OUTDOOR SPRING REFRESH | PAVER STAINING + PRESSURE WASHING

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[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Download June’s Journey here: woo.ga/kq82a4wq

[@deannking4093]

Would love to see cedar shutters to match column

[@reremalika_50-73]

Love how the outside of your house looks but have you ever thought about adding cedar shutters on the windows,I think it would give the house a little more pop. Also another light fixture on the opposite side of the garage to balance it out like another subscriber mentioned.

[@jenw5854]

Yes! Shutters to match the post would look amazing!

[@KarenBerry743]

I agree!

[@Nikki_yourbroker]

I agree

[@jenmv3483]

Shutters should match paint on front door, or same color is the giant wood beam

[@Kay-fv7cw]

Great ideas!! That would look so good.

[@jeanniecollier6763]

Under the tree: top soil, mulch, and hostas. Maybe a bench in the middle with a small walkway through the garden.

[@lucillelee741]

I would use stone. I think it would look amazing and work well. Love your home. I think a second light fixture on the opposite side of the garage door would look amazing and give balance to the door. ❤

[@sherrydrupert]

I would consider a shade garden with mulch. There are so many plants you can use for color and texture such as hosta, astilbe, azalea, brunnera. Mulch works because it would break down to compost, which, in turn, feeds your trees and plants. Maybe add a bench and a few decorative items. I would stay away from artificial turf and rocks retaining heat and can be difficult to keep weeds out of.

[@Eli-vi4hf]

Had the same issue with the oaks giving a lot of shade so we went with Zoysia grass, its available in seed and sod. Also had to thin the oak branches a bit as well so there would a little more sunlight. Zoysia is a very green easy grass to grow and is good in drought areas there is little care involved its also bug and weed resistant we mixed in some Bermuda grass making it a deep green in the summer, Emerald Zoysia seems to work best for shade and it grows very well in Texas.

[@kimmead3683]

Artificial turf. I laid it in my small backyard. You can't tell the difference. I'm in Colorado; it's nice to have a green yard year around. Amazing how realistic it looks these days.

[@striketochill]

You can absolutely tell the difference haha

[@ladikmk]

Hi Kelsey, The front looks very nice - stones cleaned up super well and the stain looks good, complements the posts. Live Oaks will take all the nutrients and water away from whatever you'd plant underneath those trees. That's why there's nothing growing there right now. Stones with some edging to hold them in place would be your best bet on both sides of your driveway. You can always add a beautiful bench under the trees for impact, with a bright coloured pot filled with some shade annuals. Hope your finger healed up!

[@cheriechapman76]

I agree that cedar shutter on your house would look awesome to tie in your faux cedar porch post. Also a tall skinny pencil evergreen for the right side of your flower bed beside the window.

[@MsKathiJo]

You could totally grow a lawn there and it would be GORGEOUS! As for what type of lawn, that depends on your region. There are definitely different requirements for each region. Your yard has that look (packed dirt) that you often see in newly-constructed homes. You might need to work on your soil a bit first - softening it and amending it so that the roots of your newly planted grass has a chance of growing deep roots. Shallow roots mean a lawn that suffers or dies back everyone it misses a little water or the weather is a bit too hot. A big box store may be able to give you good advice, but I’d first recommend going to an independent garden center or a Site One Landscaping if you have one in your area for some general advice I wouldn’t recommend trying to sod your yard - your ground looks too hard. Sod will look okay for a while and then die out because the roots won’t presentate - they will matt on top of the soil. I would definitely check out videos on KZbin from Allyn Hayne - The Lawn Care Nut. I’ve learned everything from his channel and Facebook group. I have the greenest lawn on my block for a lot led money than having True Green or anyone else maintain it. Many blessings to you.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Thanks for the tips!

