When the temperatures rise, it’s time to start thinking about summer landscaping projects. We’ve got 15 summer landscaping ideas that will make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood.

Design Inspiration For Your Summer Landscaping Projects

As winter fades away and homeowners begin to emerge from their houses, many of them will look at their yards and have one thought…Yikes! Can you relate? With warmer temperatures upon us, there’s no time like the present to tackle summer landscaping projects.

If you’re ready to freshen up your home’s landscaping, Big Rock Landscaping is here to help. We’re offering up some landscaping project ideas to inspire you as you revive your yard and turn it into the oasis you’ve always wanted. Whether you want to plant flowers in summer, conquer a hardscaping project, add summer colors to your yard, or just spruce things up in general, we’ve got you covered with summer landscaping tips and inspiration. Even tackling one project in addition to your standard lawn care in summer can make a big difference!

15 Summer Landscaping Projects To Make Your Yard Pop

Still deciding what you want to do in your yard this year? We’ve put together 15 of the best summer landscaping projects to give you some inspiration, and we’ve even grabbed examples of each from the Big Rock Landscaping portfolio. The projects range from simple to complex. Most can be done on a budget, or hired out for a higher end look.

1. Edge Your Yard And Flower Beds

If you’re not doing this already, regularly edging your grass and flower beds is one of the simplest summer landscaping ideas you can implement. You can use an edger or weed eater to create crisp lines that will give your yard a whole new identity. It’s a small step that pays off with big visual results.

2. Clear Your Beds

Winter can really do a number on your garden beds. Getting down and dirty in the name of cleaning them up is another one of our simple landscaping ideas for summer. Pull weeds, get rid of garbage and other accumulated debris, and clear out any dead plants. Even if you decide not to plant anything new, the cleaned up beds will look a lot better.

3. Clean Walkways

You may think your walkways are already clean, but when you spray them down, they may tell another story. If you have a power washer, you can experience the incredibly satisfying feeling of blasting layers of dirt and grime from your sidewalks and driveway. If you don’t have a power washer, you can achieve a similar result with a hose, scrub brush, and bucket of soapy water. The clean pathways are a subtle change you can feel good about.

4. Add Fresh Mulch

You may not realize how much your yard needs fresh mulch in your flower beds, planting areas, and tree rings. But the second you spread fresh mulch around, it all becomes crystal clear, and you can practically hear your yard breathe a sigh of relief. Mulch is something that dries out, decomposes, and is carried away throughout the year by wind, water, and wildlife. You should spread fresh mulch every year because mulch keeps the soil cool and moist, keeps weeds at bay, and improves the look of your garden. To ensure the best results from your mulch, spread 2-3 inches over all your garden beds, making sure it’s even with your hands.

5. Plant Flowers

We usually think of flowers as being a springtime staple, but there are plenty of summer blooms you can enjoy too, even in Utah’s hot and dry climate. Flowers like John Cabot Rose, Munstead Lavender, Columbines, and Corkscrew Ornamental Onion all bloom throughout the summer and can survive the Utah climate. Make sure you plant your flowers in the right spots in your yard, with the appropriate amount of sun and water. Taking the time to understand how water and sun affect your yard will help you keep fresh blooms all summer long. Who doesn’t love summer colors popping up all over the yard?

6. Add Curbing

This is one of the simplest forms of hardscaping you can do in your yard. Adding boulders, rocks, or pavers around your flower beds or walkways creates a defined space and adds an element of depth to the overall look. Consider the general design of your yard (is it traditional, rustic, modern, or mountain modern), and then choose your curbing based on that design. For example, in a rustic yard, you might opt for natural rock as your curbing, while a more modern yard would choose the clean lines of a crisp white paver.

7. Plant A Garden

It’s always fun to see the fruits of your labor start to take root. And it’s even better when you get to eat the fruits of that labor. In-ground or raised bed gardens are good for producing food and flowers, and they also have the added benefit of looking good too. Make sure your garden boxes are in a sunny spot in your yard, then spend some time figuring out what you want to plant and if they go well together in a garden (for example, tomatoes and potatoes don’t do well next to each other in a garden). Add a drip watering system, not only for ease but to ensure you are watering efficiently.

8. Bring In Planters

Planter boxes are an easy way to bring greenery closer to doors or other places you don’t normally see foliage. They are easier to plant and replant too, which makes them fun to change out seasonally. You can use them for summer colors, fall foliage, Christmas plantings, and spring flowers, too. It’s a hassle free way to change the look of your yard without having to redo everything. Planters are also great for less drought or cold-tolerant plants-you can easily bring them inside when the weather gets too extreme.

9. Revive Your Porch, Deck, Or Furniture

If your porch and patio area are beginning to show their age, maybe it’s time to give them a little facelift. A simple sweep, power wash, or clean up effort may do the trick, but you might need to do something a little more substantial. Consider repainting or staining worn decks and patio furniture. And if possible, wash cushion covers, or perhaps get new furniture. Taking care of your front porch and back deck or patio will make them more inviting places.

