If you’ve got kids and a backyard, you have a recipe for summer fun. Depending on the current state of your yard and garden, it could seem nearly impossible to get it together as a safe and fun backyard. But with some hard work and determination, you can make your backyard into a space that’s better suited to your needs. And not all improvements cost a great deal of cash, if you have the right strategy and plan ahead for a summer backyard.
Designate a play space for kids and dogs
If you don’t have a designated area in your yard for play, consider making that happen. It’s a safe area where kids can kick and throw balls and tackle each other without fear of ruining your roses or running into lawn tools. For those who have a small budget, consider a playset or swingset. It can be a big hit, especially for play dates.
While you can build an awesome playset in your yard—check out our free online plans and video tutorials—you can buy swing sets, slides, and even entire playhouses that have been pre-owned. Check social media, and then on preloved sites. Facebook Marketplace is a popular spot for these finds.
We like to create a dog run if there’s space in a backyard. Your dog can run about without worry. Design it for them to have at it. Check out how to create a dog run.
Keep your grass healthy.
While cutting the grass can feel like an endless and thankless summer backyard task sometimes, it’s an important one. Healthy-looking grass and plants are essential for a happy backyard. This means that you should be watering your lawn regularly. (Just not in the hottest part of the day because this can easily mean that it gets scorched.) You also need to mow grass at least once a week to keep it a reasonable length during growing season.
Switch to artificial
Not everyone has time to maintain grass and a garden. You need to make your backyard into what works for you. If you are wanting to make the switch from real grass to clovers or fake grass, first check with your local municipality or HOA to make sure it’s ok. Artificial grass can save time in the garden for other things. It isn’t just grass that you can have that’s artificial in your garden, you can also get good quality fake trees and plants. Take a look at a company like Vistafolia to gain ideas and inspiration.
What about seating?
Finally, consider seating choices for your garden. The right seating choices will ensure that you have a place to relax, gather with friends, and unwind. Since there are lots of different styles and design, from wicker to metal, it’s just a matter of finding the choice that fits with the overall vibe that you’re trying to create.
Make sure to include low tables near each seat so everyone has a place to place their drink, snacks, and phone. If outdoor dining is your goal, consider the size of the table in the goal spot and whether you might benefit from having one that extends from small to large.
Light the yard strategically.
Lighting can make or break an outdoor space. In addition to extending the usefulness of the backyard into those late lingering summer backyard hours, it creates a mood. Hanging battery-operated fairy lights in a tree or along a fence near a dining spot can be delightful, and easy to execute.
Also, hanging battery-operated lighting from a porch or pergola can be an easy way to add ambiance to a gathering space, too. Choose lights that operate on a timer or remote, and those that have multiple color temperature options and dimmer settings. It adds flexibility in design decor that is needed in most multifunctional backyards. Make your backyard into what you want.
Tip: If you explore options at the end of the summer season, you’ll find some great deals on all garden furniture choices so you can save money and create the ideal summer backyard for next year. This includes luxurious choices that look and feel fantastic
How are you going to make your backyard into that dream you’ve been envisioning?
Would you do these upgrades? What’s keeping you from improving your yard? Is it money, time, skills, or just making decisions? Share in the comments below.
