1. REPOT HOUSEPLANTS. Give houseplants fresh potting mix in spring when they’re actively growing. Slip the mass of roots and potting mix out of the pot, gently tease apart the roots, remove rotted pieces and replace it with fresh and fertile potting mix. If the leaves are turning pale from too much direct summer sun, move them to a slightly shadier place.

2. PATCH YOUR LAWN. If you wait too long to plant new grass seeds, aggressive weeds will happily fill the gaps for you. Luckily, grass will quickly establish if you remove all existing weeds beforehand, amend with topsoil and keep the area irrigated for the first week or two.

3. INSPECT GUTTERS. Fall isn’t the only time to clean out the gutters. Make sure that the gutters are soundly attached to your roof, seal any gaps with silicone and remove any obstructions at the base of the downspout.

4. INSPECT SPRINKLERS. If you notice any clogged or broken sprinkler heads, shut off the water and dig a 5-centimeter diameter hole around the head. Unscrew the head from its riser and replace with a new one. If the head is merely clogged, remove the basket and rinse both it and the head in clean water. Reassemble the head and screw it onto the riser.

5. GET YOUR MOVER UP AND RUNNING. Give your mower, string trimmer and other lawn equipment some TLC before the summer mowing season begins. After removing the spark plug, replace the air filters, change the oil, sharpen blades and give your equipment a good cleaning