Say goodbye to winter and hello to summer with these handy tips and tricks – get your backyard looking its best for your 2021 backyard parties.
Cleaning
It’s surprising how dirty your backyard can get over winter.
Eaves Troughs
Because Saskatchewan is no stranger to some intense rainstorms, you’ll want to make sure everything is flowing as it should. Get out the ladder and clear all the leaves, twigs and debris out of the eaves. If you’re able, spray down the inside of the trough with a hose and wipe down for a quick finish to help prevent future build-up.
Windows and Doors
Up next are the windows and siding of your home. You can spray it all down and then scrub any spots that need more attention. You’ll also want to pay extra attention to your exterior doors. It’s surprising how dirty they can get, especially if you have pets or younger children. This will make a massive difference in the curb appeal of your home.
Then, the windows. A good tip if there is lots of gunk built up is to scrub with alcohol first. Then follow up with a microfibre cloth and glass cleaner.
Patio Furniture
Even if you’re able to store your patio furniture over the winter months, it’s bound to have a little dust and grime. Be sure to give pieces a good blast of water and a wipe-down prior to use to avoid dirty clothes.
Pro tip: Pop your outdoor cushions in the wash and let them sit or hang to dry! This will eliminate any bugs, dirt or dust and give them a fresh start for the season.
“Surprises”
You may have some garbage or dog doo doo you didn’t see during the winter. Make sure you take a good look around your yard, as you don’t want to encounter any unwelcome surprises while you’re out in your flip-flops. If you’re faced with more than you’d like to handle, call a specialized yard service such as the Poo Crew. They’ll come and take care of your doo-doo needs for a reasonable fee.
Entertainment
The Pool or Hot Tub
If you have a seasonal pool or hot tub, pool maintenance and cleaning is key. Ensure you have the pool ready to go and you and your friends can be ready for a dip any time.
BBQ
If you love to grill, stock up on propane. This will make your summer cooking much more enjoyable knowing you won’t run out when you’re making your famous cedar plank salmon. Before you fire it up, give it a good scrub and oil to avoid getting any year-old grime on your food.
The Deck
Your deck is going to be where your guests naturally congregate. When entertaining you’ll likely have your drinks and bbq here. Ensure it is in tip-top shape. Depending on your decking material, pressure-treated wood or composite you will have different maintenance needs.
Lighting and Heating
If your friends stay over later in the evening consider installing some backyard lighting and a heat lamp. It will help keep everyone comfortable as the temperatures cool.
Lawn and Plants
If you are a first-time homeowner you may overlook the maintenance needed to keep your lawn looking its best. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Grass – Aerate your lawn at the beginning of the season. This will help water and nutrients reach the roots more easily. Overseeding can help with tough spots where the grass is a bit thin. Water your lawn! Lawns need around an inch of water per week and a little more if it’s been extremely warm. Watering early in the day is best to prevent fungus and keeping it a little longer will help it resist drought.
Gardening and Flowers – Much like the lawn, it’s best to water your plant, vegetables and flowers early in the morning. This will help them withstand warmer temperatures. Keep the water as close to the roots as possible and fertilize every three to four weeks to replenish nutrients.
