Get Your Back Yard Ready for Summer

Summertime is here! For most homeowners, that means sunny days, warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors. You might be planning to host a barbecue and invite friends and family over or to simply relax and soak in some sun rays. Whether you plan to welcome a large party or enjoy some solitude, now’s the time to start getting your back yard ready for the summer.

Creating an awesome outdoor space adds value to your home, but more importantly, it allows you to take full advantage of your house and make great memories that you’ll cherish. You can go all out in making over your back yard or take a modest approach with improvements that will still elevate your experience.

Below we share some ideas to give you inspiration on how to get your back yard ready for summer fun. Whether you take them and run with them, or they spark another idea, we hope they help you make the most out of your back yard.

Power Wash Your Patio or Deck

Cleaning, organizing, and power washing your outdoor surfaces can liven up your yard more than you might realize. You should first clear the space of any debris, sweep it, and then give it a nice deep clean with a power washer. You can hire someone to do this or rent a unit from your local hardware store, usually at a pretty reasonable cost.

Clean or Replace Your Outdoor Furniture

If you leave your furniture outdoors for an extended period, it can take a toll on those pieces. You may be able to clean the cushions or even replace them with new ones. If the structure of the chair or couch is beginning to look too worn, it might be time to look at replacing it entirely. Buying new outdoor furniture can be an excellent opportunity to curate an entirely new color scheme or overall aesthetic.

Exercise Your Green Thumb by Planting and Gardening

Don’t neglect the obvious. After all, we’re talking about ideas to spruce up your back yard, so we can’t overlook the plants. If the climate in your area supports it, you could go the tropical route, planting palm trees and bright flowers. Or you may be more inclined to neutral, green tones from elephant ears, hostas, and ferns. For other homeowners, a garden with fruits and vegetables that you enjoy provides nice scenery and serves the dual purpose of serving up groceries straight from your back yard.

Step Up Your Grilling Game

Almost every summer gathering culminates in sharing a tasty meal. If you’ve got a barbecue setup, you’ll be able to prepare food for your guests while you entertain them and soak up some sunshine. Even if you already have a grill, you can explore accessories or upgrades. After all, we know that guests come for the party and stay for the food.

Add Some Cool New Accessories

Maybe your one of the pros that already has a well-designed back yard, so you’re in the market for something fun and new this year. You can explore adding in solar-powered lights, a fire pit for evening gatherings, a hammock, or some outdoor speakers, to name a few. Thanks to your preparedness, you can research and add that finishing touch to reflect your personal interests and style.

Don’t Forget to Save Yourself a Shady Spot

While most of us are thinking about getting a summer tan, you don’t want to forget to save some shady areas in your back yard too. Maybe you’ll want to enjoy a novel, doze off in a hammock, or relax with friends. You’ll definitely thank yourself later as temperatures soar on the hot summer days to come.

Though we see why you might think we’re the experts on curating back yards, our real expertise is in helping you create an outstanding homeownership experience. Our loan officers will enthusiastically support you from your initial evaluation of loan options all the way through to financing improvements to your home after you’ve closed. Our passion is creating happy homeowners, and our team will be excited to help you get started on your journey.