spring-checklist

	Spring Checklist

This list is intended to be a guide to the most common chores faced by homeowners in the spring. Most are common sense, some you may not consider routine...but all are designed to make your summer easier. Who doesn't enjoy kicking-back and drinking ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day? We recommend printing this list for use around the house.
Indoors:
Wash windows Turn on garden hose spigot Remove storm windows and install screens Test air-conditioning Clean or replace air-conditioning filter Turn off humidifier
Outdoors:
Remove storm windows and install screens Wash windows Check central-air unit for debris and clean Caulk or fill any areas where insects may enter the house Hook up garden hose, check for leaks Wash siding Clean gutters and downspouts, check for leaks and cracks Trim bushes and trees away from house Install window air-conditioning units Clean and organize garage Check house for peeling paint, cracks in brick/ masonry, future roof problems. Fix if needed Dust perimeter of house for ants Check decks and other free-standing structures for winter damage and settling/ heaving Test outdoor lights and replace bulbs as needed
Yard:
Rake/ de-thatch lawn Airate lawn Fertilize/ weed and feed lawn Apply insect control to lawn Check trees and other landscaping for winter damage, prune as needed Check drainage ditches and drain tiles for large obstructions Clean lawn furniture/ check for cracks or other problems Check yard for large depressions or heaving, may indicate drainage problems Check fencing for problems, repair if needed Check for and repair any driveway cracks Reseal asphalt driveways
Auto:
Change oil Check coolant level and strength Clean salt/ sand from under carriage of car Check tire pressure Clean and wax exterior Clean and shampoo interior Check body for rust Check other fluids in car
Lawn Equipment:
Change oil if applicable Replace sparkplugs (strongly recommended) Clean all debris from motor and deck. De-grease if needed Check all cables and levers for wear and proper functioning Check belts for wear and replace if needed Charge battery if applicable Put in fresh gasoline Run machine for 10 minutes or until blue-black smoke disappears Check tires for proper inflation Sharpen blades as needed Run snowblower out of gas, wash salt off, spray moving parts with light oil and store (see storage of lawn equipment for more information)
Garden:
Prepare soil for planting Add compost if needed Plant cold-crop vegetables Dig new gardens before soil becomes too dry and compacted Have soil tested (done free by many stores and agricultural centers)
Swimming Pool:
Remove debris from cover Pump/ drain cover Check exposed plumbing for cracks and holes from freezing Replace sand in filter if needed or applicable Check pump motor and oil if access for oil is provided Check exposed seals and gaskets, replace if necessary Do any other preparation possible now before it's time to open pool