Eliminate these Eight Backyard Blights Immediately, Suggest Experts
Revamped Take on a Backyard Spring Clean:
Freshen up your outdoor hangout spot with this expert-approved guide to sweeping out the clutter from your backyard.
Say Goodbye to High-Maintenance Garden Goblins
Keep your landscape unburdened by rid yourself of high-maintenance, non-native plants. "Boxwood shrubs, for one, perpetually require trimming to maintain their manicured look," Mary Phillips of the National Wildlife Federation says. "Trade them in for low-maintenance native species like inkberry for an Insta-worthy and natural look."
Chuck out the Worn-out Furniture
Over time, certain materials lose their shimmer, and it's not just about safety, but also about enhancing the ambiance of the space. Alexander Betz of Plant by Number comments, "Weary old metal chairs, tattered plastic tables, creaky benches, and droopy hammocks tell tales of past glories and wear you out rather than welcome you in." Replace weathered furniture with durable, weather-resistant alternatives that'll make your backyard an inviting retreat once again.
Time to Refurbish Worn Cushions? Here's What Experts Suggest!
Retaining strong structural elements? Think about giving your cushions a fresh look. "Leftover stains, fading colors, and saggy foamTLDR; The structural components might be fine, but changing up the cushions can give your backyard a fresher and more stylish vibe.
Light up the Way (Without the Glare)
When choosing your outdoor lighting, remember less is more. Too many lights can lead to overkill and a harsh look for your space. Betz from Plant by Number chimes in, "Broken fixtures, overly bright bulbs, or mismatched styles create visual noise, making your backyard an eyesore." Opt for subtle, soft, and focused lighting to brighten key areas and maintain a relaxed environment.
Say Goodbye to Clutter Culprits
Put those excess garden statues, windchimes, and everything else that's not serving its purpose- situationally or aesthetically- into storage or pass them along to a new owner. Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors advises, "Opt for fewer, higher-impact pieces for a more effective and cohesive design."
Avert Aviary Dangers with Careful Disposal
Apart from being unsightly, broken bird feeders pose potential health risks for birds. "A dirty birdfeeder can transfer diseases to birds and cause harm," warns Mary Phillips. "Removing broken or seldom-visited bird feeders can leave your backyard less littered and safer for wildlife."
Put Away Those Half-Finished Projects
Keep tools, extra gardening supplies, and unwanted debris out of sight for a cleaner, more put-together appearance. "Neglected projects like incomplete garden beds, clumps of unplanted soil, and piles of leftover materials can make your backyard look haphazard and disheveled," immediately clearing out these eyesores can remedy the situation.
Reclaim Your Outdoor Play Area
Who needs toys and sporting equipment cluttering their sanctuary? Remove outgrown equipment and opt for sleek storage solutions that blend seamlessly into your backyard design.
Essential Insights to Tackle a Backyard Declutter:
- Identify Goals: Before you begin, figure out exactly what you want your backyard to achieve.
- Create a Plan: Write down everything in your backyard, from furniture to clutter, and make a action plan to address each item.
- One-Year Rule: Adios to items that haven't been used in the past year.
- Organization: Sort your belongings by category, decide where each item will go, and store like items together.
- Decorate with Purpose: Opt for decorations that add to the appeal of your space while maintaining its functionality.
- Proper Maintenance: Schedule regular cleaning sessions and seasonal updates to keep your backyard pristine and functional.
Swap out high-maintenance, non-native plants like boxwood shrubs for low-maintenance native species such as inkberry to achieve an Insta-worthy and natural garden look, following the advice of Mary Phillips from the National Wildlife Federation.
To enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space, consider replacing worn-out furniture with durable, weather-resistant alternatives that will make your backyard an inviting retreat once again, as suggested by Alexander Betz from Plant by Number.
To maintain a relaxed and stylish outdoor living environment, choose soft, focused, and subtle lighting options for your backyard, as suggested by Betz of Plant by Number, opting for lighting that brightens key areas without creating visual noise.
