Backyard barbecues, quiet evenings out on the patio, kids playing out in the grass are some of the hallmarks of an All-American summer. The warm glow of the sun, the smell of freshly cut grass, and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves on the shade trees that line your property - if you feel like life’s been going too quickly, you know just how valuable these little moments can be. Being able to slow down and enjoy your outdoor spaces is a key benefit of owning your own home. The perfect summer destination can be just outside your own door.
If you’re ready to stop and smell the roses this summer, you’ll want to consider some small- and maybe a few more ambitious- tasks that could transform your yard into a special spot for summer fun in the sun. With proper maintenance and care, your lawn and outdoor space will remain the ideal location for slowing down and making wonderful memories . Are you ready to live your best life in your own yard?
Ways to Prepare Your Yard for Summer
- A nicely manicured lawn is often the centerpiece of many outdoor living spaces creating attractive curb appeal while also providing a spot for family BBQs, playing catch with the kids or encouraging nighttime flashlight tag for the neighborhood kids. Keep your lawn looking great this summer by keeping it free of debris, cut regularly, and watered for that perfect look. From seeding to mowing and pest control – the PennState Extension gives some great tips on lawn management. The right combination of sun, nutrients, and hydration will mean your lush lawn is the envy of the neighborhood.
- Prune trees and shrubs. For spring blooming shrubs, it is ideal to prune soon after they finish flowering, according to the PennState Extension, while summer blooming shrubs ideally should be pruned in the winter or very early spring. Not only are unruly plants unattractive, but dead and overgrown branches can become hazards during a summer storm. A good
- Plant new trees to provide shade. While it might take a few years for them to mature to their full size, watching a tree grow can be a fun family reminder as they grow alongside the tree.
- Deep clean your outdoor surfaces. Driveways, patios, decks and even the furniture can all quickly become dusty or covered in pollen- and can often benefit from a good wash before the warm weather sets in for the season. Pressure washing is a great way to tackle this task but be careful to avoid pressure washing items with more sensitive finishes, like painted or paneled walls.
- If necessary, refinish or repaint worn surfaces.
- Be proactive with unwanted pests. When the warm weather arrives, so do the insects but you can minimize their presence. Bug-proof your backyard for some easy peace of mind.
- Upgrade the comfort of your backyard space with some cozy furniture. Blankets, pillows, and even outdoor rugs can help your space feel more inviting- especially once the sun goes down and it starts to get cool.
- See the beautiful space you created with upgraded outdoor lighting. Installing motion-detected lights can make your space feel more secure, while attractive outdoor lighting can be used to add visual appeal and ambiance to your outdoor space.
- Create some unique attractions in your backyard. While a patio or deck might be standard options for seating areas, consider adding a gazebo or pergola as a distinct alternative. Fire pits are a great spot to gather and entertain. An outdoor kitchen, or built-in grill, can be a great utilitarian upgrade that also looks great and adds some high-end appeal. Not enough room for an in ground pool? Stock tank pools are trending as an alternative and can be a space-efficient addition to help add a splashing zone to your outdoor space.
- Install electrical outlets to help make your space more livable. Install fans in permanent structures like a covered porch, or use plug in models to help keep you cool.
Your home’s outdoor living spaces expand the living areas or your home offering a place to get outside, relax and entertain. Great summer memories start with a plan- implementing these tips for getting your yard ready for the summer is a great place to start!