Preparing Your Backyard for the Shift From Summer Entertaining to Fall
The backyard gets a lot of exercise during summer. Patsios and decks can get a lot of wear and tear, dust, pollen, food spills and all things in between during family BBQs, weekend get-togethers, outdoor dining and lazy afternoons. It’s not too late, but as August gives way to cooler fall evenings, it’s a good time to reset the space, before it’s covered in the first pile of fall leaves. Some preparation in the spring can keep the back yard cleaner, more pleasant and more enjoyable during the fall months.
Give the Patio and Deck a Fresh Start
Typically, the patio or deck will serve as the base of any backyard landscaping, so begin with that. Clear path and remove chairs, tables, planters, toys, umbrellas and other objects to see the entire surface. Sweep away any loose debris, then take a careful look for dirt, algae, pollen or other accumulations that may have been present in the summer.
Hardscapes outdoors can get a lot of wear and tear during the months of use. Hard surfaces, such as concrete patios and brick walkways, can become discolored and shaded areas can retain moisture, making them slippery. A comprehensive deep clean may help freshen up the space before fall furniture and decorations are added back in. Patio, walkway, deck and other exterior surfaces have also been recently suggested for cleaning as part of the seasonal preparation needed to maintain the home.
When cleaning exterior surfaces, homeowners who don’t like to deal with stubborn buildup may find it convenient to look for local pressure washing services near Youngstown. A large patio, walkway or elsewhere where grime has built up is where professional cleaning can be particularly helpful as it can be hard to get off with normal household equipment.
Check the Deck Before Fall Gatherings
The preparation is only half done when the deck is clean. Check boards, railings, stairs, and other structural-looking components for any visible wear; set aside a few minutes to do this. Check for loose boards, protruding fasteners, cracks, damaged railings, or water pooling.
Routine clearing of leaves and debris under deck boards is also helpful since the fall season is accompanied by increased wet weather and falling leaves. As fall approaches, it is even more crucial to regularly clean up leaves and organic material that may hold onto moisture against the surface. The same guidance for decks in Pennsylvania that was just released also calls for clearing gaps between boards and doing inspections before leaves build up.
Clean and Rearrange Outdoor Furniture
At the end of August, furniture purchased in the summer appears to be worn out more than in May. Chairs and tables may have pollen and food residue, as well as moisture, and cushions can or may be stained from repeated use. Clean appropriate furniture surfaces as outlined by the manufacturer’s care instructions and allow furniture cushions time to dry thoroughly before storing or covering.
Fall isn’t the time to store all your furniture. Cooler nights often mean the best time of the day to enjoy your patio. Do not get rid of all the furniture, just move the furniture to a new seating area that is more comfortable to have a conversation in. Include weather suitable cushions and throws, allow for room to maneuver around and create a space for guests to sit comfortably.
Prepare the Grill for Cooler Evenings
Season change doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor cooking. As a matter of fact, autumn is one of the most fun and pleasant seasons for grilling since it’s cooler outside and you don’t have to stand by the grill as much.
Prior to the next meeting, clean the cooking surfaces, and remove any grease or food residue as specified by the grill manufacturer. If applicable, empty grease collection area and clean outside surfaces. Verify fuel supply and inspect gas powered equipment hoses and connections as per manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Make the Fire Pit the Fall Focal Point
The fire pit can easily be the focus of the backyard when temperatures drop in the evenings. If you have an ash collection fire pit, remove the ash and debris as necessary for the particular type of fire pit. Look around for fire hazards and ensure that seating is not directly in front of the flames.
Consider comfort in addition to looks. Set up chairs around a circle or semi-circle, so that individuals can communicate without having to constantly change direction. Blankets should be left stored out of the way in a dry location, while they are in use. When your fire pit isn’t being used, be sure to clean and cover it for storage.
Refresh Walkways and Gathering Areas
Don’t just target the seating areas. The route that guests follow from the house to the patio, deck, grill or fire pit should be considered as well. Sweep walkways and clear weeds or debris from cracks (where possible). Cleaning backyards before fall can enhance the overall look of the yard, if you have hard surfaces that have not gotten the dirt off.
