Set Up Your Home’s Exterior for Easy Yard Maintenance

Buying your first home is exciting! What’s not so exciting is the work and responsibility that comes along with it.

Staying on top of your home’s maintenance can be overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be. We’ve rounded up some tricks and tips to set up your home’s exterior for easy maintenance.

Create low maintenance gardens

There’s no need to sacrifice curb appeal when looking for low maintenance options. Give these a try:

• Plant perennials instead of annuals. They come back on their own each year! Try these 8 perennials, great for Ontario’s climate.
• Limit the need for weeding by using mulch or Ontario-friendly ground-cover plants.
• Paving stones & pea gravel make attractive walkways and patios and reduce the amount of grass to cut

Use composite for your deck and fence

Today, there are plenty of high quality composite options on the market. Made from wood by products and recycled plastic, it looks like real wood but comes with less hassle, easier upkeep and a longer lifespan.

You’ll say goodbye to time spent staining, painting and sanding by going with a composite deck or fence. Maintenance is easy! Spray off accumulated dirt as needed and give it a good scrub with soap and water every 2-3 years.

Share the work load

We can’t specialize in all areas of home upkeep and repair. Why not play to your strengths? Canadian websites like U-Exchange offer a community-based approach to exchanging work or services at little or no cost. There’s lots of providers right here in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding area!

Have someone clean your windows in exchange for painting their front door, or trade your old electronics for someone to seal your driveway.

If that feels too far out of your comfort zone, what about alternating grass cutting or snow removal duties with a neighbour? Chances are they’ll appreciate an easier approach to exterior maintenance just as much as you.