Easy Checklist to Get Your Backyard Ready for Summertime Fun

Last Updated on May 13, 2020

May is the month to spring into action by getting your backyard ready for summertime fun. Making your space beautiful and functional is easier than you think. By setting aside a weekend or two, you could have your backyard ready for summer without missing a trick.

This month, Granite and TREND Transformations has put together a summer to-do list with great backyard ideas to help you get your backyard looking great all summer long.

Inspect Your Deck or Patio

Decks and patios can take a beating in winter weather. Now is the time to inspect your deck for any loose boards, railings or missing nails. And don’t forget to check for rot and mildew. For your patio, check for any cracks or peeling paint. You’ll want to make any and all repairs first. Then, thoroughly pressure clean the area and stain or seal the surface to keep it looking beautiful all summer long. Don’t forget: Your deck or patio is a high traffic area, so make this a priority. Safety first!

Take Inventory of Your Tools

You may have forgotten that you ditched your old rake last season, or about needing a new shovel. Don’t be caught in the last-minute trap of having to hunt down your tools. Taking inventory now will save you time later and give you an idea about which tools you need, as well as ones to replace.

Clean Out Your Garage or Shed

You knew this one was coming – but it’s a necessary evil in preparing for a stress-free season. Discard any old or broken items and clear the way for your summer supplies and tools. To make this space even more organized, try installing shelves and hanging hooks on the wall to keep items like hoses or long-handled tools out of the way and within reach.

Take Out Patio Furniture

Setting up your patio furniture brings excitement to the day in knowing you’ll be enjoying the outdoors sooner than later. Inspect the cushions for any mildew or tears and check the legs to make sure they didn’t come loose. Give the table and chairs a good cleaning and set out a pretty centerpiece or plant as a way to welcome the season.

Pest Control

This is one thing you don’t want to put off. Now is a good time to treat your landscaping. Schedule an appointment early in the season to ensure you’ll have a pest-free backyard before the fun begins.

Clean the Grill

Nothing says outdoor fun better than a backyard BBQ. Now is the time to give your grill an overhaul so you can fire it up safely. If you’re using a charcoal grill, be sure to discard any old ashes, and clean it inside and out to remove any lingering grease or dirt. For gas grills, clean the connections and racks and be sure to stock up on propane.

Light Up the Night

Installing outdoor lighting is a beautiful way to enjoy the warm summer nights. It not only adds to the ambiance but keeps the area safe by illuminating dark areas where there may be steps. Tip: Try using solar-powered stake posts to light up walkways or areas of interest, like a fountain or fire pit.

Check Your Fence

Your fence can either be your yard’s greatest accessory or its biggest eyesore. Keeping it looking good is up to you. Now is the time to check your fence for loose or rusted hinges, rotted posts or pickets, and any other damage that may have occurred over the winter months.

Trim, Rake, and Weed

Trimming, raking, and weeding may not be your favorite things to do, but you’ll be happy you did these tasks early in the season. Recruit the kids and have a backyard clean-up party. Give everyone a section to work on and before you know it, you’ll be done. Focus on trimming any overgrown shrubs, raking out garden beds, and pulling unsightly weeds that have taken over. When you’re done, fire up the grill for a quick BBQ.

Open the Pool

Opening the pool is the by far the official start of the season. Keep in mind, however, that not every state may be warm enough in May. If you live in a warmer climate and are ready to open the pool, be sure to have all the proper chemicals and supplies ready to go. Also, you’ll need to prepare the pump and filtration system along with installing any handrails, ladders, diving boards, and safety fences that were removed during the winter.

Feed the Birds

If you’re a “friend of the feather” and have a bird feeder in your backyard, you’ll want to check this out. There’s no doubt you enjoy watching the birds feed in your backyard. But when was the last time you cleaned the feeder? Can’t remember? If that’s the case, now is the best time to clean out the bird feeder and have it ready for your summertime friends. Dirty feeders can lead to germs and the spread of disease. And no one wants that. Keep your feathered friends healthy and full this season with a clean bird feeder. (This also goes for nesting boxes and bird baths, too!)

Summer is also a great time to start thinking about a kitchen or bath renovation. Contact Granite and TREND Transformations today for your free in-home design consultation. Let us show you how our beautiful line of etherium® by E-Stone products can transform your home into a space you’ve always dreamed of – and in less time than you ever imagined.