Summer is in full swing now. That means it’s time for relaxing on the beach, swimming at the pool, higher gas prices, and all of the other fun-filled things that summer entails. With longer days and warmer weather comes the desire to spend more time outside enjoying nature and improving your tan. And what better way is there to enjoy the sunshine than right in your backyard? At this time of year, backyard barbecues with friends and family are especially popular. If you’re thinking about hosting a BBQ, it may be the perfect time to take a look out your back door. Is your backyard ready, or does it need a little makeover?
How To Organize Your Backyard
If you have a little time and the desire, here are a few tips to help you get your yard organized and back into shape before summer.
1. Make a Plan
Start by taking stock of the current condition of your backyard. Is this going to be an afternoon project or a major overhaul? Either way, make a list of what is in your backyard. You may find it helpful to make a simple map to visualize it as well. Once you know what the current condition is, you can begin to plan out what you want your backyard to be like. As you plan, think about what you will use your yard and patio for most often. Do you want a place to relax by yourself or to entertain friends and family? Your plan should focus on making your yard compatible with your goals and vision of how you will use it.
2. Clean up
Once you have taken inventory of your yard, you know what doesn’t belong there. Whether trash, a weed whacker, or weeds, it’s time to clean it up. Tools and lawn care items can be easily picked up and stored out of the way in the garage or a shed. The rest, however, will likely require consistent effort to keep under control. Weeds and other undesired plants, for example, will need to be pulled out continually. Picking up trash, sweeping, and wiping off patio furniture should also be repeated regularly. If you want to have a good-looking, organized backyard, it is going to take some work.
3. Storage
There is a whole assortment of backyard storage solutions out there to help keep your yard organized. For instance, you can get your garden hose under control by installing a hose rack. This will keep your hose from getting dirty, tangled up, or damaged. A small shed is also ideal for storing lawn care and gardening supplies like a lawnmower. A storage rack can help store outdoor items such as firewood, pool equipment, and toys. You can also purchase a storage box to store patio furniture cushions, pool equipment, toys, and other items. Some outdoor storage boxes also double as benches, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing and useful for seating.
4. Plant & Decorate
A good part of organizing your backyard involves finding the proper location for plants, furniture, and decorations in the yard. With the help of your backyard plan, you can put these items where they will do the most good. Try to keep your decorations simple and functional. Experts recommend placing just a few furniture pieces and decorations on your patio. Adding too much furniture can make your backyard feel small and cluttered. This rule also applies to the plants you put in your yard. Remember, you will have to water and care for the plants in your yard or you may end up digging them up and replacing them in the near future.
5. Enjoy
Now that you’ve come this far, it’s time to get a little enjoyment out of your yard. So, pull out the hammock, fire up the grill, and have a great summer!
