A Seasonal Guide: Spring Lawn and Landscape Care
- Inspect your trees and shrubs. Start your spring spruce up with a thorough inspection of your yard. Look for any branches that might be broken or damaged and prune them or have them removed by a professional.
- Test your soil. Test your soil once every few years to make sure it has the proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. You can usually get your soil tested at your state’s local agricultural extension office, or ask your lawn care or landscape professional.
- Fertilize your lawn. The decision about whether or not to fertilize should be based on the nutrition requirements needed by your soil conditions. Below are a few tips on fertilizing your lawn
- Fertilize trees and Shrubs, too. Most plants, trees, and shrubs will benefit from proper fertilization with a slow-release product just before mulch is applied.
- Control Weeds.Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control for weeds such as crabgrass. One hint on timing is that when forsythia is in full bloom, it’s usually the perfect time to apply crabgrass weed preventer.
- Make planting beds neat and tidy. Rake the old leaves and debris from plant beds and create neat, natural edges around the beds using an edging tool.
- Add an inch-thick layer of fresh mulch in plant beds and around trees. Don’t let the mulch touch tree trunks and never let the mulch accumulate to more than a 3-inch depth. Mulch not only makes planting areas look neat, but also helps to retain moisture in the soil, keeps roots cool in the summer, and insulates them in the winter. As mulch decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil.
- Inspect your irrigation system. Once the weather has warmed up for the year, turn on your irrigation system and inspect it to see if it is in working condition. If you have a landscape or irrigation company, they can do this for you.
30+ Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Every Room Sparkle
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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
When winter departs, it’s time to check for damage and prepare for the hot weather ahead.
With the days lengthening and weather warming, spring is a good time to get outdoors and tackle some larger home projects. Now that the threat of winter storms has passed, you can look for damage and make any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer. We spoke with an expert to get helpful tips on what to watch for this season, from proper irrigation to mosquitoes and termites (oh my!).
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
After the last frost has passed, it’s important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. “Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite all kinds of critters into your attic space,” says Victor Sedinger, certified home inspector and owner of House Exam Inspection and Consulting.
Having your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can also help prevent damage from spring rains. “Gutters and downspouts should be clean and running free,” Sedinger says. “If your downspouts are installed properly, water is diverted away from the house so that no water collects around your foundation.”
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
PENDING SALE – 649 Pinehurst Dr, Rio Vista, 2 Bd/2 Ba/970 Sqft
$405,000 – Stop the car Honey!! This gorgeous home is move in ready, just bring your clothes & toys to start living an active retirement life. You step into this home located on a corner lot, and beautifully landscaped and know this is the one. Two bedroom & two bath home has tile flooring with carpet in the bedrooms. Kicthen looks fresh with white painted cabinets & granite counters with all newer stainless appliances & tiled backsplash. Counter provides a bar for entertainment/dining. Primary bedroom has wall to wall closet & bay window that makes a spacious room. The upgraded bath has granite counters, sink & a barn door for privacy. Seller is using the 2nd bedroom as a den with mounted TV & hideaway couch for your guests. Stepping out to the patio area provides you additional space for entertaining & is fully fenced for your pets. Laundry is in the garage, & the garage is deeper than most. Furniture is optional & can be purchase with exception of bed. The Trilogy development offers homeowners 2 swimming pools/spas (1 indoor), bocce ball & tennis courts, full gym, billiards, computer room, golf course, restaurant/cafe & over 40 clubs to join. Whats keeping you from making this your next home? READ MORE
Pending Sale – 295 Sage Meadows Drio Vista
3bed/3.5bath/2,367sqft/6,669sqft lot
NEW PRICE $549,000 – Calistoga model, with private courtyard, located on a corner lot. New interior paint (including garage) & tile/grout cleaned, gives this home a fresh look. Island kitchen with granite tile, black appliances, w/5 burner gas stove top & maple cabinets. Open floor plan makes this a great home for entertaining & the fireplace makes it cozy. Large master bedroom has bay window, upgraded tile in bath (walk in shower & tub). Den has been enclosed as well as another room, so this could be 4 bedrooms. One can be your den, other can be your craft/sewing room. 2nd bedroom has full bath, with courtyard entrance. Laundry room has sink, cabinets & folding space. Full patio & fencing secures this backyard for your family pet. Trilogy offers many amenities, from tennis, bocce, billards, pickle ball, golf, 2 pools & spas and even playground for grandchildren. Just bring your furniture & make new friends.READ MORE
FOR SALE – 181 Cedar Ridge Dr. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,433sqft
$540,000 – Look no further!! This Clipper model is like a new home, completely renovated, from new sheet rock to all new cabinets throughout, new baths, laminate flooring, quartz counters, appliances, and new interior & exterior paint. Located on the 11th fairway, bring some patio furniture & enjoy the scenery. This model provides a living room/dining room & a nook/great room. Trilogy provides so many amenities, including 2 swimming pools/spas, bocce courts, billiards, tennis courts, pickleball, gym & more. READ MORE
FOR SALE – 731 Turnberry Ter Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1410 sqft
