Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago to Boston this evening, I realize I have been staring out into the dark abyss contemplating the arrival of spring. Spring is a time of anticipation and renewed life. A time when the snow finally abates and the Robins return to rebuild their nests. And a time when Tulips and Daffodils emerge from the ground and bloom, if ever so briefly. It is also a time for the voracious Black Fly that we northern dwellers know only too well. For me, however, it is a time to shift into a higher gear; there are outdoor projects that have accumulated over the winter months and there is traditional spring tasks that every homeowner is compelled to do.

Another important job, but not so large in effort, is preparing the lawn for the spring rains. First there is the raking. Then there is the application of the first stage of the four-stage fertilizer process, you know, the one that halts the Crab grass in July and August. Usually every other year there is the additional task of spreading the pest control to prevent grubs and moles. Based on product recommendations and when I actually have time, I do these tasks in mid May.For those of us with bountiful winter snowfalls, many of us have the unique task of fixing or replacing our mailboxes for hopefully the last time, or at least for the next 12 months. This is particularly an aggravating task as we spend much of the time doing it, cussing under our breath the snow plow operator that we know had pleasure wiping out our mailbox.But if you do have a clean lot in the midst of bad weather, it could mean the difference in trying to land a new tenant.Eighteen plows hauling mixtures of sand and salt were dispatched throughout Colorado Springs, said Ken Winckler, operations manager for the city's streets division. Though the snowfall is relatively light, it has had no problem sticking to the pavement due to the bitter cold temperatures in the last few days.Most commercial properties are plowed by landscapers who also maintain the outside areas of office buildings and shopping centers when they're not covered in snow. Some snow removal contractors charge by the inch, up to a certain number is included in the annual agreements and if more white falls beyond that, it means more green for the plowmen.Temperatures in the city topped out at 31 degrees Thursday after two days of high temperatures in the single digits.

I see the lights of Boston approaching in the distance. My flight is almost over; however my spring list is nearly complete. I am sure I have missed a few items, but my wife will surely remind me. I look forward to the warmth of spring, but as I look down at my list, I think, I�ll just sit back and savor the final weeks of winter.

Author: Mark J. Donovan