Now that the busyness of summer and fall are behind you, and Christmas is looming, it may seem strange to be thinking about lawn care or landscaping. However, this is the best time of the year to prepare your yard for all the great plans you have for the year ahead. Even better, by making plans and taking precautions, you can ensure that your yard is even better next year than it has ever been. Before many outdoor makeovers can be made, it is vital that some preparation steps are taken. Here are few tips to help you get ready for that 2017 yard makeover.

1. Winter Landscaping Tips  Plan Now for Your Spring Landscape Projects As days get shorter and cooler, this is the time to begin planning your yard’s look for next year. Consider taking time to spread mulch, cut back trees or shrubbery that may still need to be pruned, remove any dead plants, and wrap any delicate shrubbery. For most yards this will take one busy weekend but it will go a long way towards a beautiful, working yard next spring.
2. Think about Drainage Did you discover this summer that your yard did not move water out of the way properly or effectively? Then now is the time to talk to a landscape pro about grading your yard so that rain water is moved the direction you need it.
3. Clean Up If you still have leaves or debris from fall in your garden areas, take time now to remove it as this will make it easier to see your yard’s canvas and begin planning for next summer.
4. Minimize Walking in the Yard Once you have your yard cleaned up and prepped for winter, endeavor to keep walking across your yard to a minimum otherwise you risk displacing your grass. Plus, frequent walking on the lawn - especially should it be a wet winter- can cause damage such as compaction.
5. Irrigation Irrigation systems are a great addition to any lawn. If you are considering one for your space, now is a great time to follow up on it.
6. Dream Now is the time to sketch out what you want next year’s war to look like. From plant life to decorative elements, and features such as patios and fire pits, there are many ways to enhance your yard for greater functionality and design. Need ideas, give the Makeover Landscaping specialists a call. Outdoor Makeover is ready to meet with you and help you move forward on designing the best landscaping design you have ever had. Contact one of our landscape pros today to learn how we can help you give your lawn and backyard areas a complete makeover.

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What is your favorite time of the year? Is it spring when all the flowers are starting to poke their heads through the earth and the trees are beginning to wear their new coats? Perhaps it is summer when the weather is perfect for outdoor entertainment, long sunny days, warm sultry nights and yard parties. Or, maybe it is fall when the trees are filled with yellow, orange and red hues and the temperatures are crisp and cool – just perfect for relaxing around a fire pit. Then, of course, there’s winter with its cold though sunny days and a plethora of holidays to bring family together. Yes, no matter what time of year it is, there’s always time to enjoy the outdoors with a group of friends and family. But to make those opportunities for visiting and enjoying the outdoors even better, you need to have a landscape designed for entertainment and pleasure.  So, what should that look like? Here are a few ideas for creating the perfect outdoor entertainment area:

1. Outdoor lighting: Lights are a great way to make your yard more interesting. From spotlights or to hidden up lighting in a pond area, to twinkling lights draped in the trees and shrubbery, a string of lanterns along the edge of a patio, torch lights around the edges of an outdoor kitchen or even sconces on the walls of an outdoor bar area – there is no end to how lights can be used outdoors.
2. Custom built tables: Who says that traditional picnic tables are your only choice? Design tables that show off your style and compliment your landscape. Consider alternative materials such as stonework, pottery, recycled materials and other products for a piece that is both functional and fun.
3. Stay warm – Be it a fire pit only large enough for toasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories, a large double fireplace for grilling or more simple fireplace where sharing a glass of your favorite beverage is the norm, having a contained fire element is a great way to add life to your backyard entertaining.
4. Stroll along: If you are a fan of gardening, and have multiple garden areas, why not connect the various space with a meandering garden path lined with delightful pavers, small stones or whimsical edges? When combined with lights, you can create a fun place to escape the stresses of the day.
5. Keep it green: Be sure to include plenty of greenery in your backyard – and not just in the form of your grass. Choose an assortment of flowering plants and trees that can be easily maintained yet showcase your home and outdoor features in style. Designing an outdoor landscape perfect for entertaining can be done with a bit of planning and by talking to one of the Outdoor Makeover experts. After all, there is no reason for you to stress over creating the perfect yard. Let us look over your yard and help you decide what elements will be best for your needs. Give us a call today.

The post How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area? appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.