Your yard is more than just a nicely landscaped area—it’s the perfect hangout spot throughout the year. Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to start thinking about how you can best put your yard and your trees to use so you and your family can better enjoy the weather and get outdoors. After you schedule regular tree care with your trusted Denver tree service, consider installing these wonderful additions to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.

Treehouse

Nothing makes better use of a large shade tree like a treehouse. When properly installed, treehouses won’t damage the trunk or limbs, allowing your kids to get up in the branches safely for years to come. Treehouse plans can be incredibly simple or remarkably complex, depending on your budget and the size of the trees in your yard. While a multi-level structure may be what you first dream of, consider that all it takes is a bit of imagination for your kids to make use of the space. Sometimes, even a simple platform is all you need to get your kids away from their video games and outside into the sunshine. Best of all, it will spare you the stress of wondering where your kids are as the entire neighborhood will want to hang out in your backyard.

Outdoor Kitchen

If you’re a fan of entertaining or simply want to expand your living space into the outdoors, consider building an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens can be as big or as small as you like, and will leave you fully equipped to make a gourmet meal right in your yard beneath your trees. Well-designed systems blend in with your existing landscaping and help make your yard a much more useable space without forcing you to choose between your shade trees or a large patio. Keep in mind that these kitchens are not as simple to build as your standard back yard barbecue pit. You’ll need to work with an electrician and plumber, especially if you want to have running water and a refrigerator right next to your grill top.

Add Flower Beds

If your yard is predominantly grass surrounded by a few trees, add a pop of color by planting flower beds around the perimeter. Flowers not only look nice, but also help bring nutrients up through the soil, helping your grass grow stronger. Best of all, they’ll attract beautiful birds, pollinating insects, and butterflies, making the space even more idyllic. If most of your yard is in full shade, there’s no reason to cut down or trim back your trees. You can add a texture-based garden bed with beautiful greenery that thrives in shade rather than relying on flowers to break up the space. While you can hire a landscaping company to install the beds, consider making it a family-friendly weekend project and let the kids get their hands dirty by spreading soil.

Build Comfy Seating Options

There’s no better way to pass a warm summer afternoon than by reading beneath the shade of a large tree. However, as we get older, sprawling on a blanket may not always be an option. Instead of forgoing this summertime pleasure, add comfy seating options beneath the trees. Purchase some outdoor lounge chairs or hire a hardscaping crew to build a natural stone seating area. To make it even more convenient, consider laying a flagstone path to the seating area. This will help protect your lawn while also making the area accessible after summer rain showers. If your trees are relatively close together, you can increase seating options by installing a hammock next to your comfy bench seating. This will transform your yard into the proper hangout spot you’ve always imagined while also giving you a variety of seating options to choose from whenever you’re ready to head outside.

Hang Outdoor Lights

If your trees have low-hanging branches, make use of them. Hang outdoor lights to add a festive flair to your yard. This will make the space more accessible late into the evening hours while also making it safer for guests to enjoy outdoor seating areas during parties and events. While you can install permanent ground lights, they will cost more and may disrupt your lawn’s growth. Sticking with hanging lights will let your lawn grow undisturbed this season. You can always install permanent lights in the fall when the weather is no longer ideal for spending time outdoors.

Add a Water Feature

If you want to transform your yard into a comforting and relaxing space, consider installing a water feature. Small fountains, ponds, and even bird baths can add to the feel of the space without adding too your weekly yard maintenance routine. Once in place, they attract songbirds, add a pleasant sound to the yard, and may even increase your home’s resale value, making them a worthwhile investment. Fountains come in multiple styles, so you’re sure to find the right fit for your home’s décor. Just make sure to choose one with a built-in filtration system and an Energy Star rating to ensure that your electricity bill does not skyrocket after the installation is complete.

Build a Fire Pit

If you want to be able to enjoy your yard and your shade trees for more of the year, consider building a fire pit where you and your guests can stay warm well into the fall. Like treehouses, fire pits can be as simple or complex as you want. For a more contemporary feel, install a gas-powered fire pit. If you prefer rustic wood fires and the smell of wood smoke, opt for a simple stone pit with high walls to contain sparks. During drought conditions, you can even cover the top of the fire with a screen to reduce the risk of spot fires.

Once you’ve decided which additions you want to incorporate into your yard, schedule an appointment with Arbor Garden to determine which trees need trimming and which ones can safely accommodate the changes you’re wanting to implement. Our experienced arborist will help you understand the unique needs of your trees so you can prepare for a comfortable and beautiful summer. Contact us today.