[@lauratruthseekingWarrior]

Have you thought of DIY SHUTTERS on your windows. They would look so great. Your home is pretty on the outside it seems naked on the house. SHUTTERS would dress it up. You definitely could make them. Any style, french cottage or traditional, transitional, whatever? I would use medium size rounded river stone, not gravel and not pea gravel or rip rap. It would look great with a DIY solar fountain too!❤

[@Lonni180]

Grass! You would need to put down some good soil first and then make sure you water. The thick canopy sometimes doesn't allow enough water through to water your grass. Also, you can get shade loving grass seed or turf. Rocks is not a good idea. It retains a lot of heat, and especially in the south you don't want or heat

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

I use to have the electric blower, trimmer and Hedge trimmer that used cords. I never cut my finger but the extension cord was a victim several times. Tying the cord to the tool helped with keeping it connected. I finally decided to go cordless, best decision! If you ever decide to go this route, try to get the highest volt battery tools you can afford and if you buy the same brand and voltage, batteries should be interchangeable allowing you longer periods of work done. Totally amazed that you continued to work after your injury. Hope it heals fast for you.

[@ashleymckee1140]

I am a fan of xeriscaping. It's using stone and hearty low maintenance plants to make a yard which looks lovely but can withstand tough conditions.

[@skat4160]

Add beds along driveway and sidewalk with hardy plants and add sod everywhere else. You can do a DIY sprinkler system with garden hoses. impact sprinklers and timers. I put mine in the beds and it works great. No digging and trenching needed.

[@crystalpowers5648]

This is an amazing idea! Hopefully, Kelsey will see this and do it❤

[@deannaking2585]

Install a shade-loving groundcover. Asiatic jasmine would be great and there are different color varieties for zone 9.

[@lianeabeyta4515]

For contrast and character to your home... add black shutters.. a tall square type planter under the existing light near the garage , with spilling plants , another matching light on the other side., and some kind of wood trim painted black surrounding the garage door. I would invest in some hardscape organic random stepping stones and strategically placed boulders,with artificial turf.

[@c.h.9193]

I love Spring Time preasure washing!!! Clean House, clean Railings, Eves, Trim, Cement surfaces. Ahhhh Spring is in the air. Trees are budding, Roses are growing like weeds. Everything Fresh and Beautiful once again. A job I always love! Hope you had fun too:) Cathleen

[@WallaceGray-fu8pb]

I stumbled upon this video while looking for ways to spruce up my outdoor space for spring, and it was incredibly helpful!

[@suzannebeyer5369]

The refresh looks great. I would remove the tree closest to the street and trim back the others to open up the canopy. Then you will have more sun for plants. And I would do a bush flower planting area around the electrical boxes on the other side of the driveway.

[@ibmimi2566]

Hi Kelsey! We’re too cold to get outside yet - I’m jealous! How about some cedar shudders? That would look amazing against the white.

[@honorburza9110]

Ooh you’ve answered a question I was thinking, that there is such a thing as paint/staining for concrete! I will be reusing old slabs for a new patio area so it’s good to know this 👏

[@Tra_C]

Pressure washing to so relaxing to watch. Great job! ❤

[@dianemarino4860]

The outside of your house looks very nice. Love the pop of pink with the flowers. Very pretty!

[@johnnkanata]

Watching this video made me realize how neglected my outdoor area was😁. The paver staining and pressure washing techniques demonstrated were so simple yet effective

[@lindaroyal8161]

Yup - leaves nightmare! I'm in Florida, all our leaves drop in the spring, Feb. & March. I have 7 mature live oaks in my yard plus other random trees; leaves are the main clean up issue every spring, I dread it. You have no where near the leaves I have, my yard, they are wet and too thick to blow, have to be raked & bagged. Some of the front, where there's enough grass, those can be mulched with the mower. Spring clean up always feels so good when it's done and ready for summer!

[@edseventyeight6749]

What about a dry river, where they use rocks to mimic a stream meandering through the middle of the dirt and then planting shade loving plants and mulch around it. You could even make one of those small wood arched bridges that span small streams.

[@Yeseniav09]

I would try a shade garden! I wish I had that large shady space myself 😅. If you want a lower maintenance garden instead, I would try a shade ground cover like pachysandra or sweet woodruff instead of grass. You won't have to mow the lawn ever! Love how the space looks, yay!

