Last Updated on April 30, 2026
We’re still enjoying the fresh blooms and gentle breezes of spring, but now is the time to get your back yard ready for summer gatherings!
Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Add some color
Summer is all about color! There’s no better way to spruce up your outdoor living spaces for summer than to add a pretty planter and fill it with colorful plants and flowers. You don’t have to be a master gardener or even have a green thumb to pull off a beautiful summer planter. Purchase them ready made, or try these tips for designing one yourself.
Prep for mosquitoes (and other bugs)
If you’re a mosquito magnet, you may weigh the fun of enjoying time outdoors against the costs of chemical-filled bug sprays. (Or the expense of hiring a pest control professional.) But did you know that nature has its own bug repellents you can borrow? Best of all, you’ll love the smell of all the plants that keep mosquitoes away! Check out this list.
Set up your fire pit
Fire pits have become one of the hottest outdoor living design trends—something both kids and adults can enjoy while adding a relaxing element to any outdoor space. Some fire pit setup could set you back a pretty penny, but they don’t have to. If you’re a fire pit fanatic looking for a more budget friendly option, you can create your own fire pit—often over a weekend. Here’s some inspiration.
Lean into silent luxury
“Silent luxury” is the newest lifestyle trend that operates at the point where luxury meets longevity. True to their purpose, Zen gardens are perhaps the quietest of the silent luxury home features in demand among home buyers right now. Enjoy your own moments of Zen this summer by creating your own meditative outdoor space.
Consider your privacy
Is your back yard not as private as you would prefer? Add an extra layer of privacy while also contributing life and brightness to the back yard! A living wall lattice or privacy screen is an easy DIY summer project with immediate benefits. Customize the look by adding your favorite flowers, and switch them out frequently for freshness and maximum color.
Tackle that to-do list
We added this last because we know that’s where it falls in your list of interests. But you know summer home maintenance should be your number one priority. Our summer maintenance checklist will help you focus on the best projects to do heading into the warmer months. From cleaning your grill to checking your pool’s safety features, keep your back yard in tip-top shape.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 1,800 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit howardhannatate.com.
