Getting ready for summer may be the last thing on your mind
when you are trying to dig your way out from under three feet of snow, but it's
never too soon to start making backyard plans - especially if you are
envisioning big changes.
Here are few tips for some of the most popular
backyard additions and changes, with planning you can start right now.
Pools
If you're a fan of having a pool in your backyard, you
undoubtedly know that building one can be an expensive and time-intensive
proposition. Experts say a pool can be built within six to eight weeks, but
keep in mind that's for a very simple pool with no weather delays or other
Pool planning can drive anyone nuts - how big should it be?
What style? What shape? Should it get full sun or should it go partway under a
tree, which will create shade but also a leaves-in-the-pool situation? Do you
want a spa? What materials should you use? And which company?
This is all part of the fun of building a pool. Heed a few
tips from Pool Spa Outdoor.
"Think you might be ready to take the plunge? If you're
planning to buy your first backyard swimming pool, you probably need a few tips
to get started," said Pool Spa Outdoor. "Learn how to establish a budget, find
a pool builder, and always remember to put fun on the list.
No one addition to your backyard is hotter right now than
adding an outdoor kitchen. But, the planning is critical to making sure you get
a kitchen that functions well, looks great, and makes the best use of your
space.
"Before you do anything else, spend some time thinking
about what you really want and need in an outdoor kitchen," said HGTV. "Ask yourself how you'll actually use the new
space and what makes the most sense in terms of your home's architecture and
its existing
See HGTV or Houzz for some design ideas or learn a few key tips
from Better Homes and Gardens, and make sure before you get
started, you ask yourself a few key questions from Red Beacon:
- Will
you be using the kitchen year-round? If so, there is weather-proofing to
consider.
- Where
will you locate the kitchen? The closer to the house, "the lower
expense for electrical and plumbing work."
- What
do you plan to cook in the outdoor kitchen? Is a barbecue enough or do you
need a range, a refrigerator, maybe even a pizza oven?
- Do you
need a sink? The plumbing costs will increase (but so will the
convenience).
- Where
do you envision seating? "Decide on the seating area keeping in mind
that the seating has to be comfortable and appropriate for outdoor
use."
For more planning tips, see Red Beacon. And if you need a new barbecue grill, Lifehacker says the best time to buy is January through
March, before the weather starts to heat up, so keep your eyes open for sales.
Your Lawn
Everyone knows spring is the best time to plant flowers. But
do you know when the best time to perk up your lawn is?
Many experts say that laying sod is best in "spring and
early autumn... because cool
For DIY sod tips, see Better Homes and Gardens.
If you don't want the expense of sod - it costs "about
$400 to cover a 1,000-square-foot backyard (double that installed) - said This
Old House, you can seed.
Best results for seeding are often achieved in the fall in
cold-weather climates, because "fall's cooler temperatures prevent the
seeds from drying out, but there's still enough sun and rain to help them
germinate before going into hibernation for the winter, without the competition
of crabgrass and other weeds that die off this time of year," said This Old House.
But grass seed can be planted in the spring with good
results, said Greenview, if you heed a few tips, mainly: "Do not apply
weed control products to the grass. Delay the weed control application until
the grass seed has germinated and you have mowed the grass at least three
times."
