The summer season is perfect for spending time in your yard with your friends and family. Of course, that assumes your yard is in good enough condition to host outdoor gatherings. Improper maintenance can leave something to be desired when it comes to your backyard and patio, and the last thing you want is to make a bad impression. After all, curb appeal is about more than the front of your home. To get your yard and patio ready for summer entertainment, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Patio
You may not feel comfortable entertaining friends and family because of the state of your patio. The ground may be covered in old paint or weeds may be popping up through the gaps in the stone. This can create an unkempt appearance that can take more work than you may want to perform. The good news is that sand blasting can help take care of these issues.
Sand blasting uses abrasive materials and compressed air to clean surfaces. Patio sand blasting can deliver different results based on the pressure level. The depth of cleaning can reach up to 3/8 of an inch depending on how much pressure is used. Talk to professional cleaners to determine the appropriate pressure level for your yard.
The advantages of sand blasting make it ideal for deep cleaning. Not only can you use it on your patio to remove old stains, paint, and weeds but you can also use it on your driveway or hardscaping to remove unsightly paint or stains. Patio sand blasting is a good idea because this cleaning method works well on rugged surfaces.
The eco-friendly nature of patio sand blasting can also work to your advantage. You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals lingering in your yard while you’re grilling. Creating a safe environment for food preparation is easier and more convenient if you sign up for patio sand blasting. You can also use it to safely remove the weeds between the cracks of your patio or along the edges without worrying about it damaging your grass.
2. Take Care of Your Lawn
Develop a new mowing routine to make your lawn look great. Stick to that routine to manage your lawn and encourage proper growth. If it looks like your blades of grass are coming out uneven, you should get new mower blades before getting to work.
The other plants in your yard will also benefit from maintenance. Trim your bushes and check the health of your trees. Call an arborist if you notice any unusual marks on your trees. Springtime also provides the ideal window for tree removal, so check with an arborist to determine if that’s required.
Don’t focus only on the living features of your yard while conducting maintenance. Your hardscaping features can also benefit from thorough cleaning. Various cleaning methods can work for your yard, but patio sand blasting is the best option to remove unsightly stains or unwanted weeds popping up along the edges or in cracks.
3. Give Your Deck a Facelift
Summer barbeques are not just enjoyable because of the good food. People also enjoy them because they present great opportunities to catch up with loved ones. You can sit down on your deck and talk about the latest happenings. Creating that comfortable summer setting is only possible if you have adequate space for outdoor entertainment.
Upgrading your deck warrants consideration if you’re looking to create a dedicated seating area in your backyard. Decks are terrific outdoor additions that provide additional living and working space. You can even set up your grilling station on top of your deck without much issue.
The key to deck quality is your choice of material. Aluminum and composite decks feature exceptional durability while requiring minimal maintenance. The only downside to using those materials is they are both an investment. Bamboo and cedar may be better options if you’re seeking affordable options that still feature good durability.
If you’re looking to refinish or restore your deck to give it more of a shine by the time summer rolls around, sand blasting is an effective method to quickly remove old staining or unwanted residue.
4. Invest in Pest-Repelling Features
Finally, you can properly prepare your yard for summer barbeques by investing in pest-repelling features. Nothing turns a fun summer barbeque into an annoying experience faster than the emergence of pests. Aside from biting everyone in your backyard, pests can also cause trouble by contaminating your yard. Keeping them out of your yard should be a priority, and we have some helpful suggestions for doing so.
The cleaning and mowing tips highlighted earlier in this article remain helpful for keeping pests away. Both cleaning and mowing can remove common hiding spots, thus forcing your unwanted guests to relocate. Removing the dead trees on your property should also significantly lower your property’s bug population.
Pests may also frequently visit your yard because they are drawn to your garbage containers. To be more specific, the odors emanating from those containers may be attracting pests. You can prevent pests from showing up by getting covered garbage containers. Make sure your new containers have tight seals that even stray animals cannot pry open.
Consider making your own DIY pest-repellent using a cup of coffee grounds and a candlewick! When you strategically (and safely) burn coffee grounds, the scent that’s released can actually impact mosquitoes’ ability to find you and your family, so they can’t bug you. Another family-friendly way to keep mosquitoes and other small bugs away is to use bubble wands and machines. While bubbles don’t repel mosquitoes themselves, they can make it more difficult for mosquitoes to fly around and find their next meal.
Birds can also control the pest population on your property, so getting them to stop by now and then would be helpful. You can attract birds by offering food and shelter. Set up feeders and birdbaths in elevated locations so birds have an incentive to stop by and watch for bugs.
Setting up fans in your backyard can also help with pest prevention. According to Consumer Reports, an oscillating pedestal fan set on high can reduce mosquito landings by up to 65%. Arrange the fans carefully so everyone gets plenty of bug protection. The cool air coming from those fans can also keep your guests comfortable.
Remember to remove standing water in your backyard if you’re struggling with pests, too. Check your backyard fixtures for pooling and clean them up quickly if necessary. Cleaning your gutters can also be helpful because many pests like to hide in them.
Summer barbeques are always fun, but you want to make sure that your backyard is ready for outdoor entertaining, so you can feel confident knowing everyone will have a great time. Follow the tips detailed in this article to make sure your property is ready to host those summer parties! If you’re interested in sand blasting for your patio or deck to get your entertaining space summer-ready, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today at Blast Masters to learn more about our deck and patio sand blasting services or to schedule a service with us!