Outdoor Living Create. Refresh. Enjoy.

By Julia Bell

For winter-weary homeowners, the arrival of springtime weather is a welcome invitation to get back outside and enjoy time with family and friends. With this in mind, this is the perfect opportunity to install a fire pit, water feature, or sitting area to maximize outdoor entertainment potential. As homeowners refresh flower beds and tackle enhancement projects, it’s also a good idea to conduct important safety and security checks around the property and home, so everything is ready for the warm months ahead.

Many outdoor living projects can be done affordably. Homeowners who divide perennials and flowers in their own yards might freely offer these passalong plants to friends and neighbors. Check local listings for native plant sales, such as the Herb Festival, held April 11 on the Lexington County Museum grounds. Don’t forget yard sales or social media groups around Lexington. These are great resources for collecting gently used furniture and other outdoor items that are reasonably priced and occasionally free.

For basic yard maintenance, a springtime checklist should include trimming shrubs, removing plants damaged during the winter months, and spreading lawn fertilizer, insecticide, and weed control products. Many local garden shops and landscaping companies offer recommended treatments specific to grass varieties. Making inquiries before purchasing products is important. Sun exposure, watering, shade, and soil quality can significantly impact the survival of the updated landscape.

Your yard might already have outdoor areas that can be redesigned or repurposed into a useful or enjoyable space. A child’s swing, sitting area, or hammock can be placed in a shaded corner that lacks the sunlight required to grow vegetation. Storage buildings are easy additions that hide outdoor clutter, and lattice enclosures can act as visual screens that conceal garbage cans or heating and air units. When cleared, a natural, wooded area is a great spot for a relaxing shade garden, bird feeders, and plantings like ferns and hostas.

Those looking to make the latest improvements to their backyard will be interested to know that current 2026 outdoor living trends include creating multifunctional spaces with year-round design, the use of sustainable materials and color palettes, and incorporating smart technology into outdoor lighting and appliances. Online resources and templates can also offer inspiration and guidance when planning for the dimensions of a specific space.

Local landscape supply companies can help homeowners and businesses alike seeking professional assistance, quality products, and can make recommendations based on individual needs. In Chapin, Amy Dantzler’s company, The Original Landscape Supply, offers all-organic premium materials to those wanting sustainable landscape solutions. She recommends that homeowners and businesses focus on four main areas when enhancing the curb appeal and perceived value of a property:

➜ Refresh the Basics: Apply fresh, dark mulch, and ensure the lawn is neatly edged and mown.

➜ Plant Strategically: Use seasonal flowers at the entryway for a welcoming focal point and replace dead or overgrown shrubbery.

➜ Update the Hardscape: Make small budget-permitting investments like stone walkways or a refreshed deck stain.

➜ Clean and Repair: Power wash exterior hard surfaces and siding, and confirm all outdoor lighting is functional and clean.

During his 31 years in business, Lightscapes of Columbia Owner, David Young, has helped thousands with their customized lighting needs. Whether uplighting a tree, adding architectural lighting, or illuminating paths and retaining walls, Young believes that one should consider functional aspects like security and utility costs, along with the aesthetics. Surprisingly, he also says that using outdoor LED lighting only slightly increases the monthly utility bill.

“I like to see a home that’s lighted, but you don’t necessarily see where that light is coming from,” Young shares, and adds that lighting alone “provides some measure of security to the front of a home, sidewalks, and even a backyard.”

When it comes to outdoor issues, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Mike Utsey of Michael Wayne’s Landscaping Tree Service has often responded to homeowners who have suffered property damage caused by inclement weather. As seasonal storms begin cranking up, and before the summer hurricane season is officially underway, Utsey recommends identifying and addressing potential problems before they escalate. He advises pruning limbs hanging over or near a roofline, removing leaning or dead trees, repairing damage caused by rodents such as squirrels, and taking time to review your insurance coverage details.

“Be vigilant as you walk around your property and know that it’s always cheaper to address an issue proactively, like removing a dead or leaning tree, than the cost of serious damage to your home and the possibility of having to relocate while repairs to that damage are complete,” Utsey points out. “The biggest misconception with insurance is that people think they’re automatically covered, but in my experience, there is a fine line to what is actually covered.”

Because many people consider their backyards and outdoor entertainment spaces to be an extension of their home, this is a favorite place to relax and connect with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to create something new or to refresh existing spaces, let the focus be on making the most of the time you spend outdoors this spring.

REFERENCES:

The Original Landscape Supply 803.960.7729

Lightscapes of Columbia 803.699.7332

Michael Wayne’s Landscape and Tree Service 803.386.5824