The Official Blog of The Fence Authority

Are you sick of gray, winter days and barren landscapes? Do you long for spring and summer when the world seems lush and colorful? Has your significant other caught you gazing out the window, daydreaming of your perfect backyard?

Don’t worry – spring is right around the corner! Now, let’s talk about that perfect backyard you’re daydreaming about…

If your backyard, or front yard for that matter, isn’t the way you want it, why wait any longer, dreaming about the way you wish it could be? Is 2017 the year you give your yard a makeover? We say an emphatic YES!

Why 2017 Should Be the Year of Your Yard

There are two main reasons why we believe 2017 should be the year you give your yard a much-needed makeover.

You should be able to enjoy your home just the way you dreamed – now. Choose whether that means coming home after a long day of work to a relaxing backyard terrace or planning a staycation to enjoy your well-deserved time off without the pressures and stress of packing and traveling.

You should be able to sell your home as painlessly as possible. Maybe you’re about to put your house on the market and think there’s no reason to bother with the yard at this point. Think again! Curb appeal and landscaping go a long way when it comes to attracting potential buyers to your home and then getting the offers you’re looking for.

Now that we’ve convinced you to give your yard a makeover, when should you start the planning process? Today! Now, where to start?

First Thing’s First: Front Yard Landscaping

Picture this – an acquaintance invites you over for a visit. You pull up to their house where you’re greeted by crunchy, brown grass, overgrown shrubbery, weeds galore, and a few too many lawn ornaments. You hide your horror behind a big, fake smile and start mentally planning your escape.

That may be an exaggeration, but your front yard is the very first thing anyone sees coming to your house, and first impressions are everything. With that being said, give your front yard landscaping a makeover – if not for you, for your guests! Assess your home from the outside and list all its virtues and shortcomings, then get to work.

Walkways

The path leading to your front door and around your house is a great starting point when it comes to your front yard landscaping! Add interest to your walkways with brick patterned or exposed-aggregate textured pavers, and make sure you follow natural access patterns so nobody goes tiptoeing (or trampling) through your tulips. You can even line your walkways with walls, fences, hedges, or plants – just make sure that people can walk through without feeling crowded.

Flowers

Flowers are a great way to add color and beauty to your front yard and there are so many to choose from! Are you looking for flowers that have a pleasant fragrance, are low maintenance, or come back year after year? Maybe you’d like to plant flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies? The possibilities are endless. To be inspired, check out the 2017 Philadelphia Flower Show next month or take a trip to Longwood Gardens.

Lawn

A nicely manicured lawn is a must when it comes to curb appeal in the Northeast. Keeping it healthy and green can sometimes be a challenge, so it may be time to consider investing in an inground sprinkler system instead of a manual one. Remember, you don’t want to be a slave to your yard. You want your yard to provide you with serenity and beauty, and maybe even make your neighbors secretly envious of your seemingly green thumb.

Check out these front yard landscaping and design ideas:

Don’t Neglect Your Backyard – Try These Design & Landscaping Ideas!

Many of your front yard landscape design ideas can also be applied to your backyard. In addition to charming walkways, beautiful flowers, and lawn maintenance, you can consider adding different types of gardens like rock or vegetable gardens.

Your backyard is where you will undoubtedly spend the most time relaxing. You’ll want privacy, comfort, beauty, fun, and safety all accounted for.

Deck/Patio

A deck or patio gives you a space where you can relax and entertain and can be as extravagant as you like. Love cooking but don’t want to be stuck inside while your guests are enjoying the outdoors? Consider installing an outdoor kitchen. Love sitting outside in the rain? Consider a covered deck or patio as an option. Want a deck and a patio? Do it! You and your family deserve to enjoy your home.

Pool

The pool is where the fun really comes into play! The color of your pool can also help dictate the theme of your backyard. Dark colors can make you feel like you’re not actually in your pool but in the deep blue sea or a hidden lagoon. Lighter pool colors can instantly transport you right on the beach where you can almost hear crashing waves and feel the sand between your toes. A vacation is just a backyard away.

Privacy Fence

Privacy and safety come with a new fence. If you do decide to invest in a pool, you will need a pool code fence. If you have children and/or pets, you will want a fence that keeps them safe and sound in your backyard. If you’re a private person or just want an extra layer of security, you should consider a privacy fence. Fencing comes in many different materials, styles, and colors, so there’s something for everyone.

Check out these backyard landscaping and design ideas:

For even more backyard inspiration, check out our Pinterest!

Small Backyard? No Problem With These Yard Design Ideas!

Just because you have a small backyard, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice an enjoyable space. There are many ways you can still have the backyard of your dreams – it just takes a little planning! Everything from hanging plants on your walls to using a faux-grass rug will make the best use of your space while also making it a space you love. There are even ways to give the illusion of a bigger backyard.

For small backyard design inspiration, check out these resources:

• 20 Creative Ways to Make the Most Of a Tiny Backyard (Country Living)
• Big Design Ideas for Small Yards (HGTV)

Leave Your Outdoor Living Experience to Us!

Time is valuable and there never seems to be enough of it. Sure, your front yard and backyard makeover can be a DIY project to save for spring, but why take precious time away from your family, friends, or even yourself, to do it?

If you live in the areas around West Chester, PA, Montgomeryville, PA, or Smyrna, DE, you have your very own outdoor living experts in the neighborhood – The Fence Authority! Let us handle the work to make your dream yard a reality. You handle the living life part.