Myriad scientific data exists that proves spending time in the green spaces around us, including our backyards and community areas, is good for our mental health and well-being. Even passively enjoying time in nature — which starts right outside your backdoor — reduces stress, improves memory, boosts heart health and offers other benefits. In recent months, COVID-19 restrictions have underscored more than ever before how important our backyards, parks and other green spaces are for helping us unwind and de-stress.
Optimzing your yard is a smart investment in you and your family’s overall well-being whether you are sheltering at home or are planning to sell your property in the coming months. If you decide to undertake an outdoor improvement project, chances are you will recoup the benefits, according to the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape Professionals’ “2018 Remodeling Report: Outdoor Features.” Realtors ranked standard lawn care service as producing the most substantial financial payout at resale. Landscape maintenance and tree care both recovered 100% of the cost at resale, according to the report.
The TurfMutt Foundation offers these tips to help get your yard in summer shape and the tools that will help you create an outdoor living room that has purpose beyond looking beautiful and creating curb appeal.
Assess Your Yard
Sketch out the natural and manmade features, such as trees and shrubs, as well as seating and play equipment. Consider the outdoor activities your family enjoys doing together, and think about additions that will enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor living room. Now may be the time to invest in a patio, fire pit, dining area, grill or playset you have always wanted.
Spruce Up Existing Landscaping
Do basic clean-up. A power washer can make quick work of hosing off patio areas and dirty siding. Use a leaf blower to clean out the flower beds. Set your lawn mower to cut the grass at a healthy height, typically between 2-3 inches. An edger will form a clean boundary between the lawn and walkways. Add a fresh layer of mulch around trees and in flower beds to create a polished look and help the plants retain water during the dog days of summer.
Put the Right Plant in the Right Place
Fill pots and flowerbeds with colorful and verdant plants. Choose the right plants for your climate to create an outdoor area that is attractive and easier to maintain and that supports local pollinators and backyard wildlife.
Add Visual Interest & Camouflage
Planters with flowers strategically placed between seating and eating areas on a patio add visual interest but also provide privacy. Trees, shrubs and bushes offer cover from neighboring properties, create borders, camouflage unsightly pool equipment and air handlers and tamp down noise.
Factor in Family Needs
If you have a child or family pet, plant with their needs in mind. A hardy grass variety is more likely to hold up to child or pet traffic. Plant soft but sturdy plants and foliage that can withstand a little roughhousing. Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers, and be sure to check out the ASPCA list of toxic plants for pets before making a final selection if pets are in the picture.
Take Care of Equipment
One final note about safely fueling your outdoor power equipment: protect your power by using only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered equipment. Fuel containing more than 10% ethanol is illegal to use and can damage small engine equipment not designed for it. (Learn more about safe fueling at lookbeforeyoupump.com.) For battery-powered equipment, you should recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. Also, follow all charging instructions. After use of all equipment, clean all of the dirt, oil and grass off the machine to help it run more efficiently and last longer. Store your equipment in a cool, dry place.
To learn more about creating a purposeful living landscape that benefits people, pets and the planet, go to turfmutt.com.
Kris Kiser
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
1605 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314
opei.org
703-549-7600
