5 Ways to Get Your Best Yard Yet!

The new decade has arrived, which makes this the perfect time to get your yard in order. With a few simple changes, you can prepare your yard for a beautiful year. These tops range from simple fixes to ongoing landscaping projects, so you can pick the tips that work best for your current situation.

Shovel That Snow!

When your sidewalks are covered in snow, you cannot use them safely. The same is true for decks and patios. By getting your snow shoveled, you can access all of your outdoor benches, patios, and sidewalks. Once you clear these areas, you can add Christmas lights and outdoor lamps for snowy, winter gatherings.

Install a Propane Heater

It might be snowing outside, but you can still enjoy your backyard. All you need is a way to stay warm. If you aren't trying to install an outdoor fireplace, you can buy an inexpensive outdoor heater. These heaters run on propane and can heat several feet of space around them. Many bars and beer gardens use propane heaters so they can offer a warm outdoor area throughout the year.

Install Outdoor Lighting

During the winter, it gets dark just a few hours after lunchtime. By the time you get home from work, there is no daylight left to enjoy. Outdoor lighting is a simple, fast way to brighten things up a bit. While you can use holiday lights, there are other options available as well. You can use lighting to make your sidewalks safer. On your decks and patios, lights can help you brighten up outdoor events. Outdoor lighting is also useful as a security precaution since thieves are less likely to target houses with bright lights.

Update Your Landscape

Landscaped plants add to your home's curb appeal. If you use native plants, these landscape designs will be even easier to maintain. To make your yard look its best, you may want to consider one of the following landscaping ideas.

• English-style: English gardens are a traditional form of landscaping. They use perennials and shrubs in a way that complements the home's architectural style. You can also incorporate elements like rose gardens, birdbaths, and arbors.

• Japanese-inspired: Japanese and oriental landscapes focus on evergreens, water, and rocks. A Japanese Zen garden is a traditional example of this landscaping style.

• Woodland: A woodland landscape replicates the natural, wild beauty of nature. It mimics the wild nature of a forest and requires very little maintenance.

• Formal: Formal landscapes use straight lines, geometric shapes, and symmetrical patterns to make an ordered yard. This landscaping style looks like it was designed by humans and not nature, which is probably one of the reasons why it requires so much maintenance work.

• Informal: Unlike formal landscapes, informal landscapes use a lot of curved edges. Plants arranged at random can make this option ideal if your children enjoy playing in the yard.

• Xeriscape gardens: These gardens are ideal if you want an eco-friendly yard. Xeriscape gardens focus on plants that require less water, which helps you reduce the amount of water your home uses.

• Butterfly gardens: If you love watching butterflies or hummingbirds in your garden, butterfly gardens are an excellent match. These yards are slightly protected from the wind and provide a food source for colorful butterflies.

Install Better Drainage

Before springtime rain arrives, it is time to install better drainage in your yard. Standing water and floodwaters are a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitos. Additionally, standing water can also lead to injuries because you are more likely to slip and fall. Through yard drainage, you can protect your property and your family's health.