[@luciacabral316]

You do need to prep the yard, good top soil and then shade sod. It would look beautiful

[@marm2371]

How about adding a couple of tall evergreens to each side of your garden? Specifically on each side of that window? Also Begonias and Impatience would do beautifully in your shady spot at the front door. YES!!! You need grass. Google some suggestions on which type of grass would do well for your region and shady spot. Good luck!!

[@hollylc9914]

You could've left the leaves under the trees, that's their natural compost for depleted soil. Add some topsoil and mulch. Hostas, impatiens, & daylilies would fare well under the trees. Perhaps join the trees in one bed with a feature between (bench, cafe table & chair). A well or birdbath type mini fountain would give it nice life.

[@mariawilliams1314]

We have the same problem with our oak and no grass. I fell like someone else mention a mixture of stone and turf. I really like the stain you used on the landscape concrete border. I hope your finger heals without any problems. I was using hedge trimmer before but I cut the cord while using them and shook for about 15 minutes thinking I could’ve been shocked. 😊❤😊🌸

[@357QueenBee]

Round turf area in the center with some seating and rocks around. I don’t know about the trees but as others commented that those trees won’t let grass grow. Border the trees and potted plants around them .

[@sheilainnis8266]

Live oaks tells me you may be in a southern climate such as Texas. DT. Augustine does wonderful in the shade if you’re interested in mowing. If not just landscape with shade loving plants and mulch heavily! Good luck!

[@2006marsha]

I love your leaf blower. Saint Augustine grass grows in the shade. It’s a darker green. But at least it grows in the shade. You could put pavers all over the place but if you don’t water your trees right, the roots will break up your pavers.

[@christinejost5024]

My husband is a horticulturist. This is a common question and unfortunately the grass (even grass designed for shade) won’t grow. Depending on what look you want, you could do pretty stone and call it a day. Nothing wrong with that. But, if you don’t have deer, hostas would do fabulously there. They are easy and come back every year. Add in some other shade perennials and it will be stunning.

[@linnyross5958]

I have the same issue and went with rock beds. The only problem is when the leaves fall it’s hard to get out of the rock beds. Nothing is perfect:)))

[@LikeUwhereThere]

Maybe a shade loving ground cover for under the trees like clover or something similar.

[@leisabaldwin6091]

I like what you did. For your yard, I am almost thinking gravel. It would be an awful lot of work to grow grass! However, companies make some incredible plastic grass that people use in Las Vegas, etc. I would definitely gravel or pave the pathway to the back yard. No more mud!

[@fbylily]

I would create a shade garden( hostas, hydrangeas,etc) with rocks and /or mulch

[@barbstormo7030]

I am jealous...I would live to start planting and getting the yard ready . It's to early for where I live though. I live the stain on the bricks! Have a great day!

[@elizabethaguilar4281]

It would be really nice if you did a border fence along your walkway, also hang garden baskets with flowers or other shade loving plants with an occasional high post

[@iamwhoiamd7056]

I hope your finger heals well and a very nice video and thankfully I have played June’s Journey for a very long time. Awesome video Kelsey

[@missfizz2386]

Hi Kelsey, thank you for the video as I enjoy yard makeovers! In the area I used to live in, Oak trees couldn't get too much water since they had acclimated to the drought like weather, and if over watered it could cause disease and potentially kill the tree, so perhaps consider that when deciding what to do in the front? I hope that helps somehwhat! Look forward to seeing what you do:)

[@AnnikenKivlok1233]

Looks so good😃 longing for spring when I see this... Don't know anything about grass, but I think stones would be nice too, with some planters around.

[@southernman3406]

I suggest hanging shutters by your front windows and painting them the same color of the door.

[@carolynmaccord3635]

I hope your finger is feeling better. I had the same trimmer.... Try looping the extension cord around the handle once and it will help keep it plugged in.

[@cherylwingate4431]

Everything looks nice 👍🏾.

[@kandigrammer8438]

I think a combo of rock beds and artificial turf would look good under your trees. I'm not a landscaper, but keeping grass alive under the heavy shaded area might be a constant challenge. I hope your finger feels better soon. I didn't cut my finger, but I had a nest of yellow jackets in a shrub that got all over my legs before I knew what was happening. The shrubs came out the next summer and never got replaced...lol

[@kimwelch1113]

Some brown shutters would add character to your house. You can build some simple ones.

