Last Updated on May 13, 2021 by Kristen
Have you heard the news? The CDC has announced that fully vaccinated individuals can go most places without a mask. And yesterday, a primary care doctor wrote in The Atlantic—citing several large studies—that kids don’t need to wear masks outdoors in most situations.
It looks like summer is ON, so sprucing up your outdoor space seems to be on order. Backyard outdoor parties, even with kids, and even without masks, are looking like real possibilities in the coming months.
How exciting is that?
So while many of us have dedicated significant time to how our homes look on the inside, now it’s time to focus on the exterior.
Photo by Deeana Creates from Pexels
Plant based
To get started, clean up brush and leaves, pull weeds, edge, and trim your hedges. With a clean slate, you can decide what you want to add to your landscaping. With a little research, you can learn which plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables should be planted when. The sooner you get on it the better because we don’t need to tell you that plants take time to grow.
Pool prep
If you are lucky enough to own a pool, the sooner you start preparing it the better. Pools need to be prepped in phases, so ideally you should get started long before summer weather arrives. Following some steps to prepare your pool for spring will allow you to get it cleaned and filled quickly and correctly. While the chemicals work to neutralize the water, you can work on other outdoor projects.
Photo by Greg Rivers on Unsplash
Pressure on
Dirt and buildup left on surfaces can cause erosion of the exterior of your house, decks, patios, outdoor furniture and any accessory dwellings you might have on your property. A pressure washer can clean up anything that was exposed to the elements during winter. Everything will look fresh and clean, plus you’ll maintain the longevity of your property. (Note: after removing the buildup you may discover your deck needs to be refinished, which is also an important, if time consuming, pre-summer project.)
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
Get lit
Lighting can provide both a romantic mood to your home’s exterior as well as functionality and safety. Pathway lights prevent tripping and look festive. Hanging string lights always look romantic and they can be the perfect lighting for a special gathering.
Photo by Vishnu Patel on Unsplash
Snazzify
You might not notice little things that have become outdated or worn because you’ve grown so accustomed to them over the years. But scan the outside of your home with an objective eye and you might spot some easy update potential.
For example, change out your address numbers for something more modern, bold, or easier to see. Switch out your old, mismatched planter pots for vessels with a more uniform look. Or purchase a colorful outdoor mat to brighten up a gathering space.
With some basic prep, you can sit back and relax with friends and family once summer arrives. And maybe you can even do it mask-free.