One of the best things about backyards is that they give us the perfect place to relax and entertain that isn’t inside the house. Are you dreaming of relaxing and enjoying warm summer days and cool evenings in your backyard? Here are some simple and affordable ways to update your yard for the summer.

1. Tidy up

We say this a lot but it’s true; your first step to refresh any space is cleaning up. This gives you a fresh canvas to work with and fully understand what you have to work with.
Give your patio or deck a good rinse to remove any built-up dirt and grime. You can use any commercial cleaning solution and a scrub brush to clean smaller areas. If you have a large area to clean, power washers are a good option.
Next up is getting your lawn and garden in shape. Remove weeds and dead plants and bushes, prune back any overgrown plants and branches. Here are some other ways you can get your lawn summer-ready. You’ll be surprised how good your backyard will look with just this first step.

2. Add some new flowers and plants

You can never go wrong with flowers and plants! Revitalize your landscaping by adding some new plants, either planted into the ground or potted. Consider planting colorful perennials, which live for several years. This will save you time and money having to replant annuals and biennials each season. Ask your local garden nursery for help and recommendations if you’re not sure where to start or what plants work best for your area.

3. Update textiles

Want to jazz up your space without the hard work of a full renovation? Change up your cushions, pillows, rugs, and other textiles on your patio. Backyards have become an extension of our living rooms so it makes sense to use similar decorating tips.
If new patio furniture is not in the budget this year, spruce up your pieces with a fresh coat of paint and new cushions and pillows. Rugs add coziness to any space, inside and out. They can also make an impact even if it’s the only thing you change. Outdoor rugs a great way to tie a seating area together or anchor an open space.
Breezy, sheer outdoor curtains add a lot to your space. Create a cabana by hanging some from a covered patio or pergola. Not only will they block the sun and keep your space cool, it’ll also add a bit of privacy.

4. Add light

Refresh your yard’s ambiance with outdoor lighting. They fill your space with a warm glow that makes for a fun evening. Drape string lights from a pergola, across a covered patio, or around the trunks of your trees. Use inexpensive solar lights to line the perimeter of the yard or along pathways to brighten the backyard space during the evening hours.

5. Take your time

This is a project that doesn’t have to be completed all at once. It can become overwhelming trying to incorporate all of these things at once. Instead, create a vision of your dream backyard and add to it a little at a time. Decide what you need for your backyard now and what can wait for next summer. If you can wait, you can take advantage of summer sales, especially end of season sales, to find some great deals.
Getting your backyard summer-ready will get you excited for a season of outdoor fun. These budget-friendly tips will help you create the perfect area to chill out with friends and family.
If you’re dreaming of a new home with more backyard space, Hayden Homes can help.  We have new homes for sale in communities throughout the Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. When you’re ready, contact us to learn more about our homes and communities. We can’t wait to help you find your new home!