How to Get Your Outdoors Ready For Summer

April 17, 2017

One of the best parts of Summer is the time you get to spend outdoors. The weather is bright, sunny, and perfect for spending some time out in the yard. Before you go digging out the badminton net, however, it’s always a good idea to spend some time getting your outdoor space ready for the Summer. Here’s a handy list of tasks to get you started on prepping your outdoors:

1. Prep the Patio

Your porch and patio become an extension of your indoor living space. As such, they deserve some special attention, especially if you enjoy hosting. For starters, take a look at your decking, pavers, or concrete. Is it in good shape or does it need some love?

If you notice that your patio space is looking a little less than its best, you might want to break out the pressure washer and hose it down to remove any grime that might have built up over winter and spring. If you’re using a pressure washer, just make sure you use the appropriate amount of water pressure so you don’t accidentally etch into your concrete.

Then, take a look at your patio furniture. If you brought it inside or kept it covered over the winter months, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. However, it’s always worth the time it takes to give it a once-over. Make sure there’s no mold or any structural problems before you have your guests use the furniture.

If you notice bare metal sticking out, consider using a bit of primer and touching up the paint. Not only does it keep it looking good, but it will also protect the metal, which will help the furniture last for years to come. If there is more damage than a paint touchup can handle, it may be time to replace it. Patio furniture trends can be a good place to start when you’re looking for the perfect replacement.

2. Look Over the Yard

Your yard is going to be the next big task on the list for prepping your outdoors. Although this is a seemingly never-ending battle throughout the summer, getting a good start on it in the spring can cut down on your work. If you fertilize your yard before winter, then your grass should be green, growing, and in need of a good trim.

Just make sure not to cut your grass too short; otherwise, your yard won’t look as healthy as it could. This is also a great time to get your pest control started, whether it be weeds, insects, or both. If you start early enough, you can nip most weeds in the bud before they get out of control. If it seems like you’re losing the battle as you get closer to summer, it might be time to call in the cavalry and hire a professional.

3. Tend the Garden

Spring and summer are the best times of year to focus on your garden. Not only are they good growing months if you like growing your own fruits and veggies, but you can also produce some singularly beautiful flowers to add to your natural landscape.

Start by checking the health of your garden, making sure it’s free and clear of weeds and other pests. Make sure you’re planting appropriately for both the climate and the season, and seed or transplant accordingly. Additionally, this is the perfect time of year to clean out your garden shed, which is something that gets neglected far too often during the rest of the year.

While it might be all part of the spring cleaning list, yard work and prepping your outdoors can be so much more than just another chore. Enjoy your cleaning in the sunshine and fresh air and have fun doing it!