Summer is thought of as a time to go for walks in the great outdoors and go on vacations. But when you actually look at how you spend your time during the warmest period of the year, you’ll likely discover that the vast majority of your time is spent where it’s spent at all the other times of year: at home.
As such, it’s worth making an effort to create a summer-worthy home that will allow you to enjoy the season to the fullest. And, of course, there’s no better area of your property to focus on than the backyard. In this post, we’ll look at a few handy strategies for fully embracing the summer months in your outdoor area. Indeed, you might just find that your backyard is so good that you don’t need to take an adventure.
Invest in Landscaping
Your focus will be on the sunshine, sure, but you won’t be able to completely ignore what’s happening on the ground. A poorly-maintained, visually unappealing backyard will not be the kind of space that invites you to spend long days outside.
Step one, getting your yard into shape, is the most challenging aspect of the process, but it can also be fun. Spend a couple of days clearing out the space and adding some plants, and the space will look significantly better. Want to have an award-winning yard without the hard work? Hire a landscaper to do the job for you.
Quality Outdoor Furniture
People invest in comfortable furniture for their living for a reason: they spend a lot of time there during the fall and winter, and they wouldn’t enjoy doing so anywhere nearly as much if they had low-quality seating. The same principle applies to your backyard. You’ll be much more likely to use it as an outdoor living space if you have quality, comfortable outdoor furniture that allows you to truly relax and unwind.
Outdoor sofas, dining tables, and other furniture can be a little expensive, but it’s worth the investment. After all, just think of how much money you’ll save when you have the option to stay on your property on sunny days rather than having to take a trip somewhere.
Sun Protection
Sunny weather is what makes the summer months so enjoyable. However, things become a little difficult to manage when it’s too sunny and hot. At that point, you’ll likely have to retreat to the shade provided by the inner part of your property until things become a little cooler.
The solution? Add some shade to your yard. Adding a sun umbrella or retractable awning will allow you to enjoy the long summer days without overheating or worrying about sunburn. It’s a simple, effective way to continue enjoying your backyard even during the hottest parts of the day.
Add Lighting
Summer days are long, but they don’t go on forever. At some point, darkness will settle in and you’ll need to head indoors because, well, sitting outside in the dark can feel a little strange. One effective way to combat this issue is to add soft outdoor lighting. Even some fairy lights mixed with a couple of bright lawn lights can do the trick.
A firepit can provide lighting and heating. Now, you might not think that a heating source is required during the hottest parts of summer, and you’d be correct — but summer goes on for longer than the couple of weeks when the temperatures are super high. If you live in a northern state, then a fire pit will help to keep you warm when slightly chilly air sinks in, and it’ll also allow you to enjoy your backyard during the colder periods of the year, too.
Lawn Games
Your backyard will be mostly for relaxing, but it can also be for fun. Look at adding some summer lawn games so that you, your family, and visiting friends can engage in some good old wholesome fun in your yard. With some games, a BBQ, and an outdoor sound system, you’ll really be able to create lifelong memories and prove, once again, that summer really is the best season.
Buy a Hammock
Our final tip? Buy a hammock. They can be a game-changer for how you experience your backyard, allowing you to sink into many hours of vacation-worthy relaxation right from the comfort of your own property. They’re highly affordable and don’t require much space. The only issue you might have is if you have a large family — everyone wants to spend their afternoon in a hammock!