It’s also a good time to rethink the layout. Does the grill need to be farther away from the seating area? Are a walkway and a planter incompatible? Do outside lights serve a purpose for visitors? With no new items purchased, the backyard can look so different with little tweaks to the setup.
Prepare for Falling Leaves
One of the largest seasonal changes is the arrival of leaves in the fall. They will go anywhere they please, but clean up can be easier in the backyard. Consider having a broom, blower, rake or other suitable tools, not in the garage.
Be sure to watch for leaves that accumulate around furniture, steps, patios and decks. Wet leaves can leave organic residue on surfaces where they stay for a long time and can be slippery. It is easier to remove often throughout the season, than it is to remove several weeks of debris.
The same applies with drainage areas. Do not obstruct surface drains and other paths of water flow from the water accumulation area.
Add Simple Fall Comforts
When the cleanup and maintenance tasks are done, transform the backyard into a fall area. It doesn’t have to be overhauled completely for the season. Just a few common sense adjustments can make a difference.
Replace bright summer pieces with cozier fabrics and fall colors. Include outdoor safe cushions, blankets, lanterns or simple decorations. If you are using outdoor lights, inspect them and fixtures before they get darker earlier in the night.
Consider the real-life uses of space. An outdoor table that was adequate for big summer dinners may be better set to the side to make room around a fire pit. If you want to create a small coffee area for cool weekend mornings, then a quiet corner is what you need. Enjoying fall means having a more intimate gathering, which can call for a more intimate layout.
Create a Simple Fall Backyard Routine
Preparation doesn’t have to stop in August. With a quick fall maintenance program, the backyard will not get the run-around once the season starts. Sweep frequently in high traffic areas, remove leaves before they become excessive, wipe down furniture as necessary and dry cushions and other soft surfaces when necessary.
Each gathering can also be a reminder to reset the space afterwards. Empty the fire pit when needed, clean grill, put away the grill cushions and get rid of food debris. These little jobs are much easier to do when they’re done on a regular basis.
So the seasonal outdoor reset isn’t really about how much you can get done outside, but how much you can get done for the next couple of months. Don’t see the end of summer as the end of outdoor entertainment, see it as a change of style. The backyard can be a valuable part of the home well into the fall if the hard surfaces are cleared, seating is made comfortable, the grill is set up and the fire pit is ready to go.
Conclusion
Fall doesn’t equal the end of summer backyard fun. Clean the patio or deck, inspect outdoor surfaces, freshen furniture, set up the grill, and set up a fire pit for cooler evenings. Then tone it down and add some cosy seasonal elements. These tasks will make your yard more pleasant and inviting for fall activities.
FAQs
- What do I need to do in my backyard during the fall?
It’s a good time to start in late summer. August is a good month to clean outdoor surfaces, check the deck, tidy up furniture and clean the grill and fire pit before leaves and cold weather start to become more common.
- What is the best time of the year to pressure wash a patio?
Pressure washing can help with appropriate hard surfaces that have dirt or grime, algae or other types of buildup. Care must be taken when cleaning delicate surfaces as it depends on the material and its condition.
- Do you need to store outside furniture in the fall?
Not necessarily. If outdoor furniture is made to be used outdoors, many of them can withstand mild fall weather. Wash them, use appropriate covers when needed, and store them as per manufacturer’s storage guidelines.
- What should I do to get my fall fire pit ready to go?
Clear away e.g. old ash and debris following the manufacturer’s instructions, check the surrounding area and ensure seating is put in place at a safe distance. If the fire pit is designed to have a cover be sure to keep it covered when it is not in use.
- What ways can I help to maintain a clean yard during the fall?
Clean up leaves and debris from patios, decks, walkways and furniture regularly. Avoiding accumulation of seasonal debris on draining areas and surface cleaning throughout the season can help simplify a clean-up task.