Spring is just a few days away! It officially starts Thursday, March 19. It’s a great time to be outside, prep your home for the coming year and enjoy the natural world as it returns to life. Here are some important and relatively easy things you can do to keep your home and yard in great condition.

1. As trees begin to bud, and leaves grow, look for any limbs or trees with no growth

Trees limbs that don’t leaf are likely dead and can fall in high winds or storms. Have them removed along with any that overhang your house.

2. Remove vegetation that touches siding and trim ivy and vines growing up trees or siding

You don’t want vegetation touching your house, as it can begin to cause a range of problems as it expands. Make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when removing vines.

3. Put down mulch or composted leaves

Lock in moisture and decrease weed growth by putting down mulch or composted leaves. Make sure to keep mulch or compost at least 6 inches away from your home’s foundation.

4. Clean gutters for any leaves or debris, and for falling seeds

Clogged gutters can lead to a range of problems, and create a place for stray seeds to grow. The spring can be a time of rain and wind, and it’s important to regularly keep gutters in good shape.

5. Change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

This can be done any time annually, but many people use spring as a good time to remember. Some detectors are plugged in with a backup battery and others are entirely battery operated.

6. Change air filters

Air condition will work better with clean filters. Also check the exterior air intake unit to make sure it doesn’t have vegetation around it or is blocked in any way.

7. Put out spring and summer annuals after the last freeze. The safest time is always after April 15.

A lot of young plants can’t take freezing weather, so make sure to wait until there’s no more risk of damaging cold. March can still have some chilly nights so usually it’s better to wait until April.

8. Remove and weedwack weeds in early spring to stunt their growth

Your plants aren’t the only thing that will be growing this spring. As weeds start to pop up it’s much easier to deal with them when they are small.

9. Examine roof shingles for any damage during winter

Look for lost or raised shingles and contact a contractor to have them repaired.

10. If you have irrigation system now is the time to reconnect it

It’s essential to disconnect irrigation systems in winter so they don’t freeze. Once the threat of freeze has passed it’s a good time to get them working again.