The mercury is on its way up in Melbourne. Summer is definitely here. So, chances are, you’ll want your backyard in top condition for all those family BBQs and lazy days beside the pool.
The thing is, Summer can be a difficult time for your backyard. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, your plants and lawn can struggle to cope with the increase in heat and lack of rain. And secondly, your backyard will probably be used almost every day—the increased foot traffic can wreak havoc, particularly on your lawn.
So, to get your backyard ready for the onslaught of the Summer season, follow these handy Summer landscaping tips.
Invest in an Irrigation System
Irrigation systems are a fantastic investment for your garden. They decrease the amount of time you need to spend watering while also giving your plants the right amount of water. Hosing down your plants every day won’t provide them with the deep soak they need. An irrigation system will give your plants this soak, without you having to lift a finger. You’ll also be able to water your plants at the optimum time of the day – early morning and evening – and prevent all that vital moisture from being evaporated by the sun.
Tend to Your Lawns
The lawn is often the pride and joy of every backyard. You won’t have to watch it slowly turn brown if you put the right measures in now. The first thing you should do is aerate your lawn. The little holes help oxygen to flow more easily throughout the grass which provides much-needed protection against the heat. Secondly, you should raise your mower guard to leave your lawns slightly longer. If you cut too short, the new growth will be subject to the harsh Summer sun. Finally, do a thorough weed. Weeds steal essential nutrients, and your lawn needs all the help it can get at this time of year.
Build a Deck
A hardwood deck is a perfect addition to your backyard for Summer. It turns your yard into the ideal space for entertaining and relaxing, and they’re also incredibly low-maintenance. If you already have a deck, make sure you treat it in the lead-up to Summer. The varnish will protect the wood from the harsh rays of the sun.
Pots and Trees Need Plenty of Attention
You’re probably pretty good at watering your potted plants, but what about your trees? Homeowners tend to assume their large trees are self-sufficient, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They still need plenty of water or you’ll suffer the expense and hassle of having to remove a dead tree. You should also add plenty of mulch to your potted plants to help prevent moisture evaporation.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
A BBQ is a necessary addition to any backyard, but if you want a BBQ set up that will impress, why not build an outdoor kitchen? An outdoor kitchen allows you to have an inbuilt BBQ as well as a fridge, storage and sink so that you can create truly memorable meals and experiences throughout the Summer months. An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a complete living space and it’s likely to add considerable value to your home.
Turn Your Backyard into a Pantry
Spring is the perfect time to start a vegetable garden. They’re quick and easy to build, and the entire family will have heaps of fun planting, tending and picking your produce. The best part is, you’ll save a ton of money at the supermarket and your family will be able to eat the freshest, most nutritious produce every day. If you plant now, you can be picking fresh food by the latter stages of Summer.
Invest in a Shade Sail
A shade sail is a quick and cost-effective way to protect your fragile plants from the sun, while also providing you and your guests with a beautiful shady place to relax. Your ferns will make it through Summer, and you’ll love kicking back on a sun lounge with a book without needing to worry about slathering on layers of sunscreen.
Get Your Garden Summer Ready with a Makeover
The lead-up to Summer is the perfect time to give your garden a makeover. If you continually lose plants over Summer, maybe it’s time to invest in some new species that are better suited to our conditions. A gardenbed full of native plants will look beautiful and require far less maintenance than roses or other introduced species.
You can also use this time to take care of any odd jobs you’ve been putting off. Your backyard will be getting a lot of use so why not attend to those cracked pavers, weedy garden beds and unfinished footpaths. You want your backyard to be in perfect condition for its busiest time of the year.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a space you can enjoy all Summer long. Summer doesn’t have to be about your grass turning brown and your plants withering, if you put in the work, you’ll reap the rewards.
Do you have a green thumb? Check out our Gardening & Landscaping Q&A!
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Everlast Services Melbourne is a proudly family owned and operated fencing, landscaping and concreting business.
