Bloomington is one of the largest cities in Minnesota, and a lot of it was built in the years after World War II. Ramblers, split-levels, and mid-century homes on generous lots line street after street, many with mature trees and big backyards. Add Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Normandale Lake, and the Minnesota River valley along the south edge, and it is a city with a lot of green.
Here is what to keep in mind for Bloomington home care through the year.
Homes with some history
Many Bloomington homes are 50 to 70 years old, and they hold up well with steady care. A few things deserve extra attention on older homes.
- Gutters and downspouts. Mature trees fill them fast. Clean them in spring and late fall, and make sure downspouts send water away from the foundation.
- Paint and caulk. Wood trim and window sills on older homes need regular touch-ups to keep water out. If your home was built before 1978, federal rules require lead-safe practices when a contractor disturbs the paint.
- Attics and ice dams. Older homes often have less insulation than newer ones, and warm attics are what cause ice dams. A clean gutter helps, and so does air sealing and insulation.
- Windows. Older windows and storm windows have more surfaces and tracks to clean. Spring and fall cleaning keeps them clear and sliding smoothly.
Big yards and fall cleanup
Bloomington’s lots tend to be roomy, which means more lawn to mow and more leaves to manage. Late summer and early fall is the best window for aeration and fertilizer, and the cleanup comes once the trees let go. Our Minnesota lawn care calendar walks through the timing.
In Hennepin County it is illegal to put yard waste in the garbage. Use compostable bags for your hauler’s yard waste pickup, or take leaves and brush to a yard waste site. The county’s yard waste guide lists the options.
Sidewalk snow is changing
For years, Bloomington’s park maintenance crews have cleared snow from public sidewalks and trails across the city, more than 250 miles of them. After a big storm, that can take up to three days.
In 2025 the city proposed shortening some sidewalk routes on low-volume residential streets and enforcing its existing rule that property owners clear the sidewalk next to their property. Before winter, check the city’s sidewalk snow page to see what applies on your street.
Either way, your driveway, the walk to your front door, and your steps are yours to clear. For a big corner lot or a long front walk, that can be a lot of shoveling.
Smart salting
Shovel first, then salt. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says about a coffee mug of salt, roughly 12 ounces, treats a 20-foot driveway or about 10 sidewalk squares. Salt stops working well below about 15 degrees, so on the coldest days sand is the better choice for traction. Extra salt doesn’t make things safer, and it ends up in our lakes and the river.
Keeping the outside fresh
Siding on older homes often has years of buildup. A gentle soft wash brightens it without forcing water behind the siding or chipping old paint. Concrete driveways and walks can handle pressure, and spring is a great time to wash away winter’s salt and sand.
How we help Bloomington homeowners
Our own crews handle lawn care, power washing, window and gutter cleaning, snow removal including walks and steps, and holiday lighting in Bloomington and across the southwest metro. In 2027, licensed, insured partners that we manage add painting, handyman work, and cleaning.
You can book one service, or bundle the year in a membership plan. Every plan includes weekly lawn care, spring and fall cleanups, aeration, and snow plowing, and Premium and Elite add windows, gutters, a house wash, and handyman hours. We are booking now for 2027. Request a free quote, or call or text (612) 977-3662.
Questions from Bloomington homeowners
Does Bloomington clear sidewalks?
The city has cleared public sidewalks and trails, and in 2025 it proposed shortening some residential routes and enforcing owners’ responsibility for adjacent sidewalks. Check the city’s site for your street.
How much salt should I use on my driveway?
About a coffee mug, roughly 12 ounces, for a 20-foot driveway, according to the MPCA. Shovel first, and switch to sand below about 15 degrees.
Do you clear walks and steps too?
Yes. Our snow service covers driveways, walks, and steps, plus salt and ice melt.
