Earlier this month, we shared Part 1 of our summer home maintenance checklist from Nicole Slaughter Graham at HouseLogic.com , which focused on getting the inside of your home ready for the season. Now, as we continue celebrating National Homeownership Month, it's time to turn our attention outside.
Below is Ms. Graham’s detailed breakdown of outdoor maintenance tips to help homeowners protect their property and boost curb appeal during the summer months. Whether it’s power washing, pruning, or prepping the grill, these expert tips can help you avoid costly surprises — and enjoy more time relaxing outside.
1. Inspect and Clean the Gutters. “Debris can quickly fill your gutters or clutter your roof, so it's important to assess any damage and clean your gutters after each storm,” says Chris Counahan, chief sales officer at Leaf Home, headquartered in Hudson, Ohio. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold. For added peace of mind, Mr. Counahan recommends adding a gutter guard system.
2. Power Wash Like a Pro. “Power wash siding and walkways to remove mold, mildew, and grime buildup from spring rains and winter weather,” Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company based in Waco, Texas says. Use the correct pressure settings to avoid damage to siding or pavers. This is also a good time to freshen up fences, patios, and decks.
3. Give Outdoor Structures a Once-Over. “Check your decks, fences, pergolas, and other outdoor structures for signs of wear, such as loose boards, rusted hardware, or peeling paint,” says Joe Raboine, VP of Design at Oldcastle APG, parent company of Belgard in Atlanta. Resealing decks and fences helps protect against UV damage and heavy rains.
4. Add a Coat of Paint Or Refresh the Front Door. Exterior painting is another smart seasonal task, Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improve, a house-painting service provider in Chicago says. “It’s not too hot or too cold outside to paint your home’s exterior. Having a fresh coat of paint outside can really help your home stand up to summer storms and humidity, plus it’s a great refresh that can mean you head into summer with a great-looking home indoors and out.”
5. Prune and Trim to Boost Curb Appeal. “Start simple,” Mr. Raboine says. “Yard maintenance, such as tree trimming to prune back limbs around the house and removing dry leaves, helps homeowners prevent damage to the roof or gutters during high winds or summer thunderstorms.” Be sure to check for overgrown branches or shrubs that can touch your home or roof and create pest bridges.
6. Pest-Proof the Perimeter. “Homeowners should start by inspecting the yard and exterior for areas where pests thrive,” says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe in Virginia Beach, Va. “Look for standing water that can attract mosquitoes and other pests.” She recommends emptying buckets and birdbaths, sealing cracks around windows and siding, and keeping mulch six to 12 inches away from the home. “To help with general pest prevention, homeowners can keep their lawn mowed and have drainage issues addressed,” she adds.
7. Check Sprinklers and Outdoor Plumbing. Turn on outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to ensure everything is functioning after winter’s freeze. Look for leaks, clogs, or misdirected sprinkler heads that waste water.
8. Refresh Garden Beds and Lawn. Summer curb appeals starts in the garden. Remove dead plants, add fresh mulch, and fertilize the lawn. For lawn curb appeal, aerating helps soil breathe, while regular weeding keeps your landscape looking tidy. Don’t forget to add some color with a few summer-ready blooms like peonies, summer daisies, sunflowers, or hydrangeas.
9. Light It Up. Whether you prefer twinkling string lights or color-changing LEDs, updating your outdoor lighting boosts curb appeal, ambiance, and safety. “Replace broken fixtures or install new ones to brighten up patios, walkways, and entryways,” Mr. Shimek advises.
10. Prep the Grill. Give your grill a deep clean and check that your fuel source is good to go. An outdoor grill cleaner can help cut through built-up grease so you're ready to host without any fire hazards. Do you need a new grill? You'll get the best choices now but lower prices in late summer.
By taking care of outdoor maintenance now, you’re not just protecting your investment — you’re creating a more enjoyable and stress-free environment for the summer ahead. A well-kept exterior adds value, charm, and peace of mind as you make the most of the season.