Once you own your own home, there’s so much to do to truly make it yours. However, one area that people overlook too often is the backyard. There’s so much you can do with this space, and not enough people take the time to fully utilize what they have. If creating your own backyard oasis sounds like something you want to do, these tips will help you get a head start on the project.
Create a Game Plan Before Starting
We’re sure you’ve already begun brainstorming some ideas you want to implement for your backyard, but you need to start putting them down on paper. A game plan on what you want to change in your backyard will make the process much easier. This step will ensure that you don’t forget anything important and that you have the budget to back it up.
If you can afford to make all your planned changes, that’s not a problem. This backyard makeover doesn’t have to happen all at once. You can tackle it in parts to help spread out the costs. Just make sure you plan it out correctly so that you have what you need to make these modifications.
Build or Update Your Patio or Deck
No matter what plans you have in mind, all great backyards start with a quality patio or deck. This is the main entryway to your yard, so you can’t skimp out on it. Even if you already have one of these, there’s a good chance it can use an update.
Most patios are concrete, while old decks tend to use cheaper woods. These two materials don’t last long and can take away from your outdoor space’s aesthetic. Usually, starting from scratch is the best way to make an outstanding deck or patio.
Spruce Up the Greenery
Of course, once you move past the entrance to the yard, you’ll have a lot of greenery to deal with. Most of it will be grass, but you may also have some bushes and trees. If not, adding a few of these backyard essentials can spice things up.
If you want to take it a step further, adding a flower grove or a garden for fresh fruits or vegetables will add a lot of character to your yard. Plus, with the latter option, you will have a new source of food that transforms your backyard oasis into something functional and gorgeous.
Be Sure To Have a “Fun” Feature
Now, it’s time to pick out your backyard’s “fun” feature. This will be the aspect of your backyard that encourages people to come over and enjoy your oasis with you. You can add a fully equipped grill and some outdoor games, or, if you have kids, outdoor pools and swing sets will go a long way as well. Regardless of what you pick, this element will be the item that ties your whole backyard together, making it the focal piece of your property. Choose a feature that inspires you to spend hours enjoying your outdoor space.
Put Up Outdoor Lighting
What good is the fun factor, though, if you have to pack everything up when the sun goes down? Outdoor lighting is a must in any backyard you plan on spending time in. You’ll likely have a couple of porch lights already, but you’ll need much more than that to light up your whole yard.
Smaller lights along pathways are fantastic if there are multiple spots to go to throughout your yard. Fully lighting all your primary areas is a must as well. For large yards, this amount of lighting won’t be easy to do on your own. That’s why you should check out the options we offer for landscape lighting in Baton Rouge, LA. We are pros at setting up intricate lighting systems, so we’ll have no problem helping you with your yard.
Don’t Forget About Privacy Features
One aspect many people forget to consider when creating their backyard oasis is privacy. That’s why we have a tip dedicated to this point. Taking a swim in your brand-new pool might not feel as relaxing if you feel like your neighbors are watching you. Remember to install some high fences or tall hedge bushes. Some strategically placed trees can also do the job of keeping your backyard oasis to yourself.
Add Some Outdoor Furniture
While all our previous suggestions are vital, none of them matter much if there’s nowhere for people to sit and enjoy your hard work. Outdoor furniture is a must if you plan on spending any amount of time outside. There’s nothing better than relaxing on a comfy outdoor chair and taking in what Mother Nature has to offer.
If you ever plan on holding cookouts in your new and improved backyard, you’ll also need a table or two. Your guests will want a place to set their food down to eat it. Simply having a table where everyone can gather to chat or play a game is never a bad idea either.
Use Weatherproof Materials When Possible
Regardless of the furniture you buy or upgrades you make, you’ll want to ensure that it all uses weatherproof materials. Something that can last for years indoors might not make it through a summer of blistering heat or constant spring rainfall.
Items like cushions for chairs or wood used on a deck could break down in no time if you buy the wrong stuff. Even something as resilient as metal can deteriorate if you don’t buy rust-resistant furniture. You’ll need to consider all the weather conditions your area experiences each year before making any purchases.
Set Up a Plan for Maintaining Your Yard
Even after you’ve fully completed crafting your backyard oasis, you’ll never finish perfecting it. Yards require maintenance. At the very least, you’ll need to keep up with mowing the grass and trimming your other plants, but that’s not even close to the end of it.
If you ever need assistance with maintaining your backyard, Hernandez Lawnscape can help with that too. We do more than outdoor lighting—we also handle general landscaping and the installation of outdoor maintenance systems. If you’re working to create your own backyard oasis, feel free to reach out to our team of professionals to learn how we can help.