[@mariabythesea]

Are you in Texas? I used to live in San Antonio and your house looks similar to the neighborhood houses where I lived. It's just the yard and everything reminds me of my yard. I wanted to let you know that you're doing a great job updating and keeping up with your home! You inspire me to do more to make my home look better!

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Yep I live very close to San Antonio. Thanks for your kind words.

[@wendy833]

Find shade plants, like hostas. Giant hostas can get 4' around. Talk to your local plant farm about ideas. Mulch and stone update look great.

[@woogiew00]

Hello fellow Texan. The Oak trees need to be thinned to allow more sunlight. St. Augustine or Zoysia is best for our yards.

[@katherineserio-hund7362]

Beautiful work 😊

[@ashleymckee1140]

Maybe adding wood tone shutters and a small wood tone trellis over the garage would set off the white of the brick.

[@crystalpowers5648]

Hi Kelsey! Have you ever tried using shade, tolerant, grass seed or grass? Check your local garden centers and see if they have sod that will tolerate shade. Or have you ever considered a ground cover?😊

[@MisforMakeup]

!!! I was just thinking watching you trim the bushes about the time it bounced off one of my thicker branches onto my finger. I had to get stitches in the ER…ugh I hope your poor finger heals quickly ❤

[@kellilangvo]

Honestly, I would remove the oak close to the driveway. Having two live oaks on your front lawn is tough. It would open up so many more possibilities for your landscaping. I know it’s controversial to remove large trees - but plant a tree somewhere else on your property- in the backyard perhaps …..and then extend the flower bed into the lawn area to give the front more depth…..it’s a little flat…there’s a wonderful KZbinr named Yulia (Y do you garden) who creates beautiful landscape designs for clients….maybe you guys could do a collab….the front of your home has so much potential…Thank you for all your hard work. It’s truly inspiring!

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Love this idea. The tree on the left has already cracked the driveway.

[@FLbby301]

We used “Sunday” and it worked wonders in our dirt!!! Make sure you water it though! And not too expensive if it ends up failing

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

It’s really helping in the backyard!

[@lulisimpson3875]

Kelsey what about pavers and artificial grass? My neighbor did that and looks amazing! Is very low maintenance and easy to clean. 😊 love your videos!

[@jenmv3483]

Here in southern California, we have a combination of fake grass and rocks. Water saver!

[@pambennett-conditt4153]

I would add one more shrub in the back row. A fern would grow on your front porch. Great job!😊

[@elizabethaguilar4281]

Lowe’s sells grass seeds for shaded areas

[@thedantzler6554]

House looks GREAT!❤

[@user-vh1sp8ge4q]

Muy bien 👏todo muy limpio y viene el viento y trae hojas 😊 un saludo 🪻💐🌺

[@4everyoung24]

Looks so nice! Hope your finger is better soon!

[@berniceblack6168]

There’s a type grass that grows in the shade. I’m not sure of the name of it but it you check with a nursery they can tell you the name of it.

[@reginamorgan9600]

I have the same issue with my yard and the oak trees, grass won't grow under them. My yard is a lot bigger though and I don't know what to do about it either. I get up 20-25 bags of leaves from the front yard alone. I live on a one acre parcel.

[@margaritamedina1994]

I would do xeriscape with a small area of turf. You live in super hot Texas where water is expensive to maintain grass.

[@heatherwood8471]

Maybe for the front you could do a moss or clover. Very low maintenance and you don’t need to mow.

[@lauraspleen6046]

Do a shade loving perennial garden and make a pea gravel walkway through it...btw the hydrangea is perennial and needs to go in the ground, and that type of hydrangea requires leaving on the old wood so it flowers every year

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

The hydrangeas are actually faux flowers. They look so realistic!

[@TDoug6]

Sorry to be watching the next day. Guess what I was doing when you uploaded your video? Yep, raking leaves and cleaning up my front yard. I’m in south central Texas an we have live oaks. Plants that I have in the beds under the trees are philodendron, foxtail ferns, gardenias and heavenly bamboo ( invasive so don’t recommend) we also have a lot of river rock surrounding beds and along foundation to reduce splashing from those lovely Texas downpours.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Good to know!

