Landscaping Tips to Refresh Your Backyard

For many homeowners, summertime is the perfect time to dig up old plants, plant new ones, and reinvent their backyard space. There is no wrong way to landscape your yard, whether you plan to plant fresh flowers or refresh your entire outdoor living area.

Start with a Plan

Before you start digging, take time to plan your landscaping project. Consider how you use your outdoor space and what changes would make it more enjoyable. Sketch out your ideas and think about the following:

• How much sun and shade does your yard receive?
• What is your budget for plants, materials, and labor?
• Do you want low-maintenance or high-impact landscaping?
• Are there any existing features you want to keep or remove?

Improve Your Lawn

A healthy, green lawn is the foundation of great landscaping. Here are some tips to improve your lawn:

• Aerate: Aerating your lawn helps water and nutrients reach the roots
• Overseed: Fill in bare patches with new grass seed
• Fertilize: Use the right fertilizer for your grass type and climate
• Water Properly: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong roots
• Mow Correctly: Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time

Add Color with Plants and Flowers

Nothing refreshes a backyard like colorful plants and flowers. Consider these options:

• Perennials: Come back year after year with minimal maintenance
• Annuals: Provide vibrant color for one growing season
• Native Plants: Adapted to your local climate and require less water
• Container Gardens: Add flexibility and easy-to-change color spots

Create Outdoor Living Spaces

Transform your backyard into an extension of your home with defined outdoor living areas:

• Patio or Deck: A solid foundation for outdoor furniture and entertaining
• Pergola or Gazebo: Provides shade and architectural interest
• Fire Pit: Creates a cozy gathering spot for cool evenings
• Outdoor Kitchen: Perfect for those who love to grill and entertain

Add Lighting

Outdoor lighting extends the use of your backyard into the evening hours and adds ambiance and security. Consider pathway lights, uplighting for trees, and string lights for entertaining areas.

Think About Maintenance

Be realistic about how much time you want to spend maintaining your landscaping. If you prefer low-maintenance options, consider drought-tolerant plants, mulched beds, and hardscaping elements that require minimal upkeep.