There’s much to love about hosting an event, such as an engagement, wedding, or birthday party, during the fall months in your backyard. The weather is cooler, it’s possible to layer up your outfits, and there can be an added dollop of intimacy around the occasion.
With that said, it’s also true that the fall months can bring some challenges that can impact the appearance and functionality of your backyard, which will ultimately impact the event itself if they’re not proactively managed.
If you regularly host backyard events during the fall, or you have a special event coming up, then the following maintenance should ensure that your backyard is always ready for action.
Store Your Outdoor Furniture Correctly
The elements can do a number on outdoor furniture year-round, but it’s especially prominent during the fall months, when there’s an increased risk of sustained rainfall and even the occasional freeze snap. Leaving your outdoor furniture outside without protection can impact its appearance and usability, both of which you’ll be acutely aware of when it comes to hosting an event.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to cover outdoor furniture with waterproof coverings, as well as place any cushions or fabrics inside when not in use. When your event rolls around, you’ll be able to simply put everything back in place, confident that it’ll look and work great.
Regular Leaf-Blowing Sessions
It can be nice to watch leaves fall from trees, but it’s not so pleasant to have them covering your backyard. Plus, if they’re left untouched, then leaves covering your lawn can damage the grass underneath, further impacting the quality of your backyard.
Scheduling regular, short leaf-blowing sessions can help to keep your backyard leaf-free and ready for guests. It’s recommended to invest in a lightweight, cordless blower, which will increase the likelihood that you engage with a quick, ten-minute leaf clear up session in two ways: first, cordless blowers are so light that they make the job a breeze, and second, since there are no cords that need to be plugged in, you won’t need to wrestle with cables or find an outlet. Commit to blowing every few days or after a windy day, and you should find that your garden always looks pretty clear.
Invest in a Firepit
That the fall brings cooler temperatures is one of its charms, but there is such a thing as temperatures that are too cool. It’s also true that nothing will give the event vibes faster than having to deal with an uncomfortable chill.
This is where a fire pit really comes into its own. With this, you can keep your guests warm even when the temperatures begin to dip. There are some great ones on the market, including portable ones that can be stored away when not in use. With that said, while everyday fire pits will suffice for small gatherings, if you’re hosting a major event in your backyard during the fall months, then it’s best to rent a proper heating setup.
Trim Back Dying Growth
Most homeowners cool off on their gardening work during the fall, but you won’t have that option if you’re planning to hold an event. Keeping your backyard looking at its best shows intention and care, and really can elevate the overall atmosphere of the party. Plus, it just makes it easier to maintain your backyard on a long-term basis: it’s much better to prune during the fall months, which typically leads to better growth come springtime.
This doesn’t require a huge amount of work. Just spend a little time each week looking for and pruning dead growth.
Look at Gravel or Temporary Mats
You’ll hopefully get lucky and experience no rainfall on the day of your event. If there’s a chance, then it’s worthwhile considering renting a gazebo (more on that below). However, even if the skies are dry or you otherwise have a plan for the rain, it’s still best to think about the mud factor. Grass can stay damp and muddy for a long time during the fall months, so even if it hasn’t rained for a couple of days, there’s still a chance that your lawn turns into a mud bath during the event.
There are two options for managing this. One is to install gravel in high-traffic areas, such as around benches and the path towards seating areas. That’s a permanent solution. If you don’t have the time or inclination for that, then investing in a temporary mat can reduce mud during the event. It might damage the underlying grass, but you won’t be dealing with muddy shoes or run the risk of mud finding its way into your home.
Add Lighting
Like the chillier temperatures, the fact that the nights draw in earlier during the fall months is one of the plus points of the season. However, if you’re planning to hold an event, then that naturally causes problems. Darkness is a fast-track way to have everyone heading for the exits. Adding lighting can help to extend the party and bring added ambiance. It’s recommended to use a mix of multiple lighting types, such as fairy lights, lanterns, and pathway lighting. You’ll find that you use the lighting well after the event is over, since it’s one of those things that really expands how much time you can use your backyard.
Consider a Gazebo
Worried about the weather and its impact on your event? Hire a gazebo. They’re perfect for keeping the elements at bay, and they also bring a lot of warmth. It also sets the tone for the party, ensuring that your backyard looks fully transformed and ready for fun.
Always Plan For a Final Sweep
Finally, our number one tip is to always plan a final sweep before an event. Spending a few minutes with your new cordless leaf blower, removing any debris, and making sure your lighting works exactly as it’s supposed to can be the difference between a backyard that feels simply maintained and one that is fully ready for guests.
Written by: F.J
