Create a Fabulous Backyard
Summer weather is the time when people’s thoughts turn to spending time outside. If your backyard is not reaching its potential, you may want to consider some ways to bring it up to snuff. Whether structural or agricultural, there are many things that can spruce up your yard.
Patios and Pavers
Every back yard needs some solid space for entertaining friends or family. While a deck is a great add-on, every deck is not created equal. A wood deck adds a great natural touch but will need frequent re-sanding and staining. Wood can be stained in a variety of colors, as can an elevated concrete deck, which is a great solution if you want an easy-care surface that can be hosed off when the part is over. You may also like the idea of adding a path of concrete pavers to bring areas of your yard together and keep people off the lawn and out of the garden.
Bushes and Trees
Add some height and interest with trees and bushes. The single biggest mistake homeowners tend to make is to under-calculate growth. A small tree may look great in front of a window right now, but in 15 or 20 years, it may have grown to such a scale as to completely eradicate the view. Likewise with bushes, there can be a tendency to plant several to fill up a space, but when they mature, they may look overcrowded and take over the yard. The key to a successful garden area is patience.
Green Up the Lawn
Of all the things you can do to dress up a backyard, getting the lawn to green up and fill can make all the difference. Bare spots or white patches caused by grubs are unsightly and can ruin the look of an otherwise lush green space. Do not mow the grass too short as it will weaken the root system. Whether you add a sprinkling system or move hoses around, the important thing is to make sure it gets a good soaking a few times a week. The best time to water is in the pre-dawn hours when the cells of the grass are open and receptive to the water.
Flowers can also add a lot of color and texture to the area and give it a center of focus. Treat your backyard as the star of the show instead of an unforgotten and ignored piece of real estate. It may just become your pride and joy.
