Why do I think you should update your outdoor spaces in the fall? After all, summer has slipped away, there’s already a chill in the air, and now that Labour Day weekend has passed us by it’s time to start thinking about getting our homes and outdoor spaces ready for winter.
But I am a firm believer that fall is actually the best time to get work done on your backyard. With a quieter social season, the kids going back to school and less foliage around, your backyard opens up again. By investing a bit of time now you can create a multi-functional outdoor living space that you can enjoy for the months to come.
So, here are my five reasons why you should update your outdoor spaces now.
No. 1: Create your spring 2018 wish list
Are you planning to sell your home next spring? Or perhaps you’re just feeling inspired to upgrade your home after visiting friends and family? You can easily increase your home’s curbside appeal with some simple improvements that will last for years.
Did your family find summer a drag because your backyard has no shade? Now is the time to add some greenspace. Plant fast vertical trees such as poplars and shrubs to add natural shady spots that won’t take up space. For example, cedar, spruce and silver maple all grow tall and fast and can make your backyard more family-friendly next summer.
Plant fast-growing trees and shrubs to add shade. Credit: MicroPro Sienna
The 2018 backyard is a relaxing, minimal but multi-purpose space. The best design gets creative with small spaces and can be adapted for multiple purposes – big family gatherings, intimate meals or relaxing chill-out zones.
As part of your plan to update your outdoor spaces, figure out what your backyard goals are and start organizing now. And as stores look to clear out their summer stock, you’ll see major sales on dream outdoor furnishings. During fall, many outdoor items go on sale so you can stock up ready for next spring.
No. 2: Building and maintaining your deck
It’s a little-known secret that fall is also the best time to build your dream deck. You get to build on firm and dry ground, which is ideal. An amazing way to get that expensive look for less is MicroPro Sienna treated wood, a product I’ve endorsed for some time.
It’s a pressure treated wood that is environmentally friendly and certified low VOC (volatile organic compounds). It comes ready to build in a beautiful brown tone and is easy to maintain with an application of a water repellent to protect your deck during the winter months.
Fall is a great time to build your new deck. Credit: MicroPro Sienna
No. 3: Extend patio season into the fall
Who said that patio season was over by September? Now is the perfect time to think about lighting and heating options to keep your outdoor space inviting beyond those long summer nights.
String lights are simple to install and cheaper to buy than ever before. And the addition of a fire pit or outdoor heater will give your family a comfortable space to get cosy when the temperature starts to drop.
No. 4: Invest in multipurpose furniture
I’m a big fan of custom built-in furniture that can stand up to the elements and is multifunctional. Furniture with storage units or pieces you can easily move indoors when the weather worsens can be a great and simple addition to your home.
Hiring a carpenter to bring your ideas to life doesn’t have to be expensive and can result in a really good quality piece of furniture that will last you for years to come. They can also ensure that the wood is treated to survive the winter weather.
Quality furniture will stand the test of time. Credit: MicroPro Sienna
No. 5: Update your outdoor spaces to have fun
Next year’s outdoor spaces are all about showcasing individuality and quirky tastes. From colourful outdoor rugs that bring out the beautiful tone of your deck, to bright flowers in personalized planters and vintage-looking lighting, dressing your backyard doesn’t have to be a chore – this is your chance to be creative and make the most of your space.
By getting the tough jobs out of the way now, you’re giving yourself and your family more time to enjoy that space next spring.
For more outdoor project inspiration and DIY how-to’s, check out handcraftedbychrispalmer.com and microprosienna.com.
