When you're ready to upgrade your yard for leisure and fun activities, check out your lawn area to see what type of additions might fit within the available space. Here are some ways to consider possible alterations to your home's outdoor area.
Shed
A shed can be small or large, depending on your storage needs. Usually, it will contain lawn equipment, including a lawn tractor if needed, along with lawn maintenance tools and supplies. However, some sheds are used for hobbies or a home office. Look at your open space to see how a shed the size you need will fit and look in that spot. Will it stand out as an eyesore or fit in as an accent point?
Playground Equipment
Young children love scrambling around the yard and climbing on sliding boards or playing on swings and monkey bars. Give some thought to the type of equipment you might be able to accommodate that won't use too much of the grassy area. You could start with one or two swings, and if they work well, add more play equipment as the kids get older.
Deck or Porch
Outdoor decks and porches extend the living area of your home for many purposes. Family members may want to sunbathe, grill food, or listen to music under a beach umbrella. You can entertain guests or enjoy some quiet time alone. Measure the dimensions of the deck you would like to install in comparison to the amount of lawn adjoining your home that can be used for this purpose. Check the zoning laws in your community to see if there are any requirements or restrictions for building a deck. Also decide whether adding a deck will leave adequate yard space for other activities.
Flower or Vegetable Garden
Planting a flower garden is a great way to teach kids about the wonders of nature. They can watch butterflies and bees hover over the flowers and see which birds are attracted by the blooms to build nests nearby. A vegetable garden can supply seasonal veggies for fresh eating or canned for winter meals. Putting up a scarecrow or a fence can be a fun activity to help kids learn about boundaries and borders. Measure the amount of lawn space needed for a garden before deciding how big to make it.
Use your lawn to full potential by considering features like these. Time spent outdoors can be relaxing and entertaining, so make the most of your available yard area.
