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Summer is well underway and for many people, that means lots of outdoor parties. Barbecues are an American favorite. Inviting friends and family over to your home for some great food and drinks, games, entertainment, and a good time is always enjoyable. Whether you’re used to hosting backyard barbecues or this is your first time, you’ll want to get your yard in order. You want your guests to be amazed, comfortable, and safe during the festivities.
There’s a lot that needs to be done to get your yard ready for grilling season. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started:
Tidy Up
The first order of business would be to clean things up. If you haven’t used your yard since last year, chances are there is a lot of debris that needs to be taken care of. Rake any leaves and discard of anything you no longer have use for. You should also wash the deck or patio and have your siding or brick pressure washed for a clean finish. Now is also a good a time as any to scrub the grill clean.
Tend to the Lawn
Next up, you’ll want to get that lawn lush and green. If you notice a lot of bald or dry patches, you can easily handle it by purchasing some grass seed. You can check reputable vendors to learn more about types and options for your lawn. The idea is for it to look attractive and healthy before your guests arrive.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
After getting your lawn in order, the next step would be to prune the trees and shrubs. If you want a well-manicured lawn, you don’t want limbs and overgrown shrubs in the way. A quick trim here and there will give your yard an entirely different appeal.
Place Planters for Color and Decor
A clean green yard is certainly nice to look at but flowers and exotic plants make it even more unique. Give your home and backyard a little curb appeal by investing in some planters. There are a lot of decorative styles to choose from. Just be sure to choose flowers and plants that are in season so they bloom to their fullest potential.
Pests be Gone
Though most people enjoy being able to spend time outdoors, pests can quickly change their point of view. There’s nothing worse than being at a barbecue trying to eat food with flies all over the place or mosquitos biting you every second. Do yourself and your guests a favor and make sure that you’ve taken care of the bugs. They have lawn and garden products that you can purchase to keep common bugs away. On the day of your barbecue, you should also make sure that you have things like bug guard, citronella candles, tiki torches, and fans to try and keep the bugs at bay.
Create an Area for Sitting
Your guests will likely be roaming around your yard socializing, eating, and participating in activities, but you still want to make sure you provide a comfortable area for them to have a seat. Designate an area in your backyard and set up your lawn furniture. If the furniture needs to be cleaned, be sure to spray them down well before your guests arrive. Adding decorative pieces like seat cushions and throw pillows also goes a long way for comfort.
Don’t Forget the Kids
If your barbecue will also include children you don’t want to leave them out in your preparations. Investing in a few small items will ensure the kids are entertained during an event. Inflatable pools are very affordable and easy to set up. You could also put a smaller table with chairs for the children to have a seat. Water balloons, arts and crafts, board games, and other outdoor activities are easy to get and fun for children of all ages. If there are small children in attendance, however, investing in a few baby gates or a playpen will keep them secure.
Well, there you have it. A few simple steps to creating the perfect backyard for grilling season. Depending on how long it’s been since you’ve used your yard and how often you do maintenance, this could take a few days to complete. Therefore, you don’t want to wait to the last minute to begin preparing. After you’ve completed the checklist above, you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor with friends and family.
