May brings a time of blooming and growth, where the grass wakes up, trees start shading your yard, and those spring rains come for your gutters and foundation. May is your last solid chance to handle home maintenance chores before summer hits full swing. Here's your easy-to-follow guide to help you prioritize and tackle the essential tasks to get your home ready for the heat.

1. Yard Spruce-Up and Mowing

Why: By early May, your yard starts making a statement, and you decide what it has to say. Constant rain can encourage weeds and patchy grass to take over, but regular mowing, cleanup, and light landscaping keep your lawn healthy and lush.

How to do it:

• Mow as needed, keeping your grass at about 3 inches tall to help the roots grow deep and shade out weeds.
• Pick up any leftover debris or spring weeds.
• If you didn't mulch in March, it's not too late to do it now. Your perennials will thank you.
• Trim back any spring-blooming shrubs, such as forsythia or lilacs, but wait until they finish flowering so you don't ruin next year's bloom.
• Use an edger along sidewalks and flower beds to tidy up the borders.

Pro Tip: Once Lee's Summit humidity kicks in, keep an eye out for lawn fungus, as early treatment helps prevent it from spreading.

2. Clean Gutters (Again) and Check Downspouts

Why: April and May can bring storm after storm, along with falling seed pods and pollen. Clogged or damaged gutters allow water to overflow, potentially damaging your foundation or leaking into your basement.

How to do it:

• Grab a ladder and remove any debris you see in the gutters.
• Run water through the system to ensure everything flows smoothly, looking for leaks or spots where it overflows.
• Verify that the downspouts are still securely attached and directed away from the house. You want water going 4-6 feet out to prevent foundation damage.
• Look for signs of wear from hail or wind (Lee's Summit weather doesn't play nice).

Pro Tip: After a spring hailstorm, schedule a roof inspection. Even if it looks fine from the ground, hail can bruise shingles and lead to leaks down the road.

3. Deck and Patio Care

Why: Decks take a beating from winter moisture, and they're about to get baked by the summer sun. May is the ideal time for cleaning, repairing, and sealing your deck or patio before the outdoor season is in full swing.

How to do it:

• Sweep off dirt, leaves, and pollen, then scrub away mildew using a deck cleaner or mild bleach mix.
• Rinse well. Power washing is acceptable if you're careful (use low pressure only).
• Check for loose, warped, or damaged boards and nails. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Once fully dry, re-stain or seal the wood. It's best to check the weather before tackling this task to ensure the deck has enough time to dry.
• For patios, power wash and check for cracks or chips. Reseal the concrete if it has been a few years.

Pro Tip: Loose handrails pose a safety risk when summer entertaining begins, so don't forget to inspect your stairs and railings.

4. HVAC Spring Check

Why: A quick tune-up now can help your system handle the coming heat. Don't regret skipping this step!

How to do it:

• Pour a cup of white vinegar into your condensate drain line to clear out algae.
• Replace your air filter (yes, again). Pollen will clog it fast, and this is the simplest way to ensure your AC is running efficiently.
• If you skipped a tune-up in April, consider calling a professional to clean the coils, check the refrigerant, and test all the electrical components.

Pro Tip: Swap out the batteries in your thermostat, clean fan blades, and test run fans throughout your home. These small checks can save you big money on hotter days.

5. Pest Control & Inspection

Why: As temperatures rise, bugs come out, and Midwest homes are known for dealing with ants, wasps, and even termites starting in late spring.

How to do it:

• Walk the exterior of your home and seal any gaps with caulk. Spray a pest barrier around your foundation, windows, and doors.
• Inside, check for mud tubes (termites), sawdust piles (carpenter ants), or droppings (mice).
• Set traps or bait as needed, especially near doors, in your basement or attic, and near food sources.

Pro Tip: If you had a pest problem last year or spot anything suspicious, get a professional inspection now. It's cheaper to deal with an infestation early than after it has spread.

6. Inspect Patios and Walkways

Why: Freezing temps and spring rains can shift pavers and crack concrete. Uneven walkways pose a tripping hazard, especially when guests start visiting.

How to do it:

• Look for raised or sunken spots and mark them.
• Pry up the uneven pavers, level them with fresh sand, and set them back in place.
• Fill cracks in concrete with the appropriate sealant.

Pro Tip: Schedule this on a dry day when the soil isn't too soggy. If the job is too big, hire an area handy person to do it safely.

7. Repair Fences and Gates

Why: Wood expands and contracts through winter. As temperatures continue to rise, you'll notice misaligned gates, loose pickets, and wobbly posts.

How to do it:

• Walk the fence line looking for any loose nails or screws. Tap them back in or remove and replace them.
• Use a drill to tighten hinges and realign sagging gates.
• Replace broken pickets or boards.

Pro Tip: If you have a nail gun, this process goes much faster, but be sure to use galvanized nails for optimal outdoor durability.

8. Mulch Flower and Vegetable Beds

Why: Mulch keeps weeds down, locks in moisture, and gives your garden a tidy, finished look.

How to do it:

• Pull any lingering weeds, then spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around flowers and veggies.
• Avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks, as this can cause rot and damage.

Pro Tip: Bulk mulch delivery is often more cost-effective than buying bagged mulch. Many Lee's Summit tree service companies offer discounted mulch, so try calling around to see what's available and ensure that it's dropped close to where you'll use it to save on hauling time.

9. Wash Windows

Why: Spring rains can leave your windows looking streaky. Your yard's coming alive, and you want to make sure you can see it.

How to do it:

• Use a streak-free cleaner and a squeegee to clean both the inside and outside. It's easier (and faster) to do with a partner.
• Remove and rinse screens. Check for any tears or wear on the screens.

Pro Tip: If you're short on time, local window washers can do it all: glass, screens, and tracks.

10. Service Your Grill

Why: A clean grill works better, is safer, and keeps last year's gunk from flavoring your first cookout of the season.

How to do it:

• Remove grates, soak them in hot, soapy water, and scrub off residue with a grill brush.
• Clean the burners and inside surfaces, but ensure you purchase the correct cleaner for your grill type.
• If you own a gas grill, inspect the hoses for leaks or cracks.

Pro Tip: After cleaning, foil your grates and run the burners for 10 minutes to burn off any residue. Then oil them lightly to prevent sticking later.

Final Thoughts

May is when your home truly comes alive for the year, and what you do now sets the stage for an easier summer. From lawn care to gutter checks to pest patrol, knocking these tasks out in May means fewer headaches when the heat cranks up. Your future self, sipping something cold in the shade, will thank you.

Need some professional help? I have a list of trusted and experienced Lee's Summit roofers, plumbers, lawn care services, and more that I would love to share with you! Call or text me today at 816-328-2887!