Your backyard has untapped potential—even if right now, it doesn’t feel inviting. There’s probably a patio table and some chairs, but not much else. It’s the perfect time to kick your backyard up a notch with some fun, simple upgrades. Turn your backyard into a fun location for your friends and family with a few simple backyard ideas to make your yard more inviting!

1.  Add a fire pit.

Who doesn’t love to cuddle up next to a warm fire or make s’mores with their friends on a warm summer night? Buying or building a fire pit can make your backyard an ideal spot in any season. Your new fire pit will be the perfect gathering place in your backyard.

The best spot for your fire pit should be about 25 feet from your home and away from any low-hanging branches or bushes. Use a tamper to level the area around your fire pit to make sure your friends and family are safe and won’t stumble on uneven ground around the fire. Then all you need is a package of marshmallows to break in your latest addition!

2. Hang a hammock.

Escape with your favorite book or hang with your beau in a backyard hammock. Stay hugged and hidden within the folds of the hammock in comfort, or swing and hang together with your friends. Your new hammock is the perfect place to escape the world or hang out together!

Prep the perfect spot for your hammock in your backyard by finding sturdy trees or level ground, and cut back branches with shears to avoid uncomfortable mid-swing scratches. When searching for sturdy trees for your hammock, look for trees with at least an 8” diameter, healthy leaves, and no signs of decay. Once your hammock is hung, all you need is your next great read or your best friend!

3. Clear the clutter by adding storage.

Nothing is more disconcerting or unwelcoming than an overabundance of clutter. Backyards can easily be filled and overwhelmed with tools, toys, and plants. Add a shed for your tools or comfy storage seating for all your kid’s toys.

Your new storage shed doesn’t have to be an eyesore or something to hide! Keep your storage shed—and your home—looking like new this season with a quick wash. Removing the clutter, opening up the space, and cleaning up are simple ways to invite your guests in without saying a word!

4. Upgrade your plastic seating for some cushioned patio furniture.

Kick your backyard seating up a notch. Yes, plastic chairs are cheap and durable. But, admit it, they aren’t comfortable. If new seating is out of your budget, add some colorful throw pillows. Comfort is key!

Take advantage of end-of-season sales and swipe up a set of cushioned seating or colorful pillows. Summer is the perfect time to find great deals on beautiful—and discounted—pieces! Set up your new inviting patio furniture with a dolly to find the perfect, not too sunny, not too shady place to relax and host your family and friends!

5. Plant lemongrass to keep mosquitos at bay the natural way.

Everyone knows that the worst part of summer is being eaten alive by mosquitoes! Save your skin by planting lemongrass around your porch. Lemongrass is a natural mosquito deterrent, so there’s no need to buy expensive candles or torches.

Planting your natural mosquito repellent can be heavy work. A wheelbarrow is a great way to move your new lemongrass plants around your yard to create your mosquito barrier! Your friends and family will flock to your yard for weekend barbecues and stay safe from pesky mosquitoes.

A few simple backyard ideas can transform your yard from an untapped area of your home to your family’s and friends’ favorite place to spend summer days! Making your backyard more inviting doesn’t have to mean a total rehaul and a ton of money. Try some of our simple backyard ideas to make your yard more inviting than ever before!

Midwest Rentals of Lafayette, Indiana has the tool rentals you need to complete your next home improvement project.

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