Leading up to winter is the best time to tackle these essential home and garden chores, which keep outdoor spaces vibrant and functional.
With warm, dry weather and long days, it’s the perfect time to address a variety of maintenance tasks that enhance your home’s beauty, safety and functionality. From refreshing your grill for summer barbecues to ensuring your garden tools are in prime condition, these tasks will help you maximize your outdoor areas.
Here are ten home and garden maintenance projects that will allow you to enjoy a more beautiful, enjoyable and efficient home and garden all year long.
1. Cleaning and inspecting outdoor grills
It’s time to give your outdoor grill some love. With summer barbecues in full swing, a clean and well-maintained grill ensures every meal is a sizzling success.
Scrub off grease and food residue, check burners and gas lines for perfect operation and ensure you have a full gas tank. A clean, well-running grill guarantees your cookouts are safe and stress-free.
2. Maintaining garden tools and equipment
Gardening is a breeze when your tools are in tip-top shape. The end of the season is the perfect time to clean, sharpen and oil your garden essentials.
Remove dirt and rust from shovels, hoes, and pruners, and sharpen their blades for effortless cutting. Also, check power equipment like lawnmowers and line trimmers to keep them running smoothly.
Well-maintained tools mean the work gets done faster and with less hassle, freeing up more time to relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
3. Removing dead or damaged trees
Keep your home and garden safe by removing dead or damaged trees before winter storms.
It’s much easier to remove trees when the ground is dry and solid, so tackle them now for an easier and cleaner garden. Inspect trees for signs of trouble and call a certified arborist to handle removal safely.
Eliminating problem trees now prevents future headaches and keeps your yard looking its best, ready for summer enjoyment.
4. Chipping branches for mulch
Turn garden debris into garden gold by chipping branches for mulch. After pruning or storm clean-up, gather those branches and feed them into a wood chipper.
Spread the nutrient-rich mulch around flower beds, shrubs and trees to lock in moisture, fend off weeds, and boost soil health.
It’s an eco-friendly way to recycle and enhance your garden’s beauty and vitality, keeping everything lush and thriving through the summer heat.
5. Removing stumps
July’s warm weather is perfect for tackling those pesky stumps cluttering your yard.
There are several ways to remove stumps, depending on the size of the stump and your budget. Consider using a stump grinder to grind the stump down below ground level for quick and efficient removal.
Alternatively, you can dig out the stump manually using shovels and axes, or employ chemical stump removers to accelerate the decaying process. Whichever method you choose, removing stumps opens up space for new plantings and makes your garden more attractive.
6. Setting up bird baths and feeders
Transform your garden into a bird haven with the addition of bird baths and feeders. Summer through to winter is prime bird-watching season, and providing water and food invites these feathered friends to visit.
Place bird baths in shady spots to keep the water cool and stock the feeders with seeds that local birds love. You’ll enjoy a lively, colorful garden filled with chirping companions, adding natural beauty and joy to your outdoor space.
7. Deadheading annuals and perennials
Keep your garden bursting with color by deadheading annuals and perennials.
Snip off spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, directing plants’ energy into new growth. Use sharp pruners and cut back to a healthy leaf or bud. Regular deadheading keeps your garden looking fresh and vibrant, ensuring a stunning display of flowers all season.
It’s a simple task that makes a huge difference in your garden’s appeal.
8. Inspecting and cleaning wood stoves and fireplaces
Get ahead of winter by inspecting and cleaning chimneys and flues in July. Even though your stove isn’t in use, summer and fall are the perfect seasons for maintenance.
Check for creosote buildup, cracks, or blockages. Hire a professional chimney sweeper to thoroughly clean the chimney. Clean your wood stove glass.
Addressing issues now ensures your stove is safe and efficient when the cold weather hits. Summer is also the best time to clean fireplace brick and tile. This can be a smelly task, so airing out the house simultaneously is a good idea.
9. Power washing decks and patios
Make your outdoor spaces shine by power washing decks and patios. The warm weather is perfect for blasting away dirt, mold and grime.
Use a pressure washer to clean every nook and cranny, restoring surfaces to their former glory. A sparkling deck or patio not only looks fantastic but may also help prevent slips.
Get ready to host gatherings on a fresh, clean backdrop.
10. Painting or staining outdoor furniture
Give your outdoor furniture a fresh look with a coat of paint or stain.
The sunny, dry weather is ideal for quick drying and curing. Sand down surfaces, then apply a weather-resistant finish to protect against sun and rain. This simple update can transform your furniture, adding a vibrant, refreshed feel to your outdoor space.
Tick off the boxes, then relax
By dedicating some time to these ten essential home and garden tasks, you’ll set the stage for a season of outdoor enjoyment and relaxation.
Your home will be safer and more inviting with a clean grill ready for cookouts, well-maintained tools for effortless gardening, and a yard free of hazards like dead trees and stumps.
Adding bird baths and feeders will bring natural beauty and joy, while freshly painted furniture and a spotless deck or patio will enhance your outdoor living experience. Embrace the summer and make your home and garden the best they can be.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
