Summer is the season for outdoor living. With warm weather, longer days, and blue skies, it’s the perfect time to spend time outside. But to fully enjoy your outdoor space, you need to create a comfortable and functional environment. That’s where landscaping comes in. With some simple tips and tricks, you can transform your backyard, patio or balcony into a beautiful and cosy area to relax, entertain or dine with family and friends. So, to help you make the most of your outdoor space, we’ll share some useful summer landscaping tips. Let’s get started!
See also: Front yard landscaping ideas for your home
How to create a great outdoor space?
Broadly, there are two major steps for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space at home.
Assess your space
The first step to creating a great outdoor space is to assess your current setup. Look at your patio, balcony, or garden and think about how you use the space. Consider the following:
- What is the size of your outdoor area?
- How much sun or shade does it get?
- Do you have any existing features, such as a deck or pool?
- What is your budget?
- What is your style preference?
By answering these questions, you can determine what changes you need to make to create the perfect outdoor space.
Plan your landscape
Once you’ve assessed your space, it’s time to plan your landscape. Start by creating a rough sketch of your outdoor area and include existing features such as trees, shrubs and hardscaping. Then, decide on the elements you want to add, such as a seating area, a grill, a fire pit or a garden.
Top summer landscaping tips
Now that you’ve assessed your space and planned your landscape, it’s time to implement some summer landscaping ideas.
Get rid of the weeds
Weeds and summers often go hand in hand, sprouting up in various places like your patio, flower beds, and yard, even sneaking through gaps in your pavement. Allowing these pesky plants to thrive can wreak havoc on your landscape. Once weeds grow tall, removing them becomes challenging, especially as their roots dig deeper. To effectively eliminate them, ensure you extract the roots completely. It’s advisable to tackle weeds when they’re small to prevent further spread. Additionally, if your lawn is overwhelmed, consider using herbicides to regain control and restore your grass’s health.
Source: Buzzfeed (Pinterest)
Create a focal point
A focal point is a feature that draws the eye and adds interest to your outdoor space. It could be a water feature, a sculpture, a tree or a colourful plant. By creating a focal point, you can add depth and dimension to your landscape.
Source: Pinterest
Add some shade
Summer can be hot, and spending time in direct sunlight can be uncomfortable. Consider adding some shade to your outdoor space with a pergola, an umbrella or a retractable awning. Not only will it make your space more comfortable, but it will also protect you from harmful UV rays.
Source: Pinterest
Use plants to create privacy
If you have nosy neighbours or a busy street, you may want to create some privacy in your outdoor space. One of the best ways to do this is by using plants. Choose tall, dense plants such as bamboo, arborvitae, or evergreen trees to create a natural barrier.
Source: Pinterest
Mow the lawn correctly
Many homeowners tend to mow their lawns too short, inadvertently increasing their susceptibility to drought stress and heat damage. It’s recommended to maintain a lawn height between 3 and 5.5 inches. This height may seem high compared to what most people are accustomed to. Keeping your grass taller can significantly reduce stress, promoting a healthier, greener lawn without the need for excessive fertilisers. Taller grass provides shade to the soil, keeping the grassroots cooler and conserving moisture, while also suppressing weed growth, thus reducing the reliance on herbicides. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is also advisable. These clippings contribute nitrogen, organic matter, and moisture to the soil. Just one season of leaving grass clippings on the lawn can be equivalent to applying fertiliser once. With each mow, you’re not only maintaining the lawn but also enriching the soil and naturally fertilising the grass.
Source: The Davie Tree Expert Company (Pinterest)
Add organic mulch on top of bare soil
During the scorching summer heat, a layer of mulch proves invaluable. Organic mulch offers several benefits like slowing down evaporation, lowering soil temperature, suppressing weed growth and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around plants, particularly where bare soil is visible. You can also use mulch in containers. However, ensure it’s kept away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent moisture buildup and the risk of rot.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens (Pinterest)
Add lighting
Lighting can add ambiance and functionality to your outdoor space. Consider adding path lights, spotlights, or string lights to illuminate your landscape. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will also make your space safer and more accessible at night.
Source: Pinterest
Incorporate water features
Water features such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls can add tranquillity and relaxation to your outdoor space. They can also attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies, adding to the natural beauty of your landscape.
Source: Pinterest
Create a cosy seating area
A seating area is a must-have for any outdoor space. Choose comfortable seating options, such as outdoor sofas, chairs or even a hammock. Add some colourful outdoor pillows, blankets, and rugs to create a cosy and inviting space. Don’t forget to include a small table for drinks and snacks.
Source: Pinterest
Housing.com POV
As the summer season beckons, enhancing your outdoor space becomes a delightful endeavour. Whether you have a modest balcony, a sprawling patio or an expansive garden, these summer landscaping tips offer a pathway to elevate your outdoor oasis. Begin by assessing your current setup, considering factors such as size, sunlight exposure, existing features, budget, and personal style preferences. Armed with this knowledge, proceed to plan your landscape, incorporating elements like seating areas, greenery, focal points, and shading solutions.
FAQs
How often should I water my plants?
It depends on the type of plants you have and the climate you live in. Generally, plants need to be watered once or twice a week, but it's best to check the soil moisture level before watering.
Can I landscape my outdoor space on a budget?
Yes, there are many ways to landscape your outdoor space on a budget. You can start small and add elements over time, use recycled materials or buy plants at the end of the season when they're on sale.
How do I maintain my outdoor space?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your outdoor space looking great. It includes watering your plants, trimming your shrubs, cleaning your furniture, and removing any debris.
How do I choose the right plants for my outdoor space?
Consider the climate, soil type and sun exposure in your outdoor space when choosing plants. Choose plants that are suitable for your area and that will thrive in the conditions.
Can I DIY my outdoor landscaping?
Yes, you can DIY your outdoor landscaping, but it's important to do your research and plan carefully. Start small and build up over time, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
How do I make my outdoor space more eco-friendly?
You can make your outdoor space more eco-friendly by using sustainable materials, planting native plants, and using organic fertilisers. You can also conserve water by using a drip irrigation system and collecting rainwater.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
Dhwani is a content management expert with over five years of professional experience. She has authored articles spanning diverse domains, including real estate, finance, business, health, taxation, education and more. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dhwani’s interests encompass reading and travelling. She is dedicated to staying updated on the latest real estate advancements in India.
Email: [email protected]
Related Posts
Kolkata’s Metcalfe Hall, a heritage building, could be worth at least a couple of thousand crores.
Small bathroom designs ideas.
7 glass wardrobe designs that will elevate your bedroom’s style.
Modular kitchen colour combination: 15 ideas that can be used in Indian kitchens.
Farmhouse designs to fit every budget, design sensibility.
Trending ceiling lights for living rooms.
