By mid-summer, the Ozark sun is well known for turning sidewalks into skillets—so July is your sweet-spot for outdoor upkeep.
It’s generally early enough in the year to beat the worst heat, while also being late enough in the year to enjoy bright, dry days.
This is Part 2 of our Summer Clean-and-Refresh Series; so grab your sunscreen, and let’s give your home’s exterior a little love (without baking yourself like an egg in a frying pan).
Let’s dive into it.
1. Clear the Gutters & Downspouts
- Scoop leaves and twigs by hand (with gloves) or with a gutter scoop.
- Flush the channels with a garden hose to spot hidden clogs.
- Make sure downspout extensions point at least three feet from the foundation to keep basements dry.
2. Refresh Flower Beds & Landscaping
- Weed & Edge: Pull invaders after a rain—roots slide out easier.
- Trim Back Overgrowth: Give shrubs a summer haircut for better airflow and curb appeal.
- Plant a Mini Garden: Fast-growing herbs (basil, cilantro) thrive in July warmth and add instant green.
You might also want to take this opportunity to do some deep yard-raking. It’s hard work, but well worth it— thinning out thatch helps your grass get more moisture and air.
3. Inspect & Wash Exterior Walls
- Siding or Brick: Hose off loose dirt first, then scrub stains with a soft-bristle brush and a siding-safe cleaner.
- Foundation Check: Walk the perimeter; mark hairline cracks for a pro to inspect before freeze-thaw season returns.
- Windows & Trim: Knock down spider webs and mud-dobber nests, wipe sills, and note any peeling paint for a future refresh.
You can also take this opportunity to spruce up your privacy fence, your driveway, and other obviously visible exterior features.
4. Power-Wash Hard Surfaces
- Sidewalks & Driveway: A pressure washer removes algae, rust spots, and that stubborn Ozarks red clay.
- Patio & Deck: Use the fan nozzle and keep it moving to avoid etching wood or concrete.
- Safety First: Wear eye protection and non-slip shoes; test on a small area before going full blast.
5. Tasks Best Left to the Pros
- Cleaning gutters or second-story siding that requires tall ladders.
- Major power-washing jobs on delicate surfaces (older brick, painted wood).
- Structural repairs like foundation cracks, chimney tuck-pointing, or roof issues.
These slightly more ‘advanced’ tasks are important—but admittedly, they can be difficult, and time-consuming. For best results, contact your local pros for these tasks!
Enjoy Your Outdoor Oasis
A few focused hours now will pay off all season long with tidier flower and garden beds, cleaner walks, and a home that gleams from the curb.
Need another set of hands? We are happy to clean some of your outdoor spaces, but even we leave the major landscaping tasks to the professionals. If you’d prefer not to tackle those stubborn stains, call us, and then you can relax in the shade with an ice-cold lemonade.
Join us next month for Part 3, when we head back inside (hello, A/C!) for an August re-org that will make your space feel brand new.
