Looking forward to hosting more outdoor parties and barbecues in your backyard this summer? Chances are you already have plans to manicure your lawn on a regular basis throughout the summer, but there are a number of other ways that you can spruce up your backyard as well. Here are five ways to upgrade your backyard right before summer hits.
Install a fence.
A fence can truly make all the difference in how you experience your backyard. You and your family will enjoy more privacy as you spend time in your backyard during the summer, and if you have dogs, you’ll find that letting them outside is worry-free when you have a fence. A fence can also transform an open space into the perfect space for parties and hosting guests—something that proves especially advantageous during the summer months when hosting barbecues and other outdoor get-togethers. Keep in mind with fencing that there are a wide variety of options to choose from, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and iron, so you can always find an option that suits your home’s style.
Add a fire pit.
A fire pit can be the perfect addition to a backyard space, and many homeowners have the fundamental skills and expertise to build one themselves. All you need are a shovel, ready-mix concrete, gravel, fire bricks, and paver stones, plus any other materials you may want to use for your particular fire pit. Keep in mind that many local building codes will include regulations for fire pits, requiring an area of sand or gravel around the pit, a certain distance between the pit and nearby trees, etc. And if you want something that requires less work, you can always buy a fire pit, large or small, and incorporate it somewhere in your backyard space.
Install outdoor lighting.
A fire pit need not be the only thing that brings light into your backyard at night. You can also install outdoor lighting along pathways, along your fence line, and around plant life to add interest and convenience to your space.
Upgrade your patio.
Consider upgrading your patio with some sort of shelter overhead. Screened-in porches are always an option, of course, but there are other, more affordable overhead options as well, such as an awning or pergola. That way you can enjoy your backyard throughout the summer, regardless of the conditions, heat, or ultra bright sunlight.
Consider pest control.
Your backyard may give you a taste of the outdoors, but it doesn’t have to be host to pests that could interfere with how you enjoy your backyard. If you frequently encounter mosquitoes in your backyard, for example, than it might be time to consider hiring pest control to help keep mosquito levels under control. Of course, there are a great many DIY methods that homeowners will recommend online, so you might save some money by trying one of these methods first. One oft-touted method for dealing with mosquitoes is to fill a spray bottle with Listerine and to spray it in areas where you will be hosting your party.