May Home Maintenance Checklist 

Make the most of Spring with help from Woodstock Hardware.

 May is getting ready for summer fun.

As Spring hits its stride and warmer days return, May is the perfect time to dive into outdoor projects, refresh your garden, and take care of essential home maintenance. Let Woodstock Hardware help with everything from planting supplies to the tools and advice you need to keep things growing strong.

plants in pot

May Around The House 

✓ Finish Spring Cleaning

    • Wrap up any remaining Spring-cleaning tasks — the warm weather is here!

✓ Celebrate Mother’s Day

    • Visit Diane’s Kitchen & Home Goods Shop for thoughtful gifts
    • Explore our Natural Soaps and Lotions collection
    • Consider a Woodstock Hardware Gift Card — visit our Services page for details

✓ Inspect Foundation and Hardscapes

    • Check foundation, walkways and driveways for cracks
    • Seal as needed with supplies from our Caulk and Fillers Department

✓ Prep for Exterior Painting

    • If painting your home, start with cleaning, scraping and sanding
    • Visit our Sanding & Grinding and Caulk & Filler Departments
    • Work in small sections to stay focused
    • Hiring a pro? Call now to book an appointment

✓ Touch Up Exterior Paint

    • Handle small paint issues now before they worsen
    • Visit our Paint Department and Painting Resource Center for supplies and tips

✓ Clean and Reseal Decks or Patios

    • Prepare now to enjoy your outdoor space all summer
    • Woodstock Hardware can help you choose the right cleaners and sealers

✓ Control Pests, Insects & Rodents

    • Keep up with repellents and treatments
    • Visit our Pest, Insect & Rodent Department for supplies and advice

✓ Check Doors for Proper Operation

    • Inspect exterior, sliding and storm doors
    • Lubricate hinges and locks: use Teflon or PB Blaster for hinges/tracks and powdered graphite for locks

✓ Clean Chimney or Wood Stove

    • Clean it now or schedule a professional visit before fall
    • Woodstock Hardware has chimney brushes, extension rods and accessories

✓ Inspect Gutters and Roof

    • Recheck gutters and downspouts after spring rains
    • Clear out debris and inspect for missing or curled shingles

✓ Check Air Conditioner Compressor

    • Clear debris from around the unit
    • Ensure proper airflow by trimming nearby plants or brush

✓ Replace HVAC Air Filters

    • Pollen season is underway — replace filters if you haven’t already

✓ Inspect and Store Storm Windows

    • Check for damage, clean and safely store if not needed

✓ Wash Exterior Windows and Install/Repair Screens

✓ Inspect Attic Ventilation

    • Make sure vents are clear and fans are functional
    • Consider installing a whole house fan to reduce energy costs

✓ Step Up Pest Management

    • May is active for ants and mice — update traps and deterrents
    • Visit our Pest, Insect & Rodent Department
    • Renew contracts and ask about eco-friendly pest control options

✓ Update Storm Emergency Supplies

    • Prepare for Summer and Fall storms with water, batteries, first aid, etc.
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Storm Survival Center for essentials

May In The Yard

✓ Tree & Branch Maintenance

    • Cut back any branches touching the siding or roof to prevent squirrel access and avoid roof or siding damage

✓ Tune-Up Yard Equipment

✓ Lawn & Bed Edging

    • Finish edging lawns and garden beds for a clean, sharp look

✓ Prune Spring-Flowering Shrubs

    • Prune shrubs like lilacs and forsythia after they finish blooming

✓ Prevent Disease & Pests

    • Clean up fallen blooms and leaves to avoid fungal disease
    • Check plants for harmful insect activity

✓ Outdoor Furniture Prep

    • Repair and clean patio furniture
    • Remove mold or mildew from storage
    • Set up clean cushions and umbrellas
    • Visit our Outdoor Living Department for supplies

✓ Mowing Routine

    • Start mowing regularly
    • Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass height at once

✓ Weed Management

    • Watch for weeds and spot treat or hand pull early

✓ Apply Crabgrass Preventer (up to mid-May)

    • Apply before temperatures consistently hit the 80s
    • A neighborhood rule: apply when forsythia blooms

✓ Apply Weed & Feed Fertilizer (mid to late May)

    • Apply when weeds start growing and temps are between 60–90°F

✓ Reseed Patchy Lawn Areas

✓ Plant Larger Shrubs & Trees

    • May is a great time for planting
    • Choose plants suited for the final location
    • Use a mix of soil, manure, peat moss, and fertilizer
    • Visit our Lawn and Garden Department for tools and planting supplies

✓ Prepare for Mosquito Season

    • Check your supply of insect repellents, citronella candles, Tiki torches, and oils
    • Learn more about Thermacell for advanced mosquito control

✓ Outdoor Living Essentials

    • Explore our Outdoor Living Department for grills, covers, and torches
    • Visit our Pest, Insect, & Rodent Department for fly/wasp traps and pest deterrents

May In The Garden

✓ Annuals & Hanging Baskets

    • Plant annual flowers
    • Create a hanging basket for your porch or patio

✓ Perennials & Shrubs

    • May is the peak month for planting perennials and shrubs
    • Plant new gardens or add to existing ones

✓ Warm Season Vegetables

    • Wait until the end of May (after Memorial Day) to plant warm-weather veggies
    • Avoid the risk of early planting with little payoff

✓ Early Pest Control

    • Watch for aphids, slugs and beetles
    • Use organic solutions like insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth, and netting

✓ Divide Spring Perennials

    • Divide and transplant overcrowded perennials after blooming

✓ Garden Supplies

    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Lawn & Garden Department for traditional and eco-friendly supplies

✓ Mulching

    • Apply 2–3 inches of fresh mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

✓ Weeding

    • Weed thoroughly to reduce competition for nutrients and water

✓ Support for Plants

    • Install trellises and cages early for climbing plants
    • Stake tall flowers and cage peonies before they flop over

✓ Tool Maintenance

    • Resharpen and clean garden tools after heavy spring use

✓ Painting Garden Structures

    • Paint sheds, fences and garden structures early before plants grow too large
    • Visit Woodstock Hardware’s Paint Department for quality products and expert advice

 

young boy and man in the garden planting plants
 

Make This Your Best Year of Homeownership Yet

With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Woodstock Hardware is your trusted local partner for professional advice, quality tools, and everything you need to keep your home, yard and garden thriving. 

We are here to help.