Summer smarts: Objects to bring in when things get too hot

By Emma Peterson. 

Help your clients have a perfect summer in their dream backyard with these seven tips! 

For many homeowners, summertime makes a whole new living space available – their backyard! Whether they have a porch, patio or outdoor kitchen, the warm weather means that everyone in the family can take full advantage of the natural world that was too cold to enjoy in the winter. But, as landscapers know better than anyone, it's important to remember that the summer weather is a two-edged blade and can be as dangerous as winter weather can.  

It might be tempting for your clients to spend all day in the dream outdoor space that you’ve created for them, but heat and humidity should not be underestimated as it can cause a lot of harm to both people and objects. Make sure to help them understand the importance of taking care of themselves and their investments by avoiding the worst of the summer heat. Here are seven things they should remember to bring inside with them as they take crucial cooling breaks! 

1 – Children’s toys 

Many families have beloved summertime games and activities that should be protected from the elements. And just because the weather has turned warm doesn't mean they are safe to be outside the whole season. It’s important to bring toys and games in from the heat when not in use. If they get left out, they will be exposed to the elements and can become the perfect home for bugs, mold and/or allergens. 

2 – Food 

Did you create your clients’ dream outdoor kitchen? Or maybe the perfect patio space to share a summertime meal? Either way, it’s important to make sure your clients are aware that heat can make food go bad quicker. It’s important to keep your food as fresh as possible, so eating soon after preparing the food or storing it in a cooler space (such as the house or a fridge) until eating is key.  

3 – Crumbs and leftovers 

On a similar note, it’s important to get leftovers out of the heat as soon as possible. This is crucial if they want to enjoy eating those leftovers, and for general environmental safety. Food scraps that are left outside too long can begin to rot and smell. They also can attract unwanted guests in the form of critters such as possums and raccoons.  

4 – Tools  

As a landscaper, you know better than anyone the importance of maintaining your lawn and gardening equipment. But many homeowners are less familiar with caring for tools. If they want to keep their