How to Get Your Small Backyard Ready for Summer

By Brittany Hawes on June 30, 2018

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Just because the outdoor area of your home is lacking in space, it doesn’t mean you should give up all hope of getting your small backyard ready for summer! Many people believe that if their apartment, house, townhome, or duplex comes with a small backyard, there’s not much reason to focus on it. It’s so small! Pretty soon, the only reason you might go out there is to smoke a cigarette or let your canine companion do their business.

Don’t let your small backyard’s size fool you! There are plenty of fun and creative ways you can dress your tiny backyard and make it stand out more than even the biggest of backyards. In this article, I’m going to give you five exciting techniques you can use to get your small backyard ready for summer.

backyard ready for the summer

Image via Pixabay.com

1. Start a Beautiful Garden

Nothing livens up a backyard quite like a lush garden that’s had the chance to thrive beneath the sparkling rays of the summer sun and the plentiful rain. All the rain that comes during the summer season makes this the perfect time to start a garden (depending on where you’re currently living). If you can find a place in your backyard that gets a lot of direct sunlight, you can start working on your garden right away.

Remember, you’ll need good soil that your plants will do well in. That means you should avoid soil that seems infested with ants or soil that is too dry and sandy. You can always pick up some good garden soil from your local Home Depot or another store with a garden section. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some plants that you want to try your hand at growing! For the summer, I recommend trying flowers, herbs, and vegetables such as cucumbers, beets, and peppers. These are plants that are known to beat the heat of summer—just remember to keep those thirsty greens hydrated against the high temperatures!

2. Create a Tent Patio

Is your backyard too small for an awning? Do you find yourself without much in the way of shade when you step out to the back? Leave the sweating and suffering behind and make something to help you thwart the blazing heat—a tent patio! Gather all your scattered porch and yard furniture and put it under your tent to create a backyard area that will keep you shaded.

Not only will you stay cool this summer, you’ll also be able to enjoy the outdoors without the worry a sudden downpour would usually bring. You’ll be safe beneath your covered backyard, sipping lemonade and laughing at neighbors who get drenched.

3. Dress Your Small Backyard Up with Solar Lights

Another way to get your small backyard ready for summer is to string up lights! Solar string lights strung up around the perimeter will brighten up your yard and dress up any barren areas. Make your backyard a fun place to go during the day and at night!

Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery with solar string lights. The sun will charge them during the day so that when it’s nighttime, they’ll light up your entire backyard.

4. Get a Small Swimming Pool

You might not be able to install a gigantic pool in your backyard’s limited space, but you might have enough space for a pool with just enough room for you, your roommates, and your friends to cool off during the afternoon hours when the sun is making everyone feel like they’re stuck in a huge frying pan full of oil.

Measure the space in your backyard and how much space you’re willing to use for your swimming pool. Write them down and take them with you to the store the next time that you go. When you’re there, find an inflatable pool that fits your required measurements. In just a few steps, you’ll have a backyard you’ll be excited to run out to!

If you can’t find a small enough swimming pool, consider creating your own with a stock tank!

5. Got Trees? Use ‘Em!

I know, I know. Sometimes, a tree in your yard can be a big headache. They shed leaves everywhere, leaves that you’ll have to rake and dispose of, and they’re notorious for attracting wily squirrels that like to drop acorns and other objects on your roof whenever they feel like it. Don’t let that tree rule you! Put it to use!

Remember when you had a treehouse back in grade school? Now’s as good a time as ever to make yourself a new one! Make it a full-blown man/woman cave up there: stock it with a mini fried by running electricity out to it, fill it with the best snacks, and even a sleeping bag (you know, for the days when your roommate has her significant other over and you need a quick escape).

If tree houses aren’t your thing, a tire swing could be tons of fun, especially during the summer. A cool breeze in your face and laughter is the perfect way to spend your summer.

Have more small backyard décor ideas? Share in the comment section below!

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