The weather in southern Arizona is finally becoming bearable most of the day. Now is a great time to tackle outdoor projects that will keep your curbside appeal fresh and keep the HOA at bay.
Low to No Cost
Build a Firepit
A fire pit is a lovely addition to the backyard. Sitting around a wood burning fire evokes the charm of camping without the effort and encourages conversation when you have house guests. The scent is also wonderful! There are gas burning options too if you want less fuss.
Check out how to install a firepit: https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/build-a-fire-pit
Add Some Outdoor Planters
Our warmer fall and winter weather makes it easy and practical to plant vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers in Arizona. Potting your seeds is the first step in the gardening process whether you continue upgrading planters as your foliage grows or moving it to a gardening bed.
This calendar will help you know what to plant in October: https://summerwindsnursery.com/blog-az/october-gardening-calendar
Update the Lighting
Solar lighting is energy efficient and comes in many styles to add ambience or security to your home’s exterior.
Check the Yard for Discarded Trash or Broken Items
Do you ever feel like no matter where you live, trash ends up in your yard? And how? It’s hardly ever windy in Arizona! Unfortunately, it’s probably inconsiderate passersby, but you still have to remove it from your property. Do a full perimeter check from time-to-time. You may even find light bulbs that need replacing, downed fencing, or broken sidewalk pavers that can be a safety hazard.
Higher Cost
Add a Retaining Wall or Fencing
A retaining wall be a nice addition to your landscaping, bringing texture and color with the plants contained in it. If its strategically placed, a retaining wall can also be the line that delineates your property from your neighbors and for privacy to keep people from walking through your yard or throwing trash in it. Professionally installed iron fencing can also bring privacy and security, but at a higher cost.
Check out how to build a retaining wall: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-build-retaining-wall/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90d68eac94
Install a Hot Tub
Spending evenings under the stars in your personal hot tub can be the ultimate in relaxation. How much one costs and how much setup you have to do depends on what features and quality you want. Portable, inflatable versions can run about $500-$1000. These require setup including unboxing, inflating, filling with water and purifying chemicals. You may have to wait several hours for the water to heat up before you can enjoy it.
Hard base plug-and-play versions can run between $2000 – $3500. The convenience of these models is they can be plugged into a 110v standard electrical outlet. Similar setup requirements to inflatable models apply.
High-end hot tubs purchased from pool supply stores or certified installers can run from the mid $1000s to almost $10,000 depending on the features including number of jets, max occupancy, water and lighting features, and control options. Typically, these units are professionally installed because the tub could weight several hundred pounds and need to be transported on a trailer and even placed in the backyard with a crane. These hot tubs would offer the most luxurious experience though and require little to no personal setup.
If you decide to beautify your yard this year, we hope it adds to your enjoyment with family and friends!
Electric League of Arizona is a non-profit organization that offers free referral services for consumers. Call 800-368-7767 or visit www.elahomerepairs.org for a free referral to a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor.
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