Sep 29

Sep 29 The Real Risks Of Neglect In Your Backyard

Too often, we assume that, much like our interiors, we can take care of our backyards once and expect them to stay that way for seasons to come. Unfortunately, unlike paint on a wall, outdoor spaces are living areas, and they typically require an active and ongoing approach to remain in a condition that ensures you can make better use of them.

While entirely paved backyards provide an exception to this rule, anyone with greenery, flowerbeds, or even decking areas could certainly benefit from getting on top if they’re to stand any chance of avoiding the following high costs of backyard neglect.

Not-so-wonderful weeds

Weeds can spell significant trouble for any outdoor space, especially if they include famously invasive species like cogongrass. Within as little as a week, such weeds can cover astounding ground, not only causing unruly appearances but also strangling plants that you’ve intentionally placed in this space. To avoid this issue, it’s first essential to consider weed-proofing options when planting any greenery for flower beds. It’s also fundamental to remove or kill any weeds the moment they appear, thus preventing root systems from causing significant damage, and also avoiding a task that’s going to take a heck of a lot longer when you finally do get around to it.

Unusable outdoor areas

We all aim to keep our backyards in prime condition so that they’re usable for outdoor entertaining, al fresco dining, or just good old family fun. Unfortunately, the less time you spend outdoors, the less usable these areas are likely to be, not just because of weeds but also because of other often forgotten neglect-based problems. Decking areas, in particular, require regular and informed deck maintenance to ensure functionality, while things like patio slabs and covers require regular cleaning to avoid rot, algae, and even weeds sprouting through. Without making time for these things, outdoor areas will not only become difficult to use but could even pose a safety risk that needs addressing, especially if you intend to let your kids enjoy this space!

Unwanted visitors

It’s also essential to note that, the more unruly the condition of your backyard, the higher the risks of unwanted visitors that could significantly damage your property as well as posing notable health risks. Hidey holes created by tangled weeds and broken decking can particularly become tempting homes for rats, or even coyotes. Like weeds, these infestations can be surprisingly difficult to get rid of once they’ve made themselves at home. As well as rendering your backyard entirely unusable until you’ve found a solution, this problem is especially an issue for neighbors who are guaranteed to trace such critters back to you. Regular, ongoing maintenance is the only way to truly avoid that eventuality!

If you aren’t gifted with green fingers, avoiding backyard neglect can often be easier said than done. But, if you want to avoid these issues and more like them, either getting into a regular maintenance habit or employing someone else to do it for you, is non-negotiable.