Backyards are like a little oasis that is accessible one step from your house to the great outdoors. Or, at least your backyard should be that way. If the space behind your home has seen better days, it is time to take action and do something about it. Make this an area you will flock to with your family, friends, and for some solitary me time for many years.
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Start By Cleaning Up the Yard
Before you can begin any big project in your backyard, you need to clean it up. Gather everyone in your family, from big to little, and have them join in to get the job done quicker and enjoy a little time together.
Ensure everyone has work gloves and hats, and then get started. Begin by raking leaves and thatch and pulling weeds in the garden or rock beds. Collect toys and sports equipment and put everything away or discard them as needed. Move on to cleaning up the weeds throughout the yard with a weed wacker, and finally, mow the lawn. Once you are done, you will have a clean slate to work with.
Add a Deck or Patio
Now, it is time for the fun to begin. Being outside and enjoying your backyard means you need a place to sit. Adding a deck or patio is the ideal solution to suit your outdoor relaxation pursuits. What you choose to install will likely depend on any doors that lead from your house to the outside. If you already have a deck or patio in place, consider replacing it or fixing it up. If you do not have one, you may not have a door leading outside directly from the back of your house. Once you determine where the door will go, hire a contractor to take care of this part to ensure it is installed properly.
Next, it is time to add the deck or patio. Look for materials that will weather well and require minimal maintenance. While they may cost more at the beginning, they will generally save you time and money over the long term.
Always Have Shade Options Available
One thing that tends to send people indoors is when the sun is shining down on them without an option for cover. Adding shade to your new outdoor area will solve that problem. During the deck-building process, you can add a pergola, a louvered, or a full covering. Alternatively, installing four posts along a paver patio gives you the option to install a shade sail.
Watch this video to learn about eight pergola shade ideas you can draw inspiration from.
Fence it All In
Once you have your new seating area in place, you should think about installing a fence. This can be a controversial topic for some people, but if you choose to embrace the notion, you will have an extra layer of privacy and security for your home and yard. In addition, your children and pets can roam freely, depending on the type of fence you install.
Some fences include full-coverage wood or plastic composite materials to provide the most privacy available. Another type is a metal or wrought iron fence that reduces visibility limitations and allows small wildlife to move between your backyard and neighboring properties. And do not forget about simple and natural barriers that can act as fencing, such as Privet hedges, flower gardens, and rows of ornamental grasses, to name just a few things.
Incorporate Landscaping and Gardens
Once everything is in place in your backyard, it is time to add landscaping elements and gardens if you like. Consider drainage around your home when adding borders there. Look for elements that will encourage drainage away from the house and avoid putting plants near items, such as utility meters.
Plant greenery that will strategically bloom in succession all year round or as the seasons allow to maximize their impact and promote continued visual interest. Add paver pathways that allow a walkway to run from the new deck or patio to a shed, play structure, or back gate in the fence. Look for areas in the yard that will benefit from shade and consider planting a few trees. While they will take a while to grow, of course, many nurseries have large saplings to suit your landscaping needs.
Now that you have some great ideas on how to get your backyard ready for living your best life, it is time to set your plans in motion. Get your yard in order by using the best tools available. From there, get the backyard of your dreams by adding a seating area, landscaping, and a garden.