10. Add A Water Feature

There are all sorts of different options when it comes to water features. You can have a simple bird bath, or a flowing stream with a waterfall.

There are even kits online that allow you to make your water feature, allowing you to create the exact water fountain you want. Flowing water can bring a tranquil and relaxing vibe to your yard. Big or small, there’s always something to love about a water feature.

11. Build A Pergola

Sometimes you want a little extra shade, but you don’t want to completely block out the light with a fully covered patio. This is where pergolas shine. They provide extra protection from the elements, without being overly intrusive. If you want extra protection, you can add a retractable cover, or curtains you can draw when you need them. While this is on the bigger end of the summer landscaping projects, it’s one that can truly transform your yard.

12. Bring In Boulders Or Rocks

Adding natural elements like boulders or rocks can make your yard feel less formulaic, and can give it a unique look. Natural elements are beautiful, and even though they were clearly placed there on purpose, they add a wild element to a yard. Depending on the size of the rock or boulder, you might need to hire a professional landscaping team to help ensure it is placed in a safe spot.

13. Add Some Fire

Nothing says summer like a night spent roasting s’mores over an open fire. Wouldn’t you love to do that in your own backyard? If you’ve got the space, it’s easy to build a wood-burning fire pit. You’ll probably have to call in the experts if you want a gas fire pit, but the ease of having fire at the touch of a button is totally worth it. Fire doesn’t just have to be functional either. You can add it as an unexpected decorative element that will be a real conversation piece.

14. Install Lights

Installing solar lights around walkways, or putting in lights to highlight softscape and hardscaping throughout your yard, will make your home more inviting. It will also make it easier to enjoy your outdoor spaces all season long.

15. Build A Retaining Wall

If your yard is sloped, you may want to build a retaining wall for practical reasons. Retaining walls help prevent water runoff and soil erosion, and can keep your land in place. Retaining walls also have visual benefits too. They add texture and depth to your yard. They also can create a new level in your yard and turn what would otherwise be sloped and unusable land into great gathering areas.

Essential Summer Landscaping Tips and Tricks

When it comes to summer landscaping, there is a lot to consider to keep your yard vibrant and healthy, and it doesn’t take much time to manage if your space is planned well and installed with care.

Preparing your yard for summer starts with maintenance and cleanup. Remove any debris, trim overgrown branches, and mow the lawn regularly to maintain a neat appearance. Composting some of the debris you clean out from your garden beds, flower beds, trees, and other areas is a great way to provide natural fertilizer to your yard, so consider adding a compost station to your landscaping plan.

Adequate watering and irrigation techniques are crucial during the summer months. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent shallow-rooted plants from drying out. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots while minimizing evaporation. A smart sprinkler system can also help prevent over or underwatering, ensuring your yard gets the perfect amount of water no matter the weather.

Dealing with pests and controlling weeds becomes essential in summer; not only are you outside more, and the pests can be unpleasant to be around, but they can cause problems for your plants and trees. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures such as using organic pest control methods or applying insecticidal soaps. If you aren’t sure if a plant is healthy or might be suffering from some type of infestation, contact a professional landscaping company to help you identify and heal the plant.

Mulching around plants helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Protecting plants and flowers from excessive heat and sun exposure is essential. Use organic mulch to insulate the soil, shade delicate plants, and reduce water evaporation. Consider installing shade cloth or using umbrellas for potted plants susceptible to sunburn.

Creating a Summer Oasis in Your Backyard

Transforming your backyard into a summer oasis involves careful consideration of basic landscape design principles to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Start by planning a layout that maximizes comfort and functionality, with designated lounging, dining, and entertaining areas. Delineate these spaces with pavers, poured concrete patios, and pergolas. This not only makes it easier to place outdoor furniture, but it is visually satisfying.

Incorporating water features and pools add a refreshing element to your oasis, providing a soothing ambiance and a place to cool off during hot summer days. Consider adding a fountain, a small pond, or spa to enhance the overall atmosphere.

Selecting summer-flowering plants and vibrant colors is key to creating visual appeal. Choose various plants that bloom during the summer months, but ensure they are drought friendly. Think lilac, salvia, yarrow, or allium. Incorporate lush greenery and mix textures for added interest with plants like juniper, forsythia, and ornamental grasses.

Outdoor furniture and seating arrangements are essential for summer entertaining. Invest in comfortable lounge chairs, outdoor sofas, and dining sets to create inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing. Consider incorporating shade structures like pergolas or umbrellas to provide relief from the sun.

Need Help With Your Summer Landscaping Projects?

If you have more summer landscaping projects than you can handle, need more landscaping project ideas, or just want help with lawn care in summer, call Big Rock Landscaping. We’ve used our landscaping design and installation services on homes all over the Wasatch Front. We have developed a proven process that allows us to work with our clients, understand their vision, and make it come to life in a way that’s even better than they could have imagined. It’s what we do, and we would love to help you with your summer landscaping ideas.