Creating backyard beauty 

Summer and backyarding ”“ the trending act of taking our indoor life outside ”“ go hand in hand.”¯This time of year especially, the backyard beckons for entertaining, working, exercising, relaxing and reconnecting. But those looking to make improvements to their family yard for even more fun this summer need to avoid some common backyard renovation mistakes. 

“Mulligan the TurfMutt and I recently moved into a new home, and we were reminded about some of the backyard renovation pitfalls that can be easy to fall into,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages people to care for and use their outdoor spaces. “By keeping a few basic principles in mind when embarking on backyard improvements, families can set themselves up for backyard fun this summer and beyond.” 

These, he said, include: 

• ”¯”¯ ”¯Not considering your yard”™s full potential.”¯ From outdoor office to al fresco dining and offering a place for kids to learn and grow ”“ your backyard can expand your home”™s living space.”¯
  ”¢”¯”¯ ”¯Planting fake grass. Plastic grass offers none of the life-giving benefits of real grass ”“ such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, urban heat dissipation or air pollution reduction. Real grass is also easier on feet and paws and is a natural air conditioner.”¯
  ”¢”¯”¯ ”¯Forgetting the “right plant, right place” rule.”¯This is the “Golden Rule” of backyarding, but it”™s more than just knowing which plants will thrive in sunny spots versus shaded areas. Selecting the right plants for your micro-climate and lifestyle will result in a living landscape that requires minimal upkeep on your part while offering maximum environmental benefits.”¯ 
  ”¢”¯”¯ ”¯Not treating your yard like part of the connected ecosystem. Your yard links with other community green spaces to provide food and shelter for pollinators, such as birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other creatures. Support pollinators and wildlife by planting a healthy balance of grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in your yard”™s conditions and bloom at different times throughout the year.”¯ 
  ”¢”¯”¯ ”¯Not supporting community green spaces.”¯Think of community parks, dog parks, green belts and school yards as an expansion of your own backyard square footage. Not only do these community areas provide a change of scenery from your own backyard; they are particularly beneficial for those with little to no backyard space of their own.”¯ 
  ”¢”¯”¯ ”¯Failing to keep safety in mind.”¯Outdoor power equipment makes big backyarding projects easier, but it is critical to keep safety in mind. Read your owner”™s manual and follow all manufacturer”™s guidelines. Do not disable or alter any of the safety features. Always keep pets and children away from machinery during operation, and do not let children on or near lawn mowers at any time.”¯ 

For more, visit”¯TurfMutt.com.