March Must-Do’s Around The House
The D/FW Metroplex has unique seasonal considerations that make March an ideal time for spring home maintenance. During March, we typically have mild temperatures, before the intense summer heat arrives. March provides a perfect opportunity to prepare your home for the changing seasons and an opportunity to simply walk around the house with a notepad and inspect the home, patios, fence, tree and flower beds for areas of concern, pruning, replace dead plants or for added mulch.
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Clean the Gutters
In D/FW, March often follows winter storms that may have filled gutters with debris. Unlike northern regions, our debris often includes oak catkins, pollen strings, small twigs and leaves rather than heavy snow damage. Make certain that gutters and downspouts are clear, and downspouts and splash blocks are pointed away from the foundation.
It is important to clean your gutters thoroughly to prepare for spring thunderstorms. D/FW rainstorms can be intense and sudden, so proper drainage is essential to minimize foundation issues, which are already a concern in our expansive clay soils. Also, gutters backing up due to poor drainage can cause roof, soffit and fascia problems.
For gutter guards, mesh screens work particularly well for the mixed debris common in North Texas.
Inspect Sprinkler System
This is especially critical in D/FW where we experience significant temperature fluctuations in winter. Our occasional freezes followed by warm periods can create hidden cracks in irrigation systems.
When inspecting your irrigation system:
- Check for damage from winter freezes
- Look for mushy areas in the yard that indicate leaks
- Aim sprinkler heads carefully to minimize water waste
- Consider irrigation schedules appropriate for our spring rainfall patterns and local water conservation restrictions to remain in compliance with local ordinances
Creating a zone map (keyed to your irrigation controller zones) will save considerable time and money.
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Inspect Lawn For Damage
North Texas lawns typically show winter damage from Bermuda grass dormancy. Professionals suggest that you wait until consistent 70°F days before applying fertilizer to avoid encouraging weeds. Our clay soils benefit from aeration in March before the summer heat. Bermuda grass may need dethatching as it emerges from dormancy in the warmer conditions that March ushers in.
For St. Augustine lawns also common in D/FW, check for brown patch disease that can develop in our humid conditions (anybody remember those days?).
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Clean the AC Condenser
In D/FW, this is perhaps the most crucial spring maintenance task. Our air conditioning systems will soon be running nearly continuously from May through September.
Clean your condenser thoroughly but gently. Our high pollen counts (especially mountain cedar and oak) can significantly clog units. Consider scheduling professional HVAC maintenance in March before the seasonal rush—professionals get extremely busy once temperatures are consistently 80°F.
A comprehensive AC tune-up in the D/FW area and should include:
- Condenser cleaning
- Refrigerant level check (essential for our hot summers)
- Filter replacement
- Fan motor lubrication
- Thermostat setting and function
Apply sealants designed for Texas heat conditions that provide UV protection. Cleaning and sealing a standard deck can be done by professionals, with additional charges for repairs or sealing.
Repair Outdoor Decks
Our intense sun degrades wood and concrete surfaces differently than in more northern regions. Inspect for:
- Sun-faded boards
- Cracked concrete from winter freeze-thaw cycles
- Damage from winter storms
Apply sealants designed for Texas heat conditions that provide UV protection. Cleaning and sealing a standard deck can be done by professionals, with additional charges for repairs or sealing.
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Tune Up Lawn Mower & Equipment
Before our grass growth accelerates in April, ensure your mower is ready:
- Sharpen blades (Texas grasses like Bermuda are tough on mower blades)
- Change oil (consider synthetic for our hot conditions)
- Replace spark plugs and air filters
- Check wheel alignment
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Inspect Walkways, Patios and Driveways
Our expansive clay soils make D/FW especially prone to concrete and asphalt damage. March is ideal for repairs before summer heat makes patching difficult. Look for:
- Foundation cracks
- Driveway separation
- Patio settling
Use flexible sealants designed to expand and contract to account for our soil movement.
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D/FW-Specific Considerations
A few additional items specific to our region:.
Foundation Watering
March is the time to check soaker hoses and foundation watering systems. Our clay soil can contract substantially in dry periods, potentially causing foundation movement, resulting in cracks and other related issues. Follow the guidance of your foundation expert to maintain the 'health' of your foundation.
Roof Inspection
Check for damage from winter storms, particularly hail damage which is common in North Texas. March offers comfortable temperatures for roof work before summer heat makes this dangerous. Many roofing companies offer free inspections if asked.
Pest Prevention
Our warm climate means insects may return sooner. Check for fire ant mounds emerging in March and use a good preventative treatment before the nests become established, especially if you have children or pets using the yard.
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