If you have pets, it can also serve as a safe and enjoyable area for them to roam and play. But over time, a once-pristine yard can become overgrown and cluttered. It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to renovate and maintain it as necessary to keep it beautiful and functional.  

There are obvious benefits to making the effort to renovate your yard, like having the opportunity to enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase your property’s value. Above all, however, the work you put in will make the space safer and more enjoyable for the entire family, including your pets. 

If you intend to renovate your yard soon so that it better caters to your pets’ needs (as well as those of the rest of the family), here’s where you can start:

1) Install Sturdy Fences

The first thing you should do when renovating your yard is to install a secure enclosure around the space. This will keep your pets safe in your yard by preventing them from wandering off, as well as protecting them from potential dangers outside. 

Opt for pet-friendly fences made of durable materials such as wood, vinyl, or metal. Ensure that any fence in your yard is also high enough to prevent jumping and has no gaps or sharp edges that could cause injury to your pet. 

If your pet tends to dig, consider extending the fence underground or adding a border of concrete or mesh at the base. In addition, if you have small pets, see to it that the gaps between fence slats or panels are narrow enough so that they can’t squeeze through. 

2) Keep Pet Essentials Organized Indoors When Not in Use

An organized yard space is also a safer space. That being said, you’ll want to designate an area indoors to store pet essentials like toys, leashes, grooming tools, custom dog bow ties, and other accessories when they’re not in use. This will help you avoid clutter in the yard and reduces the risk of pets chewing on or ingesting potentially harmful items while they’re outside playing. 

Consider using storage bins or shelves to keep everything tidy and easily accessible. For seasonal items such as outdoor beds or agility equipment, have a dedicated storage area like a cabinet or storage bin. This will protect them from the elements and prolong their lifespan. Indoor organization also makes it easier to keep track of what you have and what might need replacing, all so that your pets always have safe and functional equipment.

3) Plant Pet-Safe Plants and Flowers

When landscaping your yard, choose plants and flowers that are safe for pets. Many common plants, like lilies and azaleas, are toxic to animals. Instead of these, opt for pet-friendly varieties such as marigolds, sunflowers, and rosemary. You can also research any new plants before adding them to your garden to make sure that they pose no threat to your pets. 

In addition, consider planting hardy, durable plants that can withstand the occasional rough play. You can also create defined garden beds or use raised planters to help protect delicate plants while still preserving your desire to showcase interesting greenery in your yard. Remember, too, to avoid using cocoa mulch as well, as it’s toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like pine or cedar mulch.

4) Choose Pet-Friendly Ground Cover

Another thing to remember when renovating your yard is to select pet-friendly ground cover. While grass is a popular choice, you can weight other alternatives along with their advantages and disadvantages. Just be sure to choose the option that best suits your pet’s needs and your maintenance capabilities. 

For instance, if you have a dog that loves to dig, artificial turf might be the best option, as it is more resistant to digging than natural grass. If your yard is prone to getting muddied, gravel or pea stone can keep your pets cleaner and your yard intact. It’s also possible to combine different ground covers to create a varied and interesting environment for your pets.

5) Build Shaded Areas

Apart from choosing the best ground cover, you also need to provide shade in your yard. This way, your pets will have a cool place to retreat to during warm weather. You can plant trees for natural shade, but easy and quick alternatives include pergolas, shade sails, or umbrellas. These shaded areas should be accessible and comfortable for your pets, with plenty of ventilation and soft surfaces for them to rest on. 

If you’re planting trees, choose non-toxic varieties and be mindful of their eventual size and root spread. Shade sails and pergolas, on the other hand, can simply be placed over patios, play areas, or even above a pet’s outdoor bed. 

6) Install a Water Feature

Lastly, a water feature can significantly enhance your yard and provide a source of hydration and entertainment for your pets. If you can maintain it, why not install a pet-friendly water feature like a pond, fountain, or splash pad? The pond should be shallow enough to prevent drowning, and you should install a fence or netting around it if necessary. Remember that you’ll also need to regularly clean and maintain the water feature to prevent algae growth and other contaminants from accumulating in it. 

Since moving water is less likely to become stagnant, fountains are a good choice too. And if you want something even simpler, consider installing a splash pad for your pet to cool off and play. Again, just make sure to maintain these yard elements and keep the water safe for drinking. Whatever you choose, always supervise pets around water features to safeguard them from untoward incidents. 

If you’re due to renovate your yard soon, these tips should help you keep your pets’ needs in mind. Use them to build a space where your pets and their humans can thrive and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. 

Photo: OPal LLC

When you were young and on summer break from school, you probably spent hours riding bikes around the neighborhood with your buddies, hanging out at the local community pool and building forts in your backyard. Now that you’re a parent, you might be dismayed to realize your kids would rather defeat bad guys in video games and text their BFFs on their smartphones than play outside.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, go take an honest look at your backyard. If it’s not exactly beckoning kiddos to come out and play, it might be time to make some upgrades to entice your children to get off the couch and out into the fresh air. With this in mind, check out the following ideas:

Photo: Via Houzz

Add some Lighting

If the temperatures during the day are simply too hot for the kids to comfortably play outside, then make your backyard safe for nighttime activities by adding lighting. For example, you can purchase strands of globe lights and string them from your patio posts to a tree or two. To keep little ones safe when they are running around in the twilight, install pathway lights to light up walkways and garden areas. Once your yard is more well lit, invite your kiddos to join you for a game of cards or a board game under the stars, or host a nighttime ice cream sundae party at your outside table complete with plenty of gooey toppings and sprinkles.

Photo: Via Houzz

Spring for a Trampoline

If your kids have been begging you for a trampoline and you are comfortable with the idea, you can make their jumping dreams come true by investing in one. Nationwide offers some helpful tips on the best spot for a trampoline in the yard; for example, find a clear and flat area that is away from clotheslines, fences and trees and place it on a cushioned surface like flat grass or an area that you cover with bark or sand. Review some basic safety rules with your kids and advise them to go easy on the fancy gymnastics moves.

Buy a Bunch of Crafts

If you are hesitant to let your kids go all out with arts and crafts inside the house due to paint and glitter spilling all over, then let them channel their inner artists out at a picnic table. Take them shopping in person or online and let them choose some crafts that they’d like to try; Etsy has a ton of really fun options including the glass magnet kit and the unicorn kit. You could also buy a plain DIY cornhole game and then take your kids to the local craft store to buy paints, stickers and more to decorate the gameboards however they want. Once the cornhole game is completely painted, stickered and sequined, challenge your kids to some friendly competitions.

Photo: Via Houzz

Outdoor Games and Equipment

You can also ask your kids what games and/or equipment would entice them to go outside. If they have asked for a swing set and you have money in the budget, spring for a basic metal one like you might have had when you were younger or a spendier wooden version. Considering the resilience and weather conditions, you might think of getting durable playground equipment for a long-term investment. This type of modern playground equipment is much more durable if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions either very hot or very cold. Other ideas include a badminton set, chalk paint for creating huge hopscotch boards on the grass and the old fashioned but oh-so-fun slip and slides.

Fortunately, it is probably easier than you think to entice your kids to go outside and play. By investing in some basic lighting and allowing nighttime games, to buying some special outdoor equipment or some basic craft kits, your kids will soon be requesting to go outside, instead of asking if you know what happened to the remote.

People often wish they had a magic wand to transform their backyard into a beautiful, welcoming feature.  If one’s outdoor space is more miserable than magical, it’s time to figure out how to change it from jungle to joyful!

Creating a stunning outdoor space that works well for the family and looks good won’t happen overnight – magic wands simply don’t exist. This season we are spending more time outside than ever, which makes it critical to have our backyards in tiptop shape! With a little bit of planning and the right set of quality tools from my fave supplier Psep.biz, you can transform your outdoor space into your own private oasis the whole family will enjoy all summer long!

Analyze Your Space!

Before starting you project take a good look at your backyard space. What time of day does the sun reach it?  Does the yard need more privacy from neighbors?  Does an unattractive view need to be blocked?

Choose Your Backyard’s Purpose

Once you have decided what needs to be changed, take into account the fact that the backyard will be a place for fun and play for a number of years. You may also want the space to be an attractive oasis for relaxation, or a pleasant place for entertaining. The garden may even be transformed into a practical space where one can grow an assortment of fruit and vegetables.

Purchase the Right Tools and Equipment

To start creating your dream outdoor space don’t skimp out on purchasing quality, durable tools! A spade, rake, and hoe will help keep you on top of the gardening, but heavy-duty goods like chainsaws, lawnmowers, and power screwdrivers will help speed up your garden revamp

Create a Stunning Focal Point

The keep to an effective landscaping makeover is to create a focal point.  What this could be depends on the type of garden you want, but creating a seating space or even a water fountain is always a good idea.  Who doesn’t want an attractive, tranquil space in which to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor?

Revive Old Garden Furniture

Give your old garden furniture a quick makeover with a fresh lick of paint and turn some spare fabric into chair cushions, to achieve a new look for next to nothing.

Create a Shady Spot

If the outdoor seating area gets a lot of sun, it may be a good idea to ditch the parasol and construct a more solid structure for shade.  A wooden arbor can make all the difference in making a bland space magical. A small metal barn can add an industrial touch as well. Plant some climbing shrubs like honeysuckle by the arbor and create a gorgeous scented area to enjoy time with family and friends.  Make sure to add some beds or containers full of sweet smelling plants like carnations, lavender, or stocks.

Quick Outdoor Flooring Tip

If you are short on time, a tiled or gravelled section for your seating area is a good choice.  Just add containers full of flowers to add a splash of color, sit back, and enjoy!