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Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play
When school lets out for the summer, kids will be heading outside more often to climb and swing on the playset, run around in the yard and splash in the pool. But regardless of the outdoor activity, make sure they always use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Of course, while summer is a great time for backyard fun, injuries can end the fun fast, so consider taking some simple steps to make your backyard safe for hours of endless entertainment.
Safeguard playsets
- Make sure swing sets and other play equipment are on level ground and the legs are properly anchored with hardware that doesn’t pose a tripping or gouging hazard.
- Inspect swing sets to ensure bolts and screws are secure and replace rusty parts.
- Put wood chips, shredded rubber or other soft landing material underneath the set.
- Ensure 6 feet of clearance on all sides and check that swings are at least 8 inches apart.
By the pool
- Make it a rule that an adult must be present whenever children are in or around the pool.
- Install a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- Be sure drains are covered and your suction system has an automatic shutdown; suction entrapment can lead to drowning.
- Make sure pool slides, stairs and diving boards are secure and in good condition.
- Place pool chemicals in a secure area where kids and pets can’t access them.
- Empty kiddie pools after every use.
In the yard
- Be on the lookout for dead trees or branches that could fall and hurt someone.
- Fill in any holes that could cause tripping or a twisted ankle.
- Scan your yard for poison ivy or oak and, if you find some, treat the area and alert kids to stay clear.
Guard the grill
- Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
- Never leave a grill in use unattended.
- Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
By taking these steps you can ensure a safe summer for the kids.
Source: Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play by Jennifer McGuire
Tips for Summertime Outdoor Living
Outdoor living is as important as indoor space, especially in the summertime. Everything in your backyard — whether it’s a fire pit, dining area or theater — should be part of a well-planned, integrated design. Here are a few outdoor accessories that will turn your backyard into another room of your house.
Fire Pits
Fire pits add a warm touch to an outdoor area and can serve as a focal point in landscape design, especially if you live in an area that gets cool at night. You can choose from wood-burning, propane, gel fuel and natural gas fire pits, many of which double as an outdoor coffee table when not lit. If space is a consideration, go with a tabletop model.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
Your outdoor kitchen should have everything the chef needs to prepare a backyard feast, starting with a gas, charcoal or hibachi grill. Also consider adding a smoker, warming drawer, stove top and pizza oven, depending on your favored cuisine. For those who like a few beverages by the pool, consider an outdoor bar complete with a mini fridge, sink, ice maker, beer tap, wine chiller, and of course, a blender for margaritas. And don’t forget to make sure the area is well-lit for those evenings of entertaining.
Dining Areas
What good is it to eat and drink outside without a dining area? Make sure it has comfortable chairs with durable cushions and a table for dining with an expansive umbrella for shade and shelter. Styles vary widely, from Mediterranean to Japanese, Victorian, country kitchen and cabana designs, or with whatever stylistic flourishes tickle your fancy. Not interested in contemporary outdoor sets? Comb local thrift shops and flea markets for mismatched country kitchen furniture or bring an elegant dining set outside under a covered awning for a fresh new take on outdoor dining.
Backyard Theater
The next best thing to a drive-in, a backyard theater can entertain family and friends. For a well-designed movie-viewing experience, make sure you have a video projector, a free-standing portable screen, and to top it all off, a popcorn machine. Another outdoor viewing option is a self-contained outdoor TV, which come in nearly every size and incorporate heavy-duty construction, making them resistant to temperature and weather. Some also are resistant to rain.
For more backyard design ideas, check out Pinterest and enjoy outdoor living this summer!
Source: Tips for Summertime Outdoor Living by Jennifer McGuire
How to Prolong the Life of Your Plants During Summer
After a cold and rainy first half of the year, many people thought summer and sunshine would never come. Well, it is certainly here now! While it may be easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors with air conditioning, visiting the beach, or even taking a dip in our backyard pools—staying cool and alive for plants is significantly harder. A lot of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer.
After a cold and rainy first half of the year, many people thought summer and sunshine would never come. Well, it is certainly here now! While it may be easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors with air conditioning, visiting the beach, or even taking a dip in our backyard pools— for plants staying cool and alive is significantly harder. A lot of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer.
1. Set a feeding schedule
One of the most common mistakes people make, that actually helps to speed up the deterioration of their plants and lawn, is to water at the wrong time of day. The best time to water your greenery is either in the morning, before the sun comes up, or in the afternoon, when the sun is beginning to go down. The key is to never water when the sun is out and beaming. If you do, the water almost becomes like oil, and it will certainly fry your precious plants. The same goes with lawns. Moreover, aim to use water that is as close to air temperature as possible. Too hot or too cold may send your plants into shock. (Hey, we didn’t say this was an easy job!)
2. Choose wisely
While they may all seem beautiful, be very choosy when it comes to deciding which plants and flowers to grow for your space. Not all are created equal, meaning that not all greenery can survive in all climates. Speak to a professional, or even an attendant at your local plant store to decide together which plants are best suited for your region. If you live in a very hot area, sensitive plants aren’t the best option. Look into some beautiful annuals like Bells of Ireland, Pansies, and Black-Eyed Susans.
3. To Go Organic or Not
Many believe that going organic in the food we eat and the food we feed our plants is pointless. However, there is a point to changing up the diet and going healthier with organic alternatives. In regard to your greenery, using organic fertilizer is better for plants and lawns because it provides sustained nourishment. On the other-hand, chemical fertilizer is more like fast-food–it delivers a quick fix but its results and benefits are not sustainable.
We here at Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate hope that these few tips will help you to improve your lawn and garden’s condition this summer. Best of luck! If you have any other tips or tricks, leave a comment below!
Information courtesy of The Daily Green.
Source: How to Prolong the Life of Your Plants During Summer by Lindsay Listanski
