How to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and LandscapingHow to Maintain Exterior and Landscaping

How to Maintain Exterior and Landscaping — Cumberland, Rhode Island

Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for Cumberland, Rhode Island

Overview

Curb appeal affects tenant retention and property value. Keep up with seasonal maintenance.

DIY FriendlyModerate~120 min

Cumberland note: Apply fall fertilizer before the first frost for a stronger spring lawn. Protect young trees with trunk wraps in winter. Use calcium chloride instead of rock salt on walkways to reduce concrete damage.

Step-by-Step Guide

Establish a mowing and edging schedule

Mow weekly during the growing season, keeping grass at 3-3.5 inches tall (optimal for most cool-season grasses). Edge along walkways, driveways, and flower beds every 2-3 weeks. Alternate mowing patterns each week to prevent soil compaction and ruts.

Maintain trees and shrubs

Trim shrubs to maintain shape and keep them 12 inches away from the house foundation and siding to prevent moisture trapping and pest highways. Prune dead or overhanging tree branches — especially those within 10 feet of the roof, which can drop debris into gutters and damage shingles in storms.

Manage flower beds and mulch

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and give beds a clean appearance. Pull weeds before they go to seed. Replace annual flowers in spring and fall for seasonal color. Keep mulch 3 inches away from the foundation to discourage termites.

Inspect and maintain walkways and driveways

Check for cracked or heaved concrete that creates trip hazards. Fill asphalt cracks with crack filler before winter. Power wash walkways, driveways, and patios once a year to remove stains and mildew. Repair or replace loose pavers.

Maintain fencing and gates

Walk the fence line looking for leaning posts, loose boards, and rusted hardware. Tighten screws, replace broken pickets, and straighten posts. Stain or paint wood fences every 2-3 years. Oil hinges and latches on gates.

Keep gutters and downspouts clear

Clean gutters in spring and fall at minimum. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4 feet away from the foundation using extensions or splash blocks. Clogged gutters cause fascia rot, foundation damage, and ice dams in cold climates.

Maintain exterior lighting and address numbers

Replace burned-out bulbs in porch lights, pathway lighting, and security lights. Ensure address numbers are visible from the street (aids emergency response). Consider solar-powered path lights for walkways — they are inexpensive and require no wiring.

Handle seasonal exterior tasks

Spring: rake dead grass, apply pre-emergent weed control, aerate lawn. Summer: deep water during drought, fertilize. Fall: rake leaves, overseed thin areas, apply fall fertilizer. Winter: clear snow and ice, apply de-icer, check for ice dam formation.

What You'll Need

Tools

- Lawn mower and string trimmer/edger
- Pruning shears and loppers
- Rake and leaf blower
- Pressure washer (rental: $50-$75/day)
- Garden hose and sprinkler
- Ladder for gutter access

Materials

- Mulch (2-3 cubic yards per 500 sq ft of beds)
- Grass seed for overseeding
- Lawn fertilizer (spring and fall applications)
- Driveway crack filler
- Fence stain or paint
- Replacement light bulbs (outdoor rated)

Cost Estimates

DIY Cost

$200 – $600 per season (supplies and materials)

Professional Cost

$100 – $300/month (lawn and landscape maintenance service)

Safety Tips

Wear eye protection when using string trimmers and pressure washers.
Never use a ladder on soft or uneven ground when cleaning gutters.
Apply lawn chemicals according to label instructions and keep children and pets off treated areas for the specified time.
When trimming trees, never cut branches near power lines — call the utility company for that.

When to Call a Professional

Hire a landscaper for large-scale projects: tree removal, major hardscaping, irrigation system installation or repair, and chemical lawn treatments. For rental properties, a weekly lawn service ($30-$60/week) often costs less than tenant credits for neglected yards.

Pro Tip

For rental properties, simplify landscaping to reduce maintenance: use perennial plants instead of annuals, install low-maintenance ground covers in hard-to-mow areas, and consider replacing small grass areas with mulched beds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Piling mulch against the house foundation ('mulch volcanoes'), which invites termites and holds moisture against siding.
Mowing grass too short, which stresses the lawn and encourages weed growth.
Ignoring gutter maintenance until water pools near the foundation, causing basement leaks.
Letting shrubs grow against the siding, which traps moisture and encourages wood rot and pest entry.