Make Your Yard Your Second Home

Just look at the parking lot of any home improvement/lawn and garden store these days. The number of cars indicate warm weather is here.  Everyone is spending more time outdoors. As you look around your yard you may notice some areas that need attention.  The cold winter and sun's rays have caused some things to break and fade.  

Here's a list of a few things you can do to be on your way to sprucing up your yard.

Why spruce up you outdoors?
Yard improvements add curb appeal, thus adding value to your home.  Sprucing up creates a family retreat.  If you make your outdoor space cozy and inviting, your family will enjoy spending time there—playing, relaxing, reading and eating. 

Things to buy or get serviced
Check stores for sales.  Check online for coupons.  Most stores are offering a percentage off or free delivery this time of year on lawn and garden items.  A dollar store is a great resource for things like garden gloves, gardening tools, seeds, watering cans, potting containers, small bird feeders and decorative signs.
Other larger purchases my include garage door openers, patio furniture and lawn mowers.
If you are not ready for new garage door openers, apply some WD40 on the tracts to keep them running smoothly at a cost of about $3. 

Patio furniture can be purchased toward the end of season on clearance. Remember to use a coupon at places like Bed Bath & Beyond. 

Lawn mowers may be purchased online and shipped to store site free.  There are several sales all summer long and toward the end of the season.  There are lots of features to compare and select what's best for your needs.  At least you should have an oil change and sharpen the blades yearly.  You can pay someone or do it yourself.

Miscellaneous things to do
Spray for unwanted bees/wasps.  Nothing dampens the mood of an outdoor event like a sting. You can pick up a can of Raid for $5-10.  Spray in the evening or in the dark. Spray two different evenings.  At our house they like the fence and deck posts. 

If you can't afford a company to come fertilize your lawn, it's easily done.  All you need is the fertilizer, which costs about $30, and the spreader, which will run about $50 and up.  Spot treat weeds by using Roundup.  It'll cost around $15 - $100 depending on size and strength.  

Remember to rake up those leftover leaves from last fall.  Not my favorite back breaking job, but pulling weeds from your flower beds, removing any dead plants and trimming back can really help in the appearance of your yard.  Try using a chair to sit on to relieve back pain. 

Power washing your deck and house can make it sparkle and remove the green algae buildup. You can pay for a window washing service or do it yourself using Windex window kit.  The kit cost $15 - $20.  It washes up to 20 windows and reaches to 11 feet.  Kits are available at your local grocery store and discount retail chains.  It costs time and sweat but will save you money. 

Is your driveway looking dull? Are you envious of those black shiny driveways Maybe it's time to reseal it.  It will cost average .17 per square foot to hire a service.  You can do it yourself for $5 - 20 per 250 - 400 square feet, depending on the grade of sealant you use, plus the cost of a few supplies and your sweat and time.  

Buy mulch and have it delivered and spread it yourself.  Don't forget to fix those gate latches.  Over time land settles and causes gates and fences to become misaligned. 

As always, paint is one of the least expensive choices with the most visible change.  Painting your house, fence, shutters, front door or railings can spruce up your house’s appearance. 

Green thumb or not
Plant a flower garden or vegetable garden.  Plants and flowers can be quite expensive, but don't let money stop you.  Some plants can be divided and replanted. Try swapping with a friend or neighbor.  This should be done on non-flowering or dormant plants.  

Starting plants from seeds is inexpensive, but you need patience.  Start or join a seed exchange.  Try planting a few plants like tomatoes in containers on your deck.  It’s an easy way to get the young kids involved. 

How about buying multiple plants and splitting the cost and bounty with a friend?  Try using a branch as a stake to hold climbing plants.  Recycle unwanted items like bathtubs, wheelbarrows and buckets as decorative plant containers.

Do it yourself (DIY) projects usually are cheaper than hiring someone, but they  will cost you time and sweat.  You have to decide if it’s worth it to you to call in the professionals or not.

Warm weather only lasts a little while in this area.  Try getting outside and enjoying it.  The vitamin D will be good for you. Just remember to wear sunscreen.