Four Ways to Modernize Your Backyard and Maximize Your Time Spent Outdoors this Fall

By Carson Arthur

As the leaves begin to change, the blooms of spring seem far away and big outdoor projects tend to take the backburner. Why not make the most of this crisp season by upgrading your space to extend your outdoor enjoyment into the cooler months and to get ahead on next year’s to-do list. Maybe your deck needs a little love or you’re just looking to bring new life to your outdoor spaces. Whatever your needs or desires, here are the top four ways to improve your outdoor space this fall.

1. Extend your time outdoors with an electric infrared heater.

It’s pretty difficult to enjoy your outdoor space in the fall if you’re freezing cold. An outdoor heater is a great solution.

Traditional gas heaters aren’t efficient or environmentally friendly because they heat the air instead of solid objects and emit Co2 and other hazardous gases. Infrared electric heaters, on the other hand, emit no Co2 or hazardous gases and produce focused heat – they heat you instead of just heating the air. Many infrared electric heaters can be found for under $200. They are the most sensible way to heat an outdoor deck or patio.

2. Resurface your deck with a wood that doesn't require staining so you can enjoy your backyard longer and with less effort.

Maintaining the look of your wooden deck is important, but the ritual of sanding and staining every year can become overwhelming. Fortunately, new technology by MicroPro Sienna takes a lot of the work out of deck maintenance.

I used MicroPro Sienna for my new cottage deck. This environmentally-friendly alternative to classic pressure-treated wood comes ready to install in a rich cedar tone, so no need for staining and I can enjoy it right away. It can also be used in water and works well with aluminum fasteners and details. It’s perfect for my cottage and excellent when it comes to standing up to our cold harsh Canadian winters.

3. Use garden art to update your outdoor space and solve some of your garden dilemmas.

Some spaces in the garden just won’t grow plants. This becomes an even bigger dilemma in the fall and winter. Why not add something that looks great, isn’t seasonal and requires no care?

My favourite garden art includes metal sculptures that look great when they rust and wooden obelisks (a tapered four-sided pillar) that I can grow vines on.  Not only is there no maintenance, art in the garden is an easy way to have a creative space that is uniquely yours, year-round.

4. Bring the Indoors out.

Outdoor furniture is no longer about striped or floral pillows on a patio set. The latest outdoor furniture uses stain and water resistant knit fabrics, graphic prints and bold motifs to mimic the look and feel of its indoor counterparts. Now’s the time to take advantage of incredible fall sales. I am stepping it up on the patio this year by investing in a resin wicker and aluminum set made from recycled plastic. Stylish and eco-friendly all at the same time!

Think about the way you want to spend your free time this fall.  Think outside the box. Make choices that allow you to enjoy your outdoor space longer and have the quality of life you deserve!

About Carson Arthur

When not digging in the dirt with his eco-friendly landscape design company, Carson stays busy building, planting, writing or designing as a featured guest on CityLine, Steven and Chris, and as a contributing writer for an upcoming retail magazine. Carson has even been featured on the US’s Better TV and is now considered to be an outdoor expert.