Leland, Michigan, is a picturesque gem on the Leelanau Peninsula that offers year-round beauty and charm. With its historic Fishtown district, stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, and welcoming small-town feel, it's no wonder many choose to call this area home. However, life in Northern Michigan means living with four distinct seasons, each bringing its own joys—and its own set of home maintenance tasks.
To keep your home in top condition throughout the year, it’s important to follow a seasonal maintenance plan tailored to the unique climate of Leland. From snowy winters to breezy spring thaws, sun-filled summers, and colorful autumns, here’s how to keep your property protected and performing its best.
Winter: Weather the Storm
Winter in Leland is undeniably beautiful. Snow blankets the peninsula in white, creating postcard-worthy scenes, but this season can be hard on your home if you’re not prepared.
- Inspect and Insulate: Before temperatures plummet, check your home’s insulation—especially in the attic, crawl spaces, and around pipes. Proper insulation helps keep heating costs down and prevents frozen pipes.
- Protect Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like garages or basements. When extreme cold is forecasted, allow faucets to drip slightly to avoid pressure buildup that can lead to pipe bursts.
- Roof and Gutter Check: Ensure your roof is in good shape to handle snow loads. Clean gutters thoroughly in late fall so melting snow and ice can drain properly. Consider installing heated cables along the roof to prevent ice dams.
- Heating System Maintenance: Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace or boiler. Change air filters monthly and test your thermostat to ensure it's functioning properly.
- Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and nonperishable food in case of a power outage. Keep snow shovels and salt or sand handy for walkways and driveways.
- Safety First: Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and replace batteries. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent fire hazards.
Spring: Thaw and Refresh
As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring in Leland brings renewal—and the need for some post-winter recovery work around your home.
- Inspect for Damage: Walk around your property and check for signs of winter wear. Look for cracked walkways, loose shingles, damaged siding, or water pooling around the foundation. Address any issues promptly.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Even if you cleared them in the fall, check again in spring for clogs caused by windblown debris. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
- Check the Basement and Crawl Spaces: Look for signs of moisture, mold, or mildew. Spring thaws can bring hidden leaks to the surface. A dehumidifier may help keep spaces dry.
- Tune Up Landscaping: Rake up any remaining leaves, prune dead branches, and prepare garden beds. It’s also a great time to plan new plantings or install a rain garden to manage runoff.
- HVAC Prep: Have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced before the first heatwave. Clean or replace filters and check vents for blockages.
- Window and Door Seals: Inspect caulking and weatherstripping for deterioration. Reseal as needed to improve energy efficiency and prevent leaks during spring showers.
Summer: Enjoy and Maintain
Summer in Leland means beach days, barbecues, and outdoor living—but it’s also the time to tackle maintenance projects best suited to warm, dry weather.
- Exterior Repairs and Painting: Summer is the ideal season for painting your home’s exterior or sealing decks and porches. Inspect fences, siding, and railings for damage and make repairs before fall.
- Roof and Chimney Inspection: On a clear day, inspect your roof for any signs of damage from winter or spring storms. Summer is also a good time for professional chimney maintenance, especially if it wasn’t done in winter.
- Pest Prevention: Seal cracks and gaps where insects or rodents might enter. Trim trees and bushes back from the house and make sure screens are intact to keep bugs outside.
- Power Wash Surfaces: Use a power washer to clean siding, driveways, patios, and walkways. Removing dirt and mildew now can help prevent long-term staining or damage.
- Clean and Inspect Windows: Take advantage of the sunshine to wash windows inside and out. Inspect for cracks or fogging between panes that may indicate seal failure.
- Sprinkler and Irrigation Check: Test irrigation systems for leaks or misaligned heads. Ensure water isn’t being wasted or directed toward the home’s foundation.
Fall: Prepare and Prevent
Autumn in Leland paints the landscape in brilliant colors and gives homeowners time to prepare for winter once again. Fall is the season for preventive maintenance.
- Clear Gutters and Trim Trees: As the leaves fall, clean gutters regularly to avoid blockages. Trim overhanging branches to reduce the risk of roof or siding damage during storms.
- Seal Driveways and Sidewalks: Small cracks can grow larger when exposed to freezing temperatures. Sealing your driveway and walkways now can prevent costly repairs in spring.
- Service Your Heating System: Even if you serviced it in winter, a fall tune-up is a smart idea. Ensure everything is functioning well before temperatures drop.
- Inspect the Attic and Roof: Look for signs of animals nesting, missing insulation, or roof leaks. Check flashing around chimneys and vents for cracks.
- Test Safety Devices: Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and in working condition.
- Store Outdoor Furniture: Protect your patio sets and garden tools by cleaning and storing them in a dry place. Drain garden hoses and shut off exterior faucets to prevent freezing.
- Check the Weatherstripping: Inspect door and window seals for wear and replace them if needed to improve insulation and prevent drafts.
Homeownership in Northern Michigan
Owning a home in Leland means embracing every season. Whether you're braving a blizzard or basking in summer sunshine, routine maintenance is essential to protecting your investment and enjoying your home to the fullest. Staying ahead of the seasons keeps repair costs down, improves energy efficiency, and ensures peace of mind.
If you’re a seasonal homeowner, consider working with a local property manager to ensure your home is monitored and maintained year-round. For full-time residents, developing a reliable checklist for each season can help you stay organized and proactive.
Thinking of Buying or Selling in Leland?
Whether you’re new to the area or preparing to list your home, the right real estate team can make all the difference.
At Leelanau Living Realty Group, we’re proud to serve the Traverse City and Leelanau Peninsula communities with expert guidance, personalized service, and a deep appreciation for the region’s unique lifestyle.
We understand the challenges and rewards of owning a home in Northern Michigan and are here to support you every step of the way—from selecting the perfect property to maintaining it through the seasons.
Connect with our team and start your real estate journey in beautiful Leland, MI.
