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April 2024

ISSUE 30

News Bites

Spring Clean Up Event Reminder

The COCLT Spring Clean Up event in the Franklinton area is scheduled for April 20th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Please join us beginning at 9:30 a.m. Check your email for more information coming soon about sign up and meeting location information. The rain date is April 27th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Homeowner Tips

Spring Lawncare

Now is the time to put some love and care into your lawn. The weather is warmer and keeping your lawn healthy and growing requires some time and effort. Here are great ways to ensure your lawn flourishes throughout the spring and into the rest of the year.

Remove Debris & Aerate

• Rake away and clean up any debris in your yard. This allows for proper air flow in the yard and makes for a better quality grass cut.

• Benefits of aerating your lawn include: stimulation of new root growth; reduces soil compaction; and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots faster.

Control Crabgrass & Apply Grass Seed

• Crabgrass is very commonly found in lawns after a long winter. Using lawncare products and grass seed to reduce crabgrass growth will help your lawn grow healthy.

• Using grass seed works well alongside aerating your lawn and building up areas of unhealthy or dead grass. Grass seed can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

Water your Lawn

• Proper watering of your lawn in the spring will help keep your grass green going into the warmer summer months.

• The best time to water your lawn is in the morning so your lawn has a chance to dry out during the day. Watering late in the evening can cause your grass to have disease due to pooling water.

Paint Like a Pro

As a homeowner you've probably watched HGTV and other DIY (Do It Yourself) shows about how to customize your home in various ways. Painting a room or other personal space in your home adds uniqueness and value. If you are up for a new DIY project, painting a room might be a good place to start.

Preparing the area you want painted is the first step. Remove all furniture, pictures, and other items and store them in a safe place. Then inspect the walls and other related surfaces for any damages or weak spots. Then, lightly clean the walls with a damp sponge to ensure the paint will properly adhere to the space.

Properly measure the space you plan to paint to make sure you purchase enough paint and brushes. Wear clothes you don't mind painting in while working on the project. Essential tools needed include: painter's tape, paint brushes, drop cloth for the floor area, and paint trays.

Other supplies needed include a paint roller, which depending on the texture of the wall there are many options to choose from.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how many coats of paint to use to get your desired results. Always remember to let each coat of paint completely dry before adding another coat of paint.

In some instances, a paint primer may need to be used to achieve the right color on the wall. Take your time and follow all instructions for the products you purchase for this project.

For more information on how to do a DIY paint project, check out this LINK.

Spring Maintenance

With spring time in full swing and longer daylight hours ahead some home maintenance activities will become part of your household's day to day activities. Here are some great ways to refresh your home for spring.

• Check your outer walls, windows, and foundation for any cracks or damages. Clear out your gutters and outdoor AC unit from any debris or trash.

• Walk around your yard and check for any large tree limbs and other organic matter and properly dispose of those items according to your local jurisdiction regarding lawn items.

• Test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors as needed.

• Check to make sure all your lawn equipment including your lawnmower, garden tools, and water hoses are in good working order.

• Inspect your basement (if applicable), attic, and crawl spaces for any dampness, mold or other hazardous materials. Wear a mask if needed.

• Have your HVAC cleaned and serviced. Also replace your HVAC air filters.

• Inspect and clear out your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are still securely attached.

More information on this topic can be found HERE.

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