove all previous plants and put in basic plants upon move out.
Don’t forget about those windowsill plants! Make sure to pull out any dead plant leaves and replant it as needed. This brings a little spot of spring inside and gives you a chance to decide what plants you have when you may live in an on-post home that does not allow changes to the yard.
Pet Mess: Don’t forget to clean up your pet’s mess. It’s not only important to limit the smell and pests, but also to be kind and courteous to your neighbors.
Wash windows: While the maintenance of the outside of the home should lie with the housing agency, make sure to wash the inside of the windows.
Prep the outdoor space: Do you have a deck or patio? Make sure to wipe down and clean any outdoor furniture. This will remove any debris the winter weather may have brought in, but also make sure it is bug-free and ready to be used on warm days.
Off Post
Pest Control: Same as on-post, with weather changes, so do pest control needs. Make sure to have a spring pest control scheduled to minimize the warmer weather bugs.
Lawn Care: Warmer weather means the grass will begin growing. If your schedule will not allow for weekly maintenance, hire a lawn service. Keeping the lawn maintained may be required by HOA but also will limit small animals that hide in tall grass. Make sure to fertilize, aerate and seed your yard as needed.
Spring is the time to start clearing out the dead plants from the flower bed and re-mulch the area. Plant new plants if desired or find some plants that will last through all the seasons.
Maintain the garden: Weed the flower beds to ensure they do not take over your garden. Replant any plants as needed.
Power Washing: This goes beyond the windows and siding. Make sure to power wash your deck or patio and any steps going up to the home, removing any mildew that can lead to deterioration over time. Consider power washing any outdoor furniture to remove bugs or winter debris from the chairs or tables.
Don’t Forget the Gutters: Make sure to clean out the gutters in the spring, preparing for wetter weather. You don’t want leaves from the fall to block up the gutter and prevent proper drainage. Improper drainage can lead to roof, gutter, and siding damage which is much more expensive to repair than cleaning out your gutters.
Tree Maintenance: If you have trees in your yard, make sure to trim any branches that may be reaching toward the home or broken. This will prevent a surprise branch break or one landing in your yard, on your home, or car. Check for any trees that may be dying or eroding the lawn area – it may be time to remove those trees.
A clean outdoor look just might inspire you to declutter inside the home this spring – the all-important step for all military families who may PCS or PCA this summer.
