The weather is changing, kinda. But, the potential is there. It’s going to happen. That means not only preparing for spring, but first cleaning up the remaining remnants of winter. Winter cleanup is the first step of spring cleaning. It’s not only an aesthetic issue—dry, dead leaves all over the front yard looking unsightly—it’s also a safety issue.
As a homeowner, be it landlord or resident, or as a renter having an aesthetically pleasing residence is part of what makes the house a home. You may have it written into the lease agreement that it is a shared responsibility for certain aspects of maintenance. In which case, it is clear whom does what and on what schedule. If it is not in the language of the lease, someone must take the responsibility to do the maintenance required before and after each season. Some exterior maintenance may even be required by a HOA. One such area, is the previous example of leaves.
Aesthetics. What makes for beautiful landscaping is debatable. It certainly isn’t a yard full of leaves, spread about or piled in one area. Know what your city or county’s pick up date(s) is and gather your leaves just before. Gathering them early often creates more work for you in the long run. You can’t control the wind…or kids and animals! You should also familiarize yourself with regulations regarding burning leaves. Whether it is gathering them in a timely manner, if at all, or burning them, be a good neighbor and stay considerate to those around you. Burning affects air quality, and there’s nothing worse than spending hours gathering every leaf, burl and twig and then having your neighbors’ abandoned leaves blow onto your pristine lawn, or vice versa.
Safety. Gathering and disposing of leaves and yard debris in a timely manner is not just about pretty landscaping. Unattended leaves can cause many problems to the health of your lawn and the home, itself. Grass needs sunlight to grow. Leaves left on your lawn block the sun and its ability to promote grass growth and health. It also causes dead spots that can cause a more than usual effort to get that lush, green lawn that usually starts to appear as spring progresses. You need to deal with leaves around the grounds of your property, but also your drainage systems. Even if you have the gates over the gutter along the eaves of your home, leaves can get in. And, if you don’t, they definitely will. Clogged gutters and down spouts can cause rain water to be unable to drain properly. Basically, water that is supposed to be directed away from the house, with a properly functioning system, can be diverted improperly towards the house and, over time, cause foundation problems.
Whether you are the owner of the property and reside in it or lease to a tenant, this spring make sure that winter debris is taken care of. Even if it is in the language of the lease puts the responsibility on the tenant, it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility. If you don’t check-in on your property at any other time, make a habit out of checking at the beginning and/or end of each season. Protect your investment by keeping things clean!
