Contents
Your backyard is the space where you can enjoy some time for yourself under the blue sky and the ideal place to organize small intimate gatherings. With the right pieces of furniture, accessories and your landscape properly taken care of, your backyard can easily become a calming oasis. What’s more, a well taken care of backyard will increase the value of your home. You can start by removing and stump grinding the badly placed and old trees that pose safety hazards. That will create the “playground” on which you can later work your magic.
Removal and Stump Grinding of Trees
Once you cut a tree to ground level, you need to remove the stump too as otherwise, the tree will eventually grow again. Plus, stumps don’t look appealing at all and they will stand in your way if your goal is to renovate the backyard. Removing a tree stump on your own can be a complicated and dangerous task. For that reason, many people hire a stump grinding service company that specializes in removing tree stumps.
What is tree stumps removal anyway? Tree stumps removals or stump grinding is the process of grinding (breaking up) what’s left of the tree with the help of a special machine. After that, if your intention is to plant something on that same spot, the stump grinding professionals will also remove the roots left in the ground. This is very important because if you leave roots in the ground, the tree might begin to grow again after some time. Additionally, tree stumps can rot and become a home for unwanted parasites like termites. That’s why it’s recommended to remove stumps as soon as possible.
In the process of tree stump removal, the stump grinding service can transform the tree stump into wood chips which you can later use as mulch. You have an option to remove the stump on your own by digging it up or burning the stump down. However, keep in mind that a tree stump can be really big and demanding and its roots are probably deep in the ground. So, even if you do succeed to remove it, it will be extremely difficult.
Hiring a trump grinding service won’t cost you much and you can rest assured that the professionals you hire will do a great job in removing the stump. The price for the service depends on the size of the stump and its accessibility and it is usually around $165, give or take. After your backyard is all clean, you can move on to the second step.
Consider Laying Mulch and Outdoor Tiles
Mulch is a top layer you put on the ground. Usually, people choose to lay down mulch because it stops unwanted grass from growing, it preserves moisture, improves the health and fertility of the soil and looks appealing to the eye.
There are many types of mulch you can choose from, one being the wooden chips I mentioned before. But if you’re not into wooden chips, you can also choose grass clippings, compost, hay, plastic mulch or landscape fabrics. You can put a thin or thicker layer of mulch depending on what your purpose is. A thicker layer is best if you want to stop weeds from growing.
Then again, if you want something that’s going to last lay outdoor tiles. Outdoor tiles are durable and withstand any weather condition. Usually, outdoor tiles are made from concrete, brick or stone and have a stained appearance. You can pick porcelain tiles too but take into consideration that they can be slippery and are not the best choice for outdoors. The base layer for the tiles can be dirt, sand or cement although dirt is considered to be the best option since it’s sticky.
Make Your Backyard Look More Lively by Planting Flowers
Flowers are a must if you want to beautify your yard. There are tons of ways you can incorporate flowers and plants into your backyard décor. You can make an arrangement of flowers with the help of flower pots and modern planter boxes. You can choose from the range of chic stalls on which you can place the flower pots and create a living art piece.
The second option is to leave a small portion of the yard tile-free and create a flower bed. Flower beds have the power to transform the yard from basic to breathtaking. All you need to do is pick flowers that bloom all summer long and enjoy their magic.
Add Outdoor Furniture
It’s best if the furniture you place outdoors is waterproof and built to last. Furniture that’s not waterproof is prone to cracks and it will eventually lose its great looks.
For a natural aesthetic, pick furniture made of wood. Cedar, teak and eucalyptus are the most popular wood types that can endure exposure to outdoor weather, are long-lasting and naturally repel insects.
If you’re more into industrial style though, you can pick furniture made of metal that is resistant to corrosion and rust (galvanized or stainless steel). Metal furniture is durable and looks contemporary especially when decorated with a bunch of interesting throw pillows.
How About Installing a Fire Pit?
For a special touch, you can get a backyard fire pit. There are so many options on the market that you may not even know which one to pick. For instance, there are portable fire pits made from rust-resistant metal that come with a spark screen and are super easy to assemble and disassemble according to your needs. The next best thing is a gas fire pit that features great functionality and heats up the surrounding area fast.
Also, if you’re someone who loves grilled food, you can get a fire pit on which you can install a cooking grate. The grate is suitable both for grilling and cooking so you’ll be able to enjoy a meal cooked to perfection in the comfort of your own backyard.
