Getting Your Backyard Summer Ready

Summer is making a return in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the season last year.

As pandemic restrictions continue to lift across the country and vaccines become widely available, now is the perfect time for homeowners to prepare the backyard for the hotter months.

Before kicking off those outdoor celebrations or hitting the road for a much-needed vacation, here are a few backyard maintenance projects you can complete and check off your list.

Landscape

Your backyard is where all the summer fun happens, but you’ll want to make sure your lawn is in good shape before inviting guests outside to swim or eat barbeque.

• Start the summer by fertilizing your lawn. According to TRUGREEN, you can work with a lawn care company or DIY to apply summer lawn fertilizer. Fertilizer can help with the growth your lawn needs to maintain its health this summer.
• Your lawn also needs moisture to grow. Make sure your lawn is getting at least one inch of water once a week. If you have an irrigation system adjust your timers as weather changes and inspect for damaged or leaking heads. Be mindful of any water restrictions in your neighborhood.
• Mow your grass at high length and in a forward direction whenever possible.
• Be on the lookout for lawn pests. If you see unusually high feeding activity or if your lawn begins to wilt in patches or form bare patches, call you lawn care company immediately as it could be signs of an insect infestation.

Swimming Pools 

With those hot summer days approaching, you’ll want to find ways to cool down in the heat. Properly preparing your swimming pool can reduce your risks as a homeowner.

• Consider installing safety fences around the pool with a locked latch and place a cover over the pool when you are not using it.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when filtering and treating your pool.
• Avoid over-shocking the pool— always keep chemicals at the proper levels.
• Keep lifesaving equipment near the pool and make sure you know how to properly use it.

Grilling

After enjoying the pool, you may want to keep entertaining your guests with some grilled food. According to The National Fire Protection Association revealed nearly 9,000 home fires involve grills each year. Here’s another fact: July is the peak month for grill fires. With this in mind, it’s important to brush up on grilling safety.

• Place your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects—including your house, trees and outdoor seating.
• Only use starter fluid for barbecue grills that use charcoal. Do not use starter fluid for gas grills.
• Never use a match to check for leaks.
• Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space—such as the garage or inside of your home. This is not only a major fire hazard, it is also a carbon monoxide hazard.

Trampolines

Jumping on a trampoline can provide hours of fun for adults and children. However, if a visitor or loved one gets hurt while using your trampoline, you could potentially be held responsible for the cost of their injuries.

• To protect yourself, consider fencing in your yard and never allow unsupervised individuals to use the trampoline when you are not present.
• Set up the trampoline on level ground, away from trees and other obstacles.
• Inspect the trampoline before each use to make sure the springs are secure and that the bed doesn’t have any tears or holes.
• Securely attach safety padding to cover the hooks, springs, and frame of the trampoline.
• Install safety netting around a trampoline to provide proper fall protection.

Summer is the ideal season to get everyone together and enjoy some outdoor fun. As a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure your backyard is properly maintained to reduce the risks of being responsible for any injuries at your home. Preparing your backyard for the summer doesn’t have to be tedious. Decide which project you want to tackle first and check it off your list as you go to the next task. Reward yourself and others who help you make your backyard fun, safe and secure this summer.

For more personal risk management guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact INSURICA today.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2008, 2016, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.