Fall is approaching here in Halifax! In this post, we cover our end of summer market outlook in the city, and what to expect this autumn.
![yard for summer](https://teamclinton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/yard-for-summer_min.jpg)
5 tips to set up your home and yard for summer
Believe it or not, summer is almost here! That means it’s time to set up your yard for summer. As important as it is to maintain your home, taking care of your surrounding property is essential as well. Here are five tips to help you get your yard under control and ready for the season.
#1 Bring out the furniture
One of the best parts about the summer is enjoying time outside. This is extra enjoyable for those with a yard, because they can soak up the sun and warmth without having to leave their property. The right outdoor furniture can turn your yard into a prime spot for you this season. There are endless types of patio and yard furniture you can invest in to complete your yard. Patio sets, lounge chairs, umbrellas, dining tables, and hammocks are just some of the potential options. Take a moment to look at your space and try to imagine where certain items would look best! You also have a lot of control over how much you want to spend on this aspect of your home. Outdoor furniture comes in super simple and affordable versions, as well as pricier models.
If you already have outdoor furniture from last season, now is a great time to dig it out of storage and place it back in your yard. We recommend giving it a light wash, especially if it’s been sitting in a shed or garage all winter. Your yard will be looking like a private oasis in no time!
#2 Complete your gardening
If you have a garden, this is a great time to finish any work you need to do to get it ready for the summer. The weather in May can be unpredictable, with sunburns and frost both being on the table. With that in mind, it’s usually a good idea to hold off on buying flower planters until closer to the start of summer. Now that we are approaching June, you should be safe to introduce seasonal flowers to your yard! It’s also a good idea to do some weeding and lay down a fresh coat of mulch in any garden spaces. This will keep your gardens looking clean and prevent weeds from popping up. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can invest in some tough flowers that are easy to maintain during the summer! This will add a pop of colour to your yard, without requiring a ton of work on your part.
#3 Maintain your lawn
Part of prepping your yard for summer is planning how to maintain your lawn. If you have a grassy yard, it’s important to keep it healthy so your property looks its best! Luckily, it’s often not too complicated to take good care of grass. It just requires a routine on your end, and a bit of cooperation from the weather. Your lawn mower should have nice sharp blades that can give a clean cut to your grass. You should also avoid cutting grass too short, but instead leave it just long enough to promote further healthy growth. Using fertilizer once or twice throughout the year will also help encourage a healthy yard. If you live in a spot that doesn’t tend to get a lot of rain, you might consider yourself lucky. However, your yard will need it! Consider getting a sprinkler system if you need to provide extra hydration for your grass.
#4 Do some exterior cleaning
Your actual house might need a bit of love as you prep your yard for summer! Winter can be messy and dirty, and your home might show it. Thankfully, it doesn’t take too much to freshen up your home’s exterior. A quick power wash to the outer walls can help remove any built up dirt or grime. Similarly, washing your windows will get rid of streaks or dirty spots, and leave them shiny and looking new. You can either take on these tasks yourself, or hire a company to do them for you. Sometimes it’s best to let the professionals do their work so you can sit back and relax (and avoid potential injuries!).
#5 Consider a fence for extra privacy
This isn’t a necessity for summer, but it can be a game changer for certain people. Depending on where you live, you might be extremely close to your neighbours. Many people opt to put up a fence around their yard for some extra privacy. This is especially useful during the summer, when we tend to be outside more. There are lots of fencing options in terms of materials, style, and prices, meaning you can customize it to your individual tastes. This might be an investment worth considering if you are close enough to your neighbours to see into their kitchen.
Getting your yard ready for summer isn’t always the most enjoyable part of the season, but it’s certainly important! Before you know it, you’ll be taking full advantage of your property and the warm summer weather.
If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.