Maintain Your Landscaping to Help Protect Your Investment

Well maintained landscaping not only provides enjoyment but also adds to the longevity of your property.  To get the most of your property monitor the following:

Plants, Trees and Shrubs

In the spring take a look to check the condition of your trees and shrubbery.  Those that are overgrown will need to be trimmed or pruned.  Over grown shrubs and trees not only look unsightly but also effect your ability to perform maintenance inspections and see areas needing repair.  Look for branches that are hanging to close to the roof. They can deposit leaves on the roof or plug drains and gutters.  If you have overhead utility lines you will want to ensure that branches are not touching or interfering.  Tree roots that are exposed near the surface can be cut back so they do not cause damage to concrete walkways, driveways or your homes foundation.  Consider contacting a certified arborist at www.nachi.org/go/caforests.

Pavement cracking and settlement

Spring showers allow you to see which way water is flowing around your home.  Paved areas adjacent to your home should slope away from the walls.  You will want to repair all pavement that does not slow away from your walls or that is cracked, broken, has high areas or low areas that allow water to pool.  Not all repairs require total replacement.  Cracks can be sealed with a flexible-sealant compound and it may be possible to lift sections up. This is also important with brick and stone patio pavers.  Patios can also sink and settle causing tripping hazards or incorrectly drain water towards your home.  Depending on how the patio is constructed there are various ways in which these problems can be corrected.

Exterior Steps

It is important to check the condition of exterior stair and railings.  This is simple to do and can help prevent a fall.  Wiggle all of your railing to ensure that they are secure.  Also check that steps are secure and free from rot and insect damage.  Metal stairs should be checked for rust and to ensure they are properly attached.  Stairs should be as level as possible so that water does not pool and should be evenly spaced to prevent accidents.

Retaining Walls

Examine your retaining walls throughout the spring and summer months for proper drainage, bulging, cracking and bowing.  Weep holes and drains should be checked to ensure they are draining water efficiently.  Check behind your retaining wall for low spots. Low spots will allow water to pool and can cause erosion. Weeds growing in between the blocks of your retaining wall should also be removed.

Now that your know the condition of your landscaping you are ready to enjoy some time in the sun.