Summer is approaching, which means it’s time to start prepping your yard for summer gatherings! Whether that means giving your outdoor furniture a good cleaning, planting or replanting some favorite flowers or redesigning your entire setup, we’ve got all the details you’ll need to create your dream Houston backyard.
Why Should You Prep Your Backyard for the Summer?
If you want your home to be the go-to place for summer gatherings, backyard prep is a must. After all the cool, rainy weather of winter and early spring, your backyard is likely in need of a makeover. You shouldn’t have to think twice about inviting friends and family over due to a lack of appropriate outdoor living space. Here are six ways to bring your backyard up to speed for a great summer outdoors.
Start With a Big Clean-up
We’re big believers in “less mess, less stress.” A good place to start is to give your backyard the cleaning it likely needs. Whether that means removing debris or tidying up your landscaping, a general clean-up will help you feel more at home in your outdoor space.
Unsure where to start? Mowing your lawn is a great first step. This may seem simple, but freshly-cut grass gives your home an instant face-lift. Not to mention, you’ll have that fresh-cut grass smell hanging around for the rest of the day! Similarly, trimming your trees and bushes adds to that manicured look and keeps them healthy. For the final touch, remove any debris, like sticks and leaves. This will give you a clean slate for your summer backyard plans.
Treat Your Lawn
Now that you’ve mowed, keep it healthy and ready for any last-minute gatherings by treating your lawn. This may seem daunting, but the results will make it all worth it.
Houston summers are notoriously hot and humid, which means you’ll have a thirsty lawn to contend with., Watering a few times a week is crucial. A sprinkler system is a great, low-maintenance investment to ensure your grass is getting the water it needs.
Unlike watering, aeration and fertilization only need to be done once. Aerating your lawn allows nutrients and water to reach the roots by poking holes in the surface. Fertilization depends on your grass type, so we’d recommend researching and treating accordingly.
You don’t want all that hard work to go to waste, so keeping up with general maintenance will ensure fresh, healthy-looking grass all summer long!
Incorporate Plants and Flowers
Now that your lawn is prim and proper, it’s time to add some color! Planting flowers or herbs not only adds color to your backyard but allows your personal style to show. Whether you want to plant a garden to have vegetables and herbs on hand or decorate your yard with bright potted flowers, the possibilities are endless. Here are some native Texas flowers you can try:
- Rock rose
- Esperanza
- Cenizo
- Mealy blue sage
Consider Shade and Sun Protection
Summer is the season for outdoor living, but it’s also the hottest—and in Texas, that means scorching hot. Adding shade to your backyard will keep your guests comfortable and protected from the sun. There are many easy ways to add shade to your yard without taking away from the aesthetic. You can install a pergola, plant a tree for long-term coverage or simply add a patio umbrella.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
There are so many ways to enhance your outdoor living space to create the perfect summer oasis. One simple way is to pay attention to your lighting sources. This not only has the ability to create a cozy, charming ambiance but allows you to host day or night. A simple row of string lights adds whimsy to any backyard, but lanterns staked in the ground can highlight plants you’re proud to display.
To ensure your guests have a place to relax and converse, consider adding patio furniture or a fire pit as well. Plan your furniture around conversation areas: a table and chairs are an easy way to start. Adding these simple things can transform your backyard into the go-to place for summer gatherings.
Consider Adding a Sliding Patio Door
An outdoor space isn’t complete without a beautiful patio door to bring your indoor and outdoor spaces together seamlessly! Sliding patio doors open up your space with ease, allowing you to transition in or out no matter where your guests are. No matter if you are inside or outside, you are still part of the party!
Need options? At Window World of Houston, we offer plenty of styles of customizable patio doors to cater to your tastes. So, if you’d like to upgrade your patio door to complete your summer prep, we’ve got you covered!
Grow Your Backyard’s Potential with Window World
Now that you have learned the importance of prepping your backyard for the summer, it’s time to start planning that summer kick-off event! Want to increase your curb appeal too? Window World of Houston offers high-quality, affordable replacement windows, doors and vinyl siding to make your home the summer hotspot of your neighborhood. Contact us today for your free estimate!