Cleaning and decluttering your backyard is just as important as maintaining the inside of your home. Many backyards are used for eating, socializing, gardening, and more, which can lead to clutter. This clutter can make your yard less enjoyable and harder to use. To help you tidy up your outdoor space, here are some expert tips on what to remove for a cleaner, more functional backyard.
1. Invasive and Overgrown Plants
Some plants, especially non-native shrubs like boxwood, require constant care and pruning. These high-maintenance plants can take up too much of your time. Mary Phillips from the National Wildlife Federation suggests replacing them with native shrubs, like inkberry, which need less maintenance and give your yard a tidier look.
2. Old Furniture
Outdoor furniture is meant to withstand the elements, but over time, it can wear out. Rusty chairs, cracked plastic tables, or sagging hammocks can make your yard feel neglected. Landscape designer Alexander Betz advises replacing anything that’s no longer sturdy or appealing. If your furniture is just a little worn, a deep clean and fresh paint can often restore its charm.
3. Tattered Cushions
If your furniture is still in good shape but the cushions are worn out, it’s time to replace them. Faded colors, mildew stains, or sagging cushions are signs they need to go. Grey Joyner, an interior designer, recommends choosing performance fabrics that can handle outdoor conditions. Opt for simple, neutral patterns to avoid visual clutter and keep your space looking calm and inviting.
4. Unpleasant Lighting
The right lighting can make your backyard feel cozy and functional, but broken fixtures or overly bright lights can make it feel cluttered. Betz suggests using soft, downward-facing lights like solar lamps or string lights to highlight key areas like seating or pathways. This helps create a calm, intentional atmosphere.
5. Excess Décor
While small garden accents like bird baths or planters can add personality to your space, too many ornaments or signs can overwhelm the landscape. Joyner suggests choosing a few impactful pieces and placing them thoughtfully to enhance, not clutter, your garden.
6. Broken Bird Feeders
Broken bird feeders not only look bad but can also spread disease if not cleaned regularly. If your bird feeders are rarely used or in disrepair, it’s best to remove them. This will clean up your yard and keep your backyard birds safe.
7. Unfinished Garden Projects
Leftover materials from garden projects, like mulch, stones, or unused tools, can make your yard look unfinished and messy. Betz recommends moving these items out of sight and covering any bare soil with mulch or ground cover. This will give your yard a more polished look and help prevent weeds from growing.
8. Outdoor Toys
Toys and sports equipment can make your backyard look chaotic, even if they’re used often. Remove old toys and playsets your family no longer uses. Store current toys in storage bins and keep them out of sight in a garage or shed to create a tidier, more relaxing space.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my furniture needs to be replaced?
If your outdoor furniture is rusted, cracked, or feels unstable, it’s time to replace it. If it’s just a little weathered, a deep clean and fresh coat of paint might be enough to restore its appearance.
2. What’s the best way to clean bird feeders?
Clean your bird feeders regularly with warm, soapy water to prevent the spread of disease. If they’re broken or rarely used, it’s best to remove them from your yard.
3. How can I hide unfinished garden projects?
Store leftover materials like mulch, stones, or tools in a shed or garage. For unfinished garden beds or bare patches of soil, cover them with mulch or ground covers to keep the area neat and prevent weed growth.
4. How can I keep my backyard organized with kids’ toys?
Corral toys into storage bins and keep them in a shed or garage when not in use. If your family has outgrown certain toys or playsets, consider donating them or removing them to free up space.
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