March Maintenance - Pacific Northwest
Rain easing, days lengthening. Spring prep begins as winter releases its grip.
March in the Pacific Northwest: Hope Springs Eternal
March in the Pacific Northwest is a month of transition. The rain is still around, but there are more breaks in the clouds. Days are noticeably longer. Bulbs are pushing up through the soil. After months of gray, you can start to believe that summer might actually happen again.
This is planning and prep month. The ground is still too wet for major outdoor work, but you can start tackling moss, checking winter damage, and lining up projects for the dry season. Use this time well and you’ll hit the ground running when spring actually arrives.
This Month’s Tasks
1. Moss Treatment 🔧🔧
Time: 2-4 hours
The Pacific Northwest is essentially a moss paradise. Our wet, mild climate lets moss grow on everything—roofs, sidewalks, siding, trees. Left unchecked, it can cause real damage.
Apply moss treatment to roofs before the dry season arrives. Use products specifically designed for Pacific Northwest conditions and safe for your roofing material. Be careful with pressure washing—it can damage shingles and spread moss spores.
Treat moss on sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Look at your siding and treat any moss growth there too. A little effort now prevents bigger problems later.
2. Gutter Cleaning 🔧🔧
Time: 2-3 hours
Your gutters have been working hard all winter. Before spring growth adds more debris to the mix, give them a thorough cleaning.
Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts. Flush with a hose to check drainage. Look for damage—sagging sections, loose hangers, holes. Make sure downspouts direct water well away from your foundation.
Consider installing gutter guards if you’re tired of frequent cleanings. They’re not perfect in the PNW’s heavy rain, but they help.
3. Roof Inspection 🔧🔧
Time: 1 hour
Winter takes a toll on roofs. Heavy rain, wind, falling branches, moss growth—all of it adds up. Inspect your roof for damage while you can still get a good look before summer projects start.
From the ground (or with binoculars), check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Look for damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. Check fascia and soffits for damage or rot.
If you’re comfortable on a ladder, get a closer look. If not, hire a professional. Roof problems caught early are repairs. Roof problems ignored become replacements.
Roofer needed? → Roofing issues? →
4. Summer Project Planning 🔧
Time: 2-3 hours
Here’s a project for a rainy March day: plan your summer work. Pacific Northwest summers are short and contractors book up fast. Get organized now.
Make a list of everything that needs attention—exterior painting, deck refinishing, landscaping, repairs. Prioritize by urgency and budget. Get quotes from contractors while they’re still available. Order materials so they’re ready when you need them.
When the dry weather arrives, you want to be working—not planning.
5. Deck and Patio Assessment 🔧🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
Inspect your outdoor living spaces for winter damage. Wet winters are hard on decks, patios, and walkways.
Look for soft spots on decking, loose boards, and popped nails or screws. Check railings for stability. Inspect support posts and joists for signs of rot. Look for cracks in concrete patios and walkways.
Make notes on what needs repair, cleaning, or refinishing. Plan to tackle these projects during the dry season. A well-maintained deck lasts decades; a neglected one fails in years.
6. Test AC and Heat Pump 🔧🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Yes, the Pacific Northwest is getting hotter. Recent summers have seen multiple heat waves, and you don’t want to discover your AC doesn’t work when it’s 95° outside.
Run your AC or heat pump in cooling mode for 20-30 minutes. Listen for unusual sounds. Check that cool air is coming from registers. Replace or clean filters.
If you don’t have AC and have been considering it, get quotes now. Installation demand spikes after the first hot days.
HVAC issues? → Find an HVAC contractor →
7. Drainage Check 🔧🔧
Time: 1 hour
Before spring rains arrive in force, make sure your drainage systems are ready.
Check French drains, catch basins, and drainage ditches. Clear any debris that accumulated over winter. Make sure water flows freely away from your foundation. Look for areas where water pools and plan to address them.
Good drainage protects your foundation, prevents basement flooding, and keeps your landscape healthy. Don’t wait for problems to develop.
8. Early Garden Prep 🔧🔧
Time: 2-4 hours
March is the time to start garden prep. The soil is warming, and early crops can go in the ground.
Clean up last year’s garden debris. Add compost and amendments to beds. Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops. Plant early vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach.
Prune fruit trees and berries before buds break. Divide perennials that have gotten overcrowded. A little work now means a productive garden all season.
The Bottom Line
March in the Pacific Northwest is about preparation and early action. The worst of the wet weather is passing, but the dry season hasn’t quite arrived. Use this in-between time to treat moss, inspect winter damage, and plan your summer projects. The days are getting longer and better weather is coming—be ready for it.