Weather on Lake Michigan’s North Shore keeps you on your toes. Between spring downpours, summer pests, and fall leaf piles, your Highland Park home needs a simple, local-first plan. This guide gives you a season-by-season checklist aligned with Highland Park pickup rules, typical frost dates, and permit requirements so you can protect your home and budget. Follow along to time tasks, avoid fines, and keep your home market-ready. Let’s dive in.

Highland Park timing essentials

Staying on schedule saves time and money. Here are a few local anchors to plan around:

• Yard waste runs April 1 through the end of November. The City’s Fall Leaf Season is October 15 to November 30, with special collection rules and higher leaf bag limits. Confirm details on the City’s solid waste page before setting out materials. Review Highland Park’s solid waste and leaf rules.
• Typical last spring frost is mid-April and first fall frost is mid to late October. Lake Michigan can shift timing near the shoreline, so check forecasts before planting or winterizing sprinklers. See Chicago-area frost dates.
• Permits are required in Highland Park for most exterior work beyond normal maintenance, including roof, window, and HVAC replacements. Historic district properties may also need design review, so plan extra lead time. Check permit requirements.
• Heavy rains and local topography can stress basements. If you modify grading or drainage, Lake County’s Watershed Development Ordinance may apply. Review Lake County stormwater guidance.

Spring maintenance checklist (March to May)

• Clear gutters and extend downspouts 4 to 6 feet from the foundation. Spring rains arrive fast, so keep water moving away from your home. Align debris setouts with local yard waste rules. Confirm setout guidelines.
• Schedule an A/C tune-up and replace filters regularly during heavy use. This helps prevent mid-summer breakdowns and keeps energy bills in check. Follow ENERGY STAR HVAC tips.
• Inspect your roof and attic for winter damage or ice-dam staining. If replacement or major repair is needed, confirm permits before work. See Highland Park permit guidance.
• Test your sump pump and clear the discharge line. Consider a battery backup and alarm if you have a basement or low spot on the lot. Review Lake County stormwater rules.
• Prep the yard and plan tree work before the canopy fills in. If the City or hauler offers Spring Clean-Up, align big setouts with the published calendar. Check the hauler’s schedule.
• Reduce tick and mosquito risk. Remove standing water, trim vegetation at the yard edges, and create clean borders along wooded areas. See Lake County tick guidance.

Summer maintenance checklist (June to August)

• Water lawns in the morning and keep edges trimmed to reduce pests. Dump any water that collects in containers weekly to limit mosquitoes.
• Trim trees away from the roof and power lines. Hire a qualified arborist for larger work and confirm any City requirements before removals.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Replace devices that are past the manufacturer’s lifespan.
• Inspect exterior paint, siding, decks, and railings. Small fixes now prevent water intrusion and bigger repairs later. If you plan to replace exterior materials, confirm whether permits or design review apply.

Fall maintenance checklist (September to November)

• Service the furnace and replace filters before the first cold snap. This keeps your system safe and efficient. Use ENERGY STAR’s fall guidance.
• Schedule a chimney inspection with a certified pro before fireplace season. The Chimney Safety Institute of America supports annual inspections to maintain safety. Learn about annual chimney inspections.
• Winterize exterior faucets and your irrigation system. Shut off, drain, and insulate to prevent burst pipes.
• Perform a final gutter clean after most leaves fall. Time raking and setouts to the City’s October 15 to November 30 Leaf Season to avoid extra hauling. Review leaf collection rules.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation to reduce ice dams and control winter energy costs.

Winter maintenance checklist (December to February)

• Protect pipes during extreme cold by insulating exposed lines and opening cabinet doors over sink plumbing on exterior walls.
• Watch for ice dams. If they persist, plan spring upgrades to insulation and ventilation.
• Keep emergency supplies on hand and test generators if you have one. Replace smoke and CO batteries after outages or seasonal transitions.
• Shovel responsibly and keep hydrants clear if it is safe to do so. Follow City guidance on plowing and street safety during storms.

Health and safety priorities

• Radon testing: Lake County encourages testing, especially in winter when indoor levels run higher. If results exceed 4 pCi/L, hire a licensed mitigator and keep documentation for future real estate needs. Get radon testing guidance.
• Vector control: Lake County tracks ticks and West Nile virus activity. Maintain screens, eliminate standing water, and use protective measures outdoors. Read local tick and vector info.
• Flood awareness: Even outside mapped FEMA zones, heavy rain can stress basements. Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to check your address and consult Lake County SMC if you plan grading or drainage changes. Check FEMA flood maps.

Plan permits and timing like a pro

Many Highland Park projects require permits, including roof, window, and HVAC replacements, plus decks and larger sheds. If your home is in a local historic district, exterior changes visible from the street may need design review. Build a little buffer into your schedule so approvals do not delay work. Start with Highland Park’s permit page.

Keeping up with seasonal maintenance protects comfort, budgets, and long-term value. If you are weighing which projects to prioritize for resale, we can help you map a smart plan, coordinate trusted pros, and, when it fits, explore Compass Concierge for pay-later improvements. Reach out to Allie Payne to get started.

FAQs

When are yard waste and leaf pickup in Highland Park?

• Yard waste runs April 1 through the end of November, and Fall Leaf Season is October 15 to November 30 with special rules; confirm details on the City’s solid waste page for the current year. See Highland Park’s solid waste program.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof, windows, or HVAC in Highland Park?

• Yes, replacement roofing, window swaps, and furnace or A/C replacements typically require permits; check with the Building Department before hiring. Review permit requirements.

When is it safe to plant and when should I winterize sprinklers?

• The average last spring frost is mid-April and the first fall frost is mid to late October, so use local forecasts to schedule planting and fall blowouts. Check local frost dates.

Should I test my Highland Park home for radon, and when?

• Yes, Lake County encourages radon testing, with winter often recommended since indoor levels are typically higher; mitigate if results exceed 4 pCi/L. Get radon testing guidance.

How do I check if my property is in a FEMA flood zone?

• Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to search your address, then consult Lake County SMC if you plan drainage changes or need permits. Visit FEMA’s map center.