Living in Forest Hills, TN, gives you a front-row seat to nature’s beauty, with vibrant seasons that make homeownership rewarding — and occasionally demanding. Whether it's spring blooms, summer heat, autumn leaves, or winter frosts, each season brings specific tasks to keep your home in excellent condition. After all, you want your home to perform as wonderfully as it looks year-round, which means staying ahead of routine maintenance. This guide helps you tackle each season with practical, specific tips, so your home remains a haven no matter the time of year.
Spring: Refresh and Inspect
Spring in Forest Hills is nothing short of spectacular, with dogwoods blooming and temperatures rising. It’s also a crucial time to evaluate any winter wear and prepare for the warmer months. Start by conducting a thorough visual inspection of your home’s exterior. Check for damaged shingles, loose gutters, and cracks in your driveway or walkway that may have formed during the cold months.
Your HVAC system is next on the list. Schedule a professional check-up to ensure it’s ready to handle summer’s demand. Replace the filters and clean the vents throughout the house. If you use ceiling fans, reverse the direction to counterclockwise — this pushes air down and helps you stay cool more efficiently.
Don’t forget the landscaping. Prune dead branches from trees and shrubs to encourage new growth. Clear debris from flower beds, and refresh the mulch. As Forest Hills enjoys mild spring rains, make sure that your drainage systems are clear so that water flows away from your foundation. This is also the best time to test your sump pump, inspect the roof for damage, and power-wash decks and siding.
Summer: Optimize and Protect
As temperatures climb, your home’s systems work overtime. Summer maintenance is all about optimizing performance and protecting your investment during the hotter months. Forest Hills summers can be humid, so your goal is to maintain comfort while managing moisture.
Inspect and seal windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping. Consider installing thermal curtains or shades to keep rooms comfortable and reduce your energy bill. Check your insulation and ventilation to ensure heat doesn’t build up.
Clean and inspect your deck, porch, or patio for signs of wear. Summer is also an ideal time to reseal wooden surfaces that are exposed to the sun and rain. Test all outdoor lighting and clean light fixtures so that evening gatherings remain well-lit and inviting.
For lawns, maintain a consistent watering schedule early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Monitor for pests that thrive in warmer months, and address infestations quickly to prevent structural or landscape damage.
Lastly, if you have a pool or hot tub, follow a regular cleaning schedule and test chemical levels weekly. Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and proper maintenance ensures you won’t be interrupted by unexpected repairs or discomfort.
Fall: Prepare and Prevent
Autumn in Forest Hills is picturesque, with golden leaves and crisp air — but it’s also a time to prepare your home for the colder weather on the horizon. This is when preventive care really pays off. Start by cleaning out gutters and downspouts, as falling leaves can clog these systems and lead to water backup near your home’s foundation.
Inspect your roof again, looking for loose or damaged shingles. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected if you plan to use the fireplace. A properly maintained chimney improves air quality inside your home and prevents creosote buildup, which can be hazardous if left unchecked.
Test your heating system early in the season. Replace the furnace filter, and have a technician perform a tune-up. This ensures the system runs efficiently before temperatures drop. If you use a programmable thermostat, adjust the settings to reflect cooler weather and optimize energy use.
When it comes to landscaping, rake leaves regularly and compost them if you can. Trim any dead branches that could snap under snow or ice, especially those near your home or power lines. Fertilize your lawn in late fall to encourage healthy roots through the winter.
Late fall is the perfect time to winterize your outdoor plumbing. Drain and disconnect hoses, then shut off and insulate outdoor faucets to avoid freezing. If you have an irrigation system, have it professionally blown out to protect underground pipes.
Winter: Insulate and Monitor
Winter in Forest Hills brings occasional snow and sharp drops in temperature. This season’s maintenance is all about insulation, preparation, and ongoing monitoring to avoid weather-related problems.
Start with insulation. Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces to ensure they’re properly insulated and sealed. Add weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to reduce drafts. If your home has an older water heater, consider wrapping it in an insulation blanket to minimize heat loss.
Keep an eye on pipes, especially those in colder areas of the house. Insulate exposed plumbing, and know where your main shutoff valve is located in case of freezing or burst pipes.
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if you’re using a fireplace or gas appliances. Replace batteries, and consider upgrading to hardwired models with backup battery systems for added reliability.
Lastly, keep emergency supplies on hand. Stock flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. A well-maintained generator can also be a smart investment if your home is prone to outages during storms.
Forest Hills Living Made Easier
In the end, living in Forest Hills means experiencing the rhythm of the seasons — from vibrant springs to cozy winters. With the proper maintenance plan in place, your home can handle it all gracefully.
Whether you're a longtime homeowner or new to Forest Hills, these maintenance tips will help you enjoy your home in every season. If you’re ready to achieve all your homeownership goals in Forest Hills, team up with Beth Molteni today.