$405,000 – NO BONDS-Spinnaker model with private backyard. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home feels like a very relaxing cottage for a retirement home. The patio provides a quiet place for morning coffee & afternoon beverage. Den has built-in book/curio shelves & bay window. The Master bedroom has a bay window, which creates room for a sitting area. New hot water heater. Enjoy amenities such as golf, tennis, bocce, pools/spas & a new gym, and more. READ MORE
Pending Sale – 1392 Lichen Ct, Concord
4 bed/3 bath/1,761sqft/7,980sqft lot
$889,000 – Look no further, as you enter this beautiful move-in ready home, you know this is the one, & it is located in a well-established neighborhood & close to shopping. Double front doors welcome you to this cheerful home that includes 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and features a bedroom & bath on the main floor. This is perfect for a nanny or family member living with you. The home has new interior paint and new LVT plank flooring/carpet throughout. The kitchen was refreshed with open space with newer cabinets, granite tile counters, a sink, a built-in oven/electric cooktop, a garden window & sliding door to the patio. The chef will be delighted with the walk-in pantry. The kitchen/den features a mobile prepping block with storage. Also, the upstairs hall bath was remodeled to include a new tub/shower & tile floor. The majority of light fixtures are new & fireplace has a pellet stove insert. RV/boat parking, storage shed & backyard can accommodate a swimming pool/spa. The backyard has a few fruit trees & room for a garden/play area. Room for a large BBQ with all your family & friends. This home has so much potential for the next homeowner. Solar leased 3/2020 for 25 yrs. Don’t miss out!! READ MORE
PENDING SALE – 689 Waterwood Dr, Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,837sqft/5,436sqft lot
$550,000 – Breathtaking views as you step into this beautiful home, located on the 11th green & pond. Popular Reflect model with quartz counters, white cabinets, 5 burner gas stove top & refrigerator are included. Tile floors with carpet in bedrooms. A double-sided gas fireplace makes for a cozy den & living room. The primary bath has double sinks with a walk-in shower with w/bench seating. Shutters throughout the home. Walk out either slider onto the covered patio that is the full length of the home. Small piece of turf for your pet, low maintenance landscape (front & back) & fenced. The backyard is lovely & a great place for a BBQ. Washer/dryer are included & there’s a laundry tub in the garage. Prepaid solar lease, transferrable to the buyer for the remaining years of the lease. Just bring your furniture and enjoy all the amenities, such as 2 swimming pools/spas, bocce ball courts, tennis & pickle ball courts, horseshoes, billiards, a library, a computer room, etc. So many activities to enjoy, you can be as busy as you want or idle. There is a club for just about all your hobbies. READ MORE
PENDING SALE – 700 Michelbook Ln. Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1,579sqft/5,693sf lot
$455,000 – Beautiful Atherton model, located in the Active Adult Community of Trilogy. Corner lot, 2 bedroom/2 bath home, with beautiful wood flooring, carpet in bedrooms & den. The kitchen has an island with granite counters, oak cabinets, some with glass fronts to show off your china, & gas range. Lots of counter space for the chef & has a pantry. The great room has built-in custom cabinets, a gas fireplace & overlooks the backyard. 65-inch mounted TV conveys with sale. Den also has built-in cabinets. The primary bedroom overlooks the backyard, the bath has double sinks & large walk-in closet. Fenced & private backyard with a roomy patio with all-weather cover. READ MORE
PENDING SALE – 710 Pinehurst Dr. Rio Vista
2bed/2bath/2,065sqft/5,345sqft lot
$439,000 – Solar owned & No Bonds!! Can’t get much better, this Hatteras model located in the Rio Vista Active Adult Community, Trilogy, offers drought-resistant landscaping & cozy back yard. Start the day with coffee on the patio & watch the sunset on the front porch. This home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths with blinds throughout. The home has a living room/dining room combo and a family room/kitchen with tile floors in the kitchen/nook. Full patio with cover & is very private. The laundry room has a sink, washer/dryer convey with the sale, as well as refrigerators. Walking distance to Delta clubhouse, pro shop & Monarch Restaurant. Trilogy offers 2 swimming pools/spas, a cafe & restaurant, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickle ball, billiards & more. Just bring your furniture and enjoy your retirement life. READ MORE
Events in Northern California this Weekend
Comedy Explosion
April 15 · 7pm – April 16 · 1am PDT
2370 Buchanan Road Antioch, CA 94509
Come have a night with the hottest comedians. They will have your stomach hurting BUY TICKETS
Towerpark Waterfront Grille
Saturday, April 15 · 6 – 9pm PDT
Tower Park Waterfront Grille 14900 West Highway 12 Lodi, CA
Saturday, April 15
The Groovy Judy Band Grooves
Tower Park Waterfront Grille
209.354.8706
6:00pm – 9:00pm
All Ages, FREE
39th Annual Sacramento Scandinavian Festival
Sat, Apr 15, 10 AM
Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St, Sacramento, CA
Come join us, once again, for the Annual Sacramento Scandinavian Festival! This year, we’re celebrating our 39th festival on April 15, 2023 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Sacramento!
The festival features Scandinavian food, baked goods, and merchandise for sale. Come gather information about the Nordic countries and enjoy music, entertainment, and door prizes!
Adults: $5
Children under 12: FREE
Please Note: The festival itself only accepts cash (admittance, food). However, some of our vendors do accept credit cards. There are numerous banks and ATMs nearby. READ MORE
Karyn White Concert
Sat, Apr 15, 8 PM – Sun, Apr 16, 12 AM
Historic BAL Theatre, 14808 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA
International Recording Artist, Mother, Businesswoman and R&B Royalty, Karyn White graces the stage of the Historic BAL Theatre in San Leandro with her live band singing all Her Hits including, Superwoman, Secret Rendezvous, The Way You Love Me and the Billboard Hot 100 number one single Romantic. Karyn White is the first female artist to have her first three solo releases hit #1. READ MORE
