Some people have their “should do” lists, which they forget about if something good comes along. It is not a wonder that most of your outdoor chores are likely to end up in your later list because it is easy to ignore the backyard after your long day at work hoping to do the jobs on the weekend.
If working outdoors in summer makes you feel like a slave, it is the time to free yourself. Here are a few easy ways to minimize or eliminate the basic outdoor chores in summer so that you can free up more time to enjoy being outside.
– Avoid using plants on the garden and go for non-living décor
If someone mentions the term “garden art” you are more likely to start thinking about painted metal flower images or garden dwarfs pushing wheelbarrows. I am not referring to the addition of such items. Add items that can improve your garden and keep it in the right shape. Architectural metal shapes, funky birdhouses or tall wood obelisks will keep your garden space in the right shape throughout the summer season. Moreover, such items do not require any efforts to maintain. As they age, they will look better.
– Sharpen all your tools in spring
If you like cooking, you already know that a knife will work better when sharp. That is also true when it comes to yard tools. Remember to sharpen every blade on your mower and pruners. Plants will heal faster if the cuts are clean. Moreover, by sharpening the blades, you will avoid going over a section more than once or chew through branches with dull pruners. If you are afraid of completing the task the DIY way, engage an experienced person.
– Use colorful planters
If you have outdoor plants that flower, they will require more care and attention. One big problem with outdoor plants is that most perennials and annuals only bloom for a few weeks and they rarely make an impact at other times. If you need blues, reds or oranges on the deck or at the front door, go for a container that has the colors and fills it with rich grass or lush ferns. You will have the appearance you want in your compound throughout summer.
– Use pool covers
Even though you can maintain a sparkling clean swimming pool and maintain the equipment in the right shape, purchasing a pool cover will cut down the energy usage, costs, evaporation, and reduce the time you spend working outdoors. Your pool might be aqua today, the atmosphere perfect, the water calm and a great structure in your compound. However, you will need to spend several hours working to maintain it in the right shape and to keep it clean. And overnight winds can make the pool unrecognizable pond full of twigs, leaves, and debris. Start looking for automatic pool covers today to avoid that and to reduce your outdoor work this summer.
– Mulch your plants
If you hate weeding, use newspapers to mulch your plants. Use several layers in addition to other forms of mulch to prevent the growth of weeds. The newspapers will take away one of the essentials weed require to grow – light. They will also breakdown naturally under the mulch to add nutrients to the soil.
Try the simple tricks and enjoy most of your holidays this summer. Your guests and family will enjoy their time when sitting on the patio or deck and everything is in the right shape.