[@lovingyourlifetoday]

Grow clover.. it does great in the shade.. or artificial turf

[@9559pritchard]

Looks nice!🌺🪷💐

[@barbgalligan4885]

Looks beautiful!

[@billkerr3760]

Have you thought about window shutters?

[@martadefranco6072]

Great job 😊

[@user-me2gt5dm4o]

Stone unless just like green then do turf. Look forward to the change.

[@rlghee1320]

You need the variety of grass seed that does good in the south and shade. Should say on the bag

[@ashle130]

If people aren’t in Texas they have no input. Your ONLY choice is Zoysia grass and that is only doable in sod. It requires some heavy watering during the heat. Outside that you’d have to remove the trees or heavily trim the canopies. If these aren’t options just landscape the entire front with a low water scape! Rocks and shade lovers with some annual planting areas to play with. We took our live oak way up into its canopy and we’re able to get our Bermuda to an agreeable growth. But it’s not great.

[@cjcrankshaw5416]

As far as yard.. I would plant some things that love shade and don't take work: azaleas, ferns,hostas that kind of thing

[@mandybewkes5300]

It will be so hard to have grass under the shade of the tree and the tree will take any moisture too. Stones will look nice and maybe some desert planting.

[@lianeabeyta4515]

When you showed the bushes when they were full, I noticed how gorgeous the color of the brick was in that taupe and beige. Did you not like that? The white seems so stark compared to the softness of the taupe.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

No in person the bricks looked pink to me. Very dated.

[@linebrisebois6908]

Hey Kelsey. Love your work. Why don’t you mulch under your trees? The grass doesn’t grow because of the shade. I would use black mulch. You had a bit every year and you’re done!

[@kathywright9352]

Zoysia grass grows in the shade

[@sharoncourtney7979]

Add white rocks and add planters

[@lanakelley2893]

Fescue Grass is what we had to plant in our very shady yard.

[@Lannister898]

Have you ever thought of spray painting your shingles to a dark gray or black? I’ve seen videos and I’ve been thinking of doing it myself. Any thoughts? 🎨 🏠

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

I’ve been looking into this! We will be getting a new roof in the next couple of years so it couldn’t hurt to try.

[@crisms2708]

Have you ever tried a plant called croton ? She can be outside and has só much color. I guess she will be beautiful there.

[@kathysims8124]

Definitely do a rock garden so you can still blow leaves

[@carolannbolinger3795]

Beautiful ❤

[@crystalkirkland781]

Can you tie the extension cord around the the clippers so there is no tension when moving it around so it doesn’t come unplugged. Hope it heals soon.

[@Sandoelsa25]

Everything looks good, but i think a neutral rug will look a lot better.. I hope you can grow grass, it will look a lot better!

[@kimdodsonharris]

Get trees raised. You will have shade and grass. I had the same problem in my backyard.🥰🥰

[@sallieredman7349]

As farmers say, you can’t grow things in dirt. Whatever you choose, I recommended improving the soil before you plant. It’s going to be lovely.💕

[@caroldavis3497]

I wouldn't use mulch for the front yard, can you imagine trying to blow all the leaves off of that!! I would talk to a landscape designer and ask them what kind of grass would grow under the Oak trees.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Good point

[@kimkuehn477]

Looks very nice. Did you ever try shade sod or shade seeds?

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

I haven’t tried anything yet.

[@becky-kq2hb]

Just wondering if you have ever considered artificial turf for your front yard since you can get grass to grow.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

Definitely!

[@donnapalaussie19]

Lovely 😊

[@donnatorres7145]

Good morning! Your house looks beautiful. I was wondering if you can tell me where you got the pressure washer attachment and your thoughts on it. Thank you. Have a blessed day.

[@KelseyRomitoDIY]

I think this is the one you’re talking about. amzn.to/3V2Gvtm I really like it. It does a good job on larger areas.

[@donnatorres7145]

The one you used in your front door/porch. Have a blessed day. 🙏❤️

[@lisagoggin8021]

I would also redo the front plantings….?