Summer is coming up soon, so that means it’s almost time to start hanging out in your favorite spot, your backyard! Oh, what’s that? Your backyard isn’t your favorite space?! Well, we need to fix that ASAP. 

If you feel like your backyard can use a facelift, we’ve detailed out three steps below you can take to get the perfect backyard oasis. 

Step 1: Planting tips for new grass 

The first step in planning an epic backyard is getting the landscaping down. Planting new grass is a great option for those with patchy grass or big holes in their yard. Use some of these tips below to get your lawn looking on point!

• Use a sharp shovel to remove any existing grass.

• Remove large rocks and debris and break up big dirt clumps.

• Fertilize your grass seed the same day you spread it.

• Block off the areas of your yard with new grass until the seeds can root.

• Keep the top inch of soil moist until your new grass is 2 inches tall.

• Wait 6 to 8 weeks before using any weed killer.

• Stick your ADT yard sign in the grass so everyone knows that your home is protected.

Step 2: Get the best of outdoor pests

Once you achieve perfect landscaping by planting new grass and plants, the last thing you want is for all your hard work to be ruined by pests. While the little critters can be absolutely adorable, it’s totally understandable that we want to keep them from ruining our lawn and garden. Try out some of the below tips that can help keep these unwanted pests away.

• Grow plants that deter unwanted bugs. Mint deters spiders and ants, basil deters mosquitos and houseflies, and lavender deters gnats and mosquitos.

• Use fencing to keep out small animals.

• Keep trash cans in a closed-off space.

• Get rid of any standing water.

• Set your ADT outdoor camera to auto-record unwelcome visitors if motion is detected in your garden.