Home Improvements to Make in the Backyard

Spring is almost upon us, and as the country starts to thaw out, now would be a perfect time to get your hands dirty again – literally. After the ground has thawed out again, you’ll want to spend some time tending to your neglected lawn and restoring it to its proper glory. Aside from seeing and laying some mulch, there are some other steps you can take to turn your backyard for mediocre to fabulous this year. Want to know what your options are for building the yard of your dreams? Here are some tips to get the ball rolling.

Rebuild your foundation

Above all else, your grass will need to look lush and healthy after the snow melts away. After all the cold weather has passed (and you’re sure there won’t be more of it along the way), rake your yard deeply to get rid of all the dead leaves and grass left over from winter. If you notice any bare spots in your lawn, fill them with turf builder before you apply fertilizer. As great as your flowerbeds might be, if you have unsightly patches of dirt where grass should be, you’re going to have a hard time looking past the lawn onto the rose bushes.

Repair your “hardscape”

Your grass isn’t the only thing that will need some TLC after a long winter. Check any paths or walkways, pavers, planters, fences, or arbors you might have in your yard to ensure they aren’t in need of repair. The last thing you want to worry about is stepping on a paver or walkway and having it crumble beneath your feet.

Plant new blooms

If your plants from last year haven’t made it to spring, use this as a new opportunity to replace old plants or to add new ones. Better Homes and Gardens features a plant encyclopedia that allows you to find the perfect bloom for your yard, based on the area of the country you live in, the lifespan of your plant, its hardiness, and more. Local Plants also lets you search for plants that are located in your area, and you can purchase them online and have them delivered right to your door.

Create an outdoor living space

After spending so much time and effort getting your backyard ready to enjoy, why wouldn’t you want to create an area outside where you can enjoy it? Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of styles and materials so you can find tables, chairs, and benches that complement the décor of your home. Pair your furniture with colorful (and durable) throw pillows to add an extra pop of color that matches the blooms you’ve planted. Finish off your seating area with a fire pit in the center so you can prop your feet up and enjoy the outdoor oasis you’ve created.

If you don’t have a covered awning or patio and don’t feel like building an addition onto your home, consider installing a portable screen room. These portable screen rooms come in a variety of sizes, and many companies allow you to select the finish, flooring, and siding finishes ensuring your building matches the décor of your home. Buildings and More offers screen rooms in several sizes, and the buildings can be customized to feature enclose storage for additional space. You can use these screen rooms when the weather turns rainy, or if the bugs make enjoying the outdoors unbearable.