As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better time to transform your backyard into a welcoming and vibrant outdoor retreat. Whether you're hosting backyard barbecues, relaxing with a good book, or entertaining friends and family, preparing your outdoor space for summer is essential for maximizing enjoyment and creating lasting memories. From basic maintenance tasks to landscaping upgrades and functional seating areas, here's a comprehensive guide to help you elevate your backyard oasis and make the most of the sunny season ahead.

But first, curious what our backyard looks like? Here is a look into our total backyard transformation which included new sod, a new paver patio, gazebo, landscaping, playground area and more.

Basic Maintenance:

Mowing and Trimming: Start by giving your lawn a fresh start with regular mowing and trimming. Keep the grass at a moderate height to promote healthy growth and discourage pests and weeds from taking over. Use a string trimmer to edge around flower beds, walkways, and other landscaping features for a polished and manicured look.
Weeding and Mulching: Banish pesky weeds and enhance the appearance of your garden beds with regular weeding and mulching. Pull weeds by hand or use a garden hoe to remove them from the root, taking care to avoid damaging nearby plants. Apply a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, retain moisture, and insulate plant roots from extreme temperatures.
Cleaning and Decluttering: Clear away debris, fallen leaves, and other clutter from your backyard to create a clean and inviting space for summer gatherings. Sweep patios and walkways, remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs, and tidy up outdoor furniture and decor. Consider investing in storage solutions such as deck boxes or outdoor cabinets to keep gardening tools, toys, and other items neatly organized and out of sight.

We built a wooden enclosure for our garbage cans and it made a huge difference. Hiding that eye sore made our outdoor space feel more welcoming. Read how we did it here.

Landscaping Upgrades:

When we were planning out our backyard makeover, we found ourselves comparing a paver patio to a stamped concrete patio. We didn’t realize how many factors came into play when we were deciding between the two. Read how we made our decision.

Planting and Pruning: Enhance the beauty and functionality of your backyard with strategic planting and pruning. Choose native plants and drought-tolerant varieties that thrive in your climate and soil conditions, and group them according to their water and sunlight requirements. Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to improve air circulation, encourage new growth, and maintain a tidy appearance.
Adding Color and Texture: Inject pops of color and texture into your backyard with seasonal flowers, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs. Plant a mix of perennials and annuals for year-round interest, and experiment with different heights, shapes, and textures to create visual depth and dimension. Incorporate decorative containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes for added versatility and charm.
Creating Focal Points: Designate focal points in your backyard to draw the eye and create visual interest. Install a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or birdbath to add soothing sounds and attract wildlife. Create a cozy seating area around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for cozy evenings under the stars. Hang a statement piece of artwork or a decorative mirror on an exterior wall to reflect light and add a touch of personality to your outdoor space.

Functional Seating Areas:

We spend a lot of time outside as a family and have found a handful of decor items that are both practical and beautiful. If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space, you can do so with just a few purchases. Here are my must-have decor recommendations for your outdoor space.

Outdoor Furniture: Invest in durable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture to create comfortable seating areas for lounging, dining, and entertaining. Choose pieces made from materials such as teak, aluminum, or synthetic wicker that can withstand exposure to the elements and require minimal maintenance. Arrange seating in conversational groupings to encourage interaction and facilitate flow between different areas of your backyard. We were in need of some extra seating on our backyard paver patio and so I decided to build a long wood bench.
Shade Structures: Provide relief from the sun's rays with shade structures such as pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas. Install retractable shades or canopy sails to adjust coverage as needed and create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for outdoor dining and relaxation. Consider incorporating natural shade elements such as trees, trellises, or climbing vines for added beauty and functionality. We added a gazebo to our backyard with this outdoor fan for the ultimate shady spot.
Outdoor Rugs and Cushions: Add comfort and style to your outdoor seating areas with soft, weather-resistant rugs and cushions. Choose fabrics and materials that are designed for outdoor use and can withstand exposure to sunlight, moisture, and mildew. Opt for vibrant colors, bold patterns, and textured fabrics to create a cozy and inviting ambiance that complements your outdoor decor.

Play Areas for the Kids:

My son fell in love with the sandbox table at his preschool and has been asking for one at home. It looked like a pretty easy DIY build so I decided to try and build one for him - see the build plans here!

Swing Sets and Playhouses: Create a designated play area for children with swing sets, playhouses, and other outdoor toys and activities. Choose durable and safe equipment that meets industry standards for construction and installation, and consider incorporating features such as slides, climbing walls, and sandboxes to encourage active play and imagination. We created a playground area for my son and used rubber mulch - see the YouTube video here.
Trampolines and Sports Courts: Install trampolines, basketball hoops, or sports courts to provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Create designated zones for different activities and age groups, and ensure that play areas are safely fenced or enclosed to prevent accidents and injuries. Incorporate soft landing surfaces such as rubber mulch or artificial turf to cushion falls and reduce the risk of injury.
Outdoor Learning Spaces: Encourage curiosity and creativity with outdoor learning spaces such as vegetable gardens, butterfly gardens, or sensory gardens. Involve children in the planning and planting process, and use the opportunity to teach them about gardening, wildlife, and the natural world. Incorporate educational elements such as plant identification signs, insect observation stations, or weather monitoring stations to engage children in hands-on learning and exploration.

Lighting:

Ambient Lighting: Set the mood and create a warm and inviting atmosphere with ambient lighting such as string lights, solar lanterns, or torches. Hang lights overhead to define seating areas and pathways, and use candles or LED candles to add a soft and flickering glow to tabletops and fire pits. Incorporate solar-powered or low-voltage lighting fixtures for energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Task Lighting: Illuminate outdoor workspaces and cooking areas with task lighting such as spotlights, floodlights, or under-cabinet lights. Install motion-activated lights near entryways and walkways for added security and convenience, and use timers or smart lighting controls to adjust brightness and timing based on your preferences and schedule.
Accent Lighting: Highlight architectural features, landscaping elements, and focal points with accent lighting such as uplights, downlights, or landscape lighting fixtures. Position lights strategically to enhance texture, contrast, and depth, and experiment with colored filters or lenses to create dramatic effects and visual interest. Consider incorporating LED lighting for its longevity, energy efficiency, and versatility in color and intensity.

Pest Control:

Natural Repellents: Keep pests at bay with natural repellents such as citronella candles, essential oils, or herbal sachets. Plant insect-repellent herbs and flowers such as lavender, mint, marigolds, and rosemary in your garden beds and containers to deter mosquitoes, flies, and other nuisance insects. Use natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or praying mantises to control garden pests and maintain ecological balance.
Mechanical Barriers: Prevent pests from entering your backyard with physical barriers such as fences, screens, or netting. Install fine-mesh screens on doors and windows to keep out mosquitoes and other flying insects, and use exclusion techniques such as sealing cracks and gaps in walls, foundations, and utility lines to deter rodents and other pests from gaining access to your home.
Integrated Pest Management: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program to identify, monitor, and control pests effectively and responsibly. Use a combination of cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods tailored to your specific pest problems and environmental conditions, and prioritize prevention and long-term solutions over quick fixes and chemical pesticides.

Outdoor Entertainment

Audio and Video Systems: Create an immersive outdoor entertainment experience with audio and video systems such as outdoor speakers, televisions, or projectors. Install weatherproof speakers and soundbars around your backyard to deliver high-quality audio for music, movies, and gaming, and use wireless technology to stream content from your smartphone, tablet, or smart home device.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar: Elevate your outdoor entertaining game with an outdoor kitchen and bar equipped with grills, smokers, refrigerators, and other appliances. Designate separate zones for food preparation, cooking, and serving, and incorporate features such as countertops, sinks, and storage cabinets for added convenience and functionality. Install a built-in bar or beverage center stocked with a variety of refreshments to keep guests hydrated and satisfied throughout the festivities.
Games and Activities: Keep guests of all ages entertained with a variety of games and activities such as lawn games, board games, or DIY crafts. Set up game stations around your backyard with options for solo play, team competitions, and friendly tournaments, and provide comfortable seating and shade for spectators and participants. Incorporate interactive elements such as photo booths, scavenger hunts, or karaoke machines for added excitement and engagement.

With these tips and ideas for preparing your backyard for summer, you can create a welcoming and functional outdoor oasis that enhances your quality of life and brings joy to your daily routines. Whether you're hosting alfresco dinners, playing games with the kids, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation in nature, your backyard has the potential to become a cherished retreat that nourishes your body, mind, and soul.

How to Prepare your Backyard for Summer Fun & Entertaining