Following the nearly weeklong record-breaking Arctic blast of 2021, North Texas lawns are not exactly looking their best; but with warm weather peeking around the corner, now is the time to get lawns and outdoor living spaces spring and summer ready! Below are some suggestions on where to get started.
Lawn
While your drought resistant plants and landscaping may not have survived, the good news is that at least your grass is resilient. With a little assistance it can be back to its lush, green self in no time. You can help your lawn recover with a fertilizer treatment first thing in the spring. After aerating, give your grass a healthy snack to energize growth for the spring.
Patio + Outdoor Furniture
It’s best to start with the foundation when it comes to patio preparation. Your patio surface has surely built-up dust and debris during the winter months, so start with a thorough sweep and a solid hose down. Next, tackle the furniture!
Plastic – spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down with a sponge or damp cloth to keep plastic furniture looking good.
Wood – scrub with a soft brush and a mix of water and dishwasher detergent or oxygen bleach. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface.
Metal – use a sponge or brush to clean surfaces with mild dish soap and warm water. If rust is detected, use steel wool to remove oxidation and consider re-painting the furniture to prevent future problems.
Grill + Outdoor Kitchen
It’s time to start firing up that BBQ grill again. Before planning your first gathering, be sure to clean the grill thoroughly. Wipe down the grill grates, scrape off any charred pieces, and check the propane/gas lines. All grill covers, sinks, and stainless appliances can be wiped down with stainless steel cleaner. Bar countertops can be brushed off with a hand broom and then wiped down with a wet rag.
Pool
Leave this one to the professionals! We strongly recommend that you have your pool equipment thoroughly inspected, especially considering the unprecedented temps we experienced. If you were lucky enough to have maintained power, you likely ran the pump 24 hours a day. If you lost power, then your pool likely froze over. In any case, you’ll need a professional to assess any possible damage.
It’s the Little Things
Small changes can make a big impact and instantly bring your outdoor space back to life! Consider some new decorative pillows, a few cozy throws, plush cushions, outdoor rug and a few potted plants.
If you’d like some suggestions on preferred vendors, please reach out to us info@HousedRealEstate.com
