Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, and what better way to celebrate the season than by getting outside and sprucing up your backyard? Whether you're an avid gardener or just looking for ways to get some fresh air and exercise, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can do to tidy up your backyard and make it the envy of the neighborhood. In this article, we'll explore 15 different outdoor activities that will help you clean up and beautify your backyard this spring.
Table of Contents
- Why Tidy Up Your Backyard in Spring?
- Essential Tools for Cleaning Up Your Backyard
- Activity #1: Rake and Remove Debris
- Activity #2: Prune and Trim Shrubs and Trees
- Activity #3: Mulch Your Garden Beds
- Activity #4: Plant New Flowers and Shrubs
- Activity #5: Clean and Repair Your Patio Furniture
- Activity #6: Sweep and Power Wash Your Patio or Deck
- Activity #7: Repair Fences and Gates
- Activity #8: Add Outdoor Lighting
- Activity #9: Build or Install a Compost Bin
- Activity #10: Create a Garden Path or Walkway
- Activity #11: Install a Water Feature
- Activity #12: Build a Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace
- Activity #13: Install a Bird Feeder or Birdhouse
- Activity #14: Organize Your Outdoor Storage
- Activity #15: Create an Outdoor Living Space
Why Tidy Up Your Backyard in Spring?
Spring is the perfect time to clean up your backyard for several reasons. First, the weather is mild, so it's a comfortable time to work outside. Second, plants are beginning to grow again after the winter dormancy, so it's an ideal time to plant new flowers and shrubs. Third, cleaning up your backyard in the spring can help prevent pests and diseases from taking hold in your garden later in the season. Lastly, a tidy backyard can boost your mood and provide a relaxing space to spend time with family and friends.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Up Your Backyard
Before you start any outdoor activity, it's important to have the right tools. Here are some essential tools you'll need for cleaning up your backyard:
- Rake
- Pruning shears
- Hedge clippers
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden gloves
- Mulch
- Compost bin
- Power washer
- Bird feeder or birdhouse
Activity #1: Rake and Remove Debris
The first thing you should do when cleaning up your backyard is to rake and remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter. This includes fallen leaves, sticks, and other debris. This is vital for the health of your lawn, as all of this leftover debris is strangling your grass from receiving water and sunlight that is necessary to grow healthy and lush during the summer.
Activity #2: Prune and Trim Shrubs and Trees
Spring is also an ideal time to prune and trim your shrubs and trees. Doing this will help them grow more vigorously and look more attractive. Use pruning shears or hedge clippers to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as to shape the shrub or tree. Follow the natural shape of your shrub when trimming to keep it looking neat and tidy throughout the year. Forcing your shrubs into a shape will actually do more harm than good in the long run.
Activity #3: Mulch Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds is a great way to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add nutrients to the soil. Mulch should be changed at least once a year, if not twice, to ensure that your garden is receiving proper nutrients and maintaining a healthy ph level in the soil for your plants to prosper throughout the year. Spread a layer of mulch around your plants, making sure not to cover the base of the plant. This will help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing.
Activity #4: Plant New Flowers and Shrubs
Spring is the perfect time to plant new flowers and shrubs in your backyard. Choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and soil type, and make sure to water them regularly until they become established. While you may find a lot of bulbs at the big box stores at this time of year, make sure that you are purchasing season appropriate flowers as well. Some bulbs are designed to be planted in the fall to take root and bloom in spring. Planting at the wrong time of year will cause the flower to never take root and die.
Activity #5: Clean and Repair Your Patio Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture, spring is the perfect time to clean and repair it. Use a power washer or a mild soap and water solution to clean your furniture, and make any necessary repairs to keep it in good condition. Often neglected, outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements year round and can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust and debris. By taking the time to clean them in the spring when they are going to be used for the first time and at the end of summer, you help to keep them in good condition longer.
Activity #6: Sweep and Power Wash Your Patio or Deck
Keep that pressure washer out and take aim at your deck and patio! All of that salt, dirt, and nasty build up is just sitting on one of your biggest investments around your home. Take an hour to pressure wash and enjoy a clean surface for a couple of weeks until the pollen comes. Besides, there are few things more satisfying than watching a pressure washer clean away muck and reveal a vibrant surface.
Activity #7: Repair Fences and Gates
Is your fence starting to look a little worse for wear? Maybe the gate just doesn’t close right anymore. The plow hit it and messed up the equilibrium? This is the perfect time to get out there and work on it. It needs done and you won’t be sweating bullets in the summer sun trying to break a rusted nut.
Activity #8: Add Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can add ambiance and functionality to your backyard. Consider adding lights along walkways, around trees or bushes, or on your patio or deck to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Last year we added a fire pit and bulbs around our privacy fence and our backyard became the group’s hang out spot every weekend. 2 hours of work and about $100 was all we needed.
Activity #9: Build or Install a Compost Bin
Composting is an eco-friendly way to dispose of your yard waste and food scraps. Building or installing a compost bin in your backyard is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Activity #10: Create a Garden Path or Walkway
Creating a garden path or walkway in your backyard is an easy way to add interest and functionality to your outdoor space. Your garden is a labor of love and you should enjoy it. The best way that I know how is to build a beautiful walkway that meanders through it. Taking a walk through the garden and smelling all of the flowers is a great way to escape from the stresses of your everyday life.
Activity #11: Install a Water Feature
Adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your backyard. Choose a feature that complements the style of your backyard and make sure to properly maintain it to prevent algae growth and other issues. In my garden there is a Mickey and Minnie bird bath that just fits my wife’s personality.
Activity #12: Build a Fire Pit or Outdoor Fireplace
Like I mentioned earlier, we added some lighting and a fire pit and absolutely changed our backyard ambiance. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace is a great way to extend the use of your backyard into the cooler spring evenings. Choose a location that is safe and away from any combustible materials and make sure to follow all local fire codes and regulations.
Activity #13: Install a Bird Feeder or Birdhouse
Installing a bird feeder or birdhouse in your backyard is an easy way to attract birds and other wildlife to your outdoor space. Choose a location that is visible and easily accessible, and make sure to keep the feeder or house clean and well-stocked.
Activity #14: Organize Your Outdoor Storage
Spring is a good time to organize your outdoor storage, such as your shed or garage. Remove any items that you no longer need or use, and make sure to properly store and label the items you want to keep.
Activity #15: Create an Outdoor Living Space
Creating an outdoor living space, such as a seating area or outdoor kitchen, can make your backyard feel like an extension of your home. Choose comfortable furniture and décor that complements your style and make sure to properly maintain it to keep it looking its best.
Conclusion
Spring is the perfect time to tidy up your backyard and make it a more beautiful and functional space. Whether you're planting new flowers and shrubs, adding outdoor lighting or a fire pit, or organizing your outdoor storage, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can do to improve the look and feel of your backyard. By following these 15 outdoor activities, you can enjoy a clean and attractive outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy throughout the spring and beyond.