Green Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring

With the first day of spring just around the corner, it’s time to prepare our homes for the change of seasons. Activities like washing windows, planting a garden and cleaning gutters all impact our environment in one way or another. This spring, keep our environment in mind while preparing your home and enjoy the green rewards all year long.

Spring Cleaning – If your spring cleaning ritual includes restocking your cleaning supplies, remember that there are a lot of products on the market today that are better for the environment than those we’ve used in years past. Look for brands that are biodegradable and without harsh chemicals. Try to also avoid plastic packaging and opt for paper, cardboard or glass when possible (and practical).

HVAC Filters – Now is a good time to replace your single-use HVAC filter with a reusable one that can be cleaned and reused for several months. Cleaning your filter once a month keeps your air quality higher and conserves energy. Opting for reusable filters saves resources and eliminates waste.

Gardening – When you get the itch to start working on your landscape and garden, consider using native plants and flowers that are acclimated to your region. This cuts down on the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and drought-tolerant varieties will conserve precious water resources as well.

Irrigation Systems – If you live in a cold weather region, you probably had your irrigation system winterized sometime last fall. Generally that involves blowing out the irrigation lines and turning off the system. As the weather warms and you turn it back on, be sure to do a thorough inspection for possible leaks. Winter’s freeze/thaw cycle can be hard on plumbing and catching any subsequent leaks early on will save money and conserve resources.

Tree Trimming – Most tree trimming is done in the fall, but if you had winter storm damage and need to do some clean-up, keep in mind that spring is the nesting season for many birds. Try your best not to disturb nesting sites, and keep in mind that many species are protected. Cutting off limbs with nests can be prohibited by local ordinances.

Gutters and Downspouts – Fall leaves may have wreaked havoc on your gutters and downspouts. Be sure to clean them well, as accumulated debris can provide tempting habitat for pests such as wasps. Discouraging their nesting can help prevent the need for environmentally dangerous sprays later in the season. Clogged gutters or downspouts can also redirect water in a way that can cause erosion of valuable top soil.

Preparing your home for spring in an environmentally-friendly way can be done without a lot of extra effort or expense. Taking care to do it right will result in a beautiful home and a greener peace of mind.