Summerproof Your Backyard [Guest Post] ? UK Home Improvement ...

Spruce Up Your Yard for Outdoor Summer Fun
Summertime means your backyard will transform from Winter Wasteland to Outdoor Party Central. But, before you can break out the barbecue grill and volleyball net, you have to repair the damage done to your yard by a long, unforgiving winter. Nobody wants to spend time in a patchy, sparse lawn. Check out these few simple things you can do to improve your yard and get it party-ready. Caring for the grass, cleaning your poolside patio and planting flowers can make all the difference!

Proper Lawn Care

Nobody enjoys a lawn that?s overgrown with dried grass and weeds. Spruce up your yard by taking a few simple steps so the lawn looks lush and beautiful.

• Remove thatch from your grass by raking up dead leaves, removing trash and pulling weeds with roots from the ground.
• Fertilize and water your lawn thoroughly. Don?t just give it a brief sprinkling, unless your area has received a lot of rain. Fertilize your grass twice a year in the fall and spring.
• Fix bare spots along your lawn by tilling the ground and evenly spreading grass seeds. Add fertilizer and water normally for grass shoots to grow optimally.
• Mow your lawn without whacking off too much of the grass shoots. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the grass height or you?ll stunt grass growth. During the warmer summer months, cut your grass a little longer to keep the soil moist and shaded from the sun.
• Have a designated area where your pets can relieve themselves during potty breaks. Clean up after dogs immediately to avoid killing off grass shoots and creating bare patches of lawn.

Once your grass looks great, check the rest of your yard for home improvement projects that will accent its beauty. Fix and paint fences surrounding your property. Create rock borders and replace broken lawn decorations with new ones. Set pavers down for decorative walkways across your lawn so guests can take in the beauty of flower gardens and other landscaping wonders.

Poolside Patio Upkeep

Besides taking care of your lawn, you?ll need to keep the poolside patio area looking great when entertaining friends and family. The area also needs to be maintained for safety reasons so guests can?t trip and fall into the pool where they might get hurt.

• Scrub and clean patio tiles. Remove algae and fungus buildup along poolside edges to prevent guests from slipping. Fix broken tiles by either chipping the mortar away or cutting the tile out using a tile saw. Lay new tile and grout in place.
• Clean outdoor furniture based on the type of material it?s made of. Clean plastic and metal furniture with warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Clean wicker and teak furniture with water and oil-based soap. Make sure to rinse the furniture down and dry thoroughly.
• Spot clean outdoor cushions according to the manufacturer?s instructions. If your cushions have been soaked by rain, completely dry them indoors. Check for any signs of mold or mildew along the cushion. Replace moldy cushions with new ones that can withstand outdoor weather or line the cushions with protective furniture covers.
• Inspect all pool equipment for any frayed electrical lines or leaking pipes. Perform regular yearly maintenance so you and your family can enjoy the pool for the hot summer months.

With the proper care, your pool and patio can look beautiful and be safe for everyone. Always remember to never leave young children or pets unattended near pool areas. Prevent pool accidents by keeping your yard and poolside clean and tidy.

Brighten Up Your Yard with Flowers

You don?t have to have a green thumb to add a bit of color to your drab yard. Purchase your favorite flowers that require little care so you can spend less time gardening and more time enjoying your yard.

• Fill window planters with flowers or place planters on decorative stakes throughout your yard.
• Weed and fertilize the flowerbeds along your house. Line decorative stones around the flowerbeds as a boundary line so you know where to mow and where not to mow, as well as keep wood chips from spreading into the rest of your yard.
• If you suffer from allergies, substitute flowers for herbs in the flower boxes and planters. Fresh herbs will be a delight to the entire family when added to your favorite meals.

Give Your Lawn a Little Love

It may seem like a lot of work, but the rewards of having a great yard far outweigh the few hours spent sprucing it up. Even if you just do a few home improvements such as mowing the grass and painting the mailbox, giving your home a little curb appeal will make you want to relax and enjoy your yard more. And once you have a beautiful yard, invite your friends over to have great outdoor parties.

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