Summer’s almost here… is your backyard ready? Here’s what you need to do to get your backyard ready for outdoor fun.

1. Update your patio furniture. Clean and wipe it down, check the cushion covers for holes, and repair or replace as needed. Touch up any rust with a color-matched metal spray paint.

 

2. Clean your outdoor rugs. Many outdoor rugs are made of all-weather polypropylene, which makes them easy to clean with a pressure washer or a steam mop and some all-purpose cleaner.

 

3. Pressure wash your deck, patio, or porch. After pressure washing, you can also refinish and reseal your wood deck, if necessary. It’s recommended to seal wood decks every other year.

 

4. Clean screens and repair damaged screens. It’s an easy weekend DIY that, like window washing, will brighten up your home by letting in more light.

 

5. Repair and paint damaged or decayed fencing. Inspect your fencing to determine where it needs to be repaired, reinforced, repainted, or re-stained.

 

6. Make sure the grill is ready to fire up! Don’t forget to clean your grill before your next barbecue.

7. Switch the direction of outdoor ceiling fans. Change the direction of your outdoor ceiling fans to draw hot air up and away in the summer. Simply turn off the fan, flip the switch at the base of the fan, and make sure the blades are flowing counterclockwise.

 

8. Clean out exterior faucet traps. Cleaning these screens will eliminate any clogs or obstructions to ensure water flows freely. Unscrew the end of the faucet with a pair of pliers, remove the screen, rinse off the debris, and replace the screen and faucet.

 

9. Get the pool ready for the hot weather. Most Montanans don't have to deal with underground pools. For those who have mobile above-ground pools, a clean pool with fresh water makes a huge difference when the Fahrenheit starts climbing!

 

10. Ensure your patio and porch lights are working. Change any burned-out bulbs and replace them with low-energy LED bulbs.

 

11. Check your insect-repellant devices. Make sure your bug zappers are in good working order. Consider adding citronella candles in gathering spaces where bugs and mosquitos are a concern. Most home improvement stores have decorative items now that camouflage the look of these items that fit right into your outdoor decor.

 

12. Prune trees and shrubs. This task goes much more smoothly with sharp tools. If you haven't had your trimmers sharpened in the past years, now would be a good time to do so to help keep the task quick and easy.

 

13. Create some ambiance with solar lights. Installing outdoor solar lights is relatively easy, and outdoor string lights are a great way to add a festive touch to your backyard. 

 

14. Don’t forget outdoor summer safety. Ensure your pool fencing is secure, your patios and walkways are free of moss and slippery debris, and your decking is sturdy (especially the railings).

 

15. Spruce up your lawn and flower beds. Add some color to your outdoor space and get your lawn ready for outdoor activities and entertaining.

16. Think about outdoor upgrades. Whether it’s new lighting, new seating or furniture, designated shade zones, or new fencing, consider which outdoor upgrades make the most sense for your needs and budget.

 

17. Consider other warm-weather home updates. Mild weather in the summer means it’s the ideal time to take on outdoor home improvement projects like replacing your roof, installing new windows and doors, or building a deck or patio.

 

With a little know-how and elbow grease, you can tackle many of these projects yourself as weekend DIY projects. The work will be well worth it as you relax and enjoy your backyard this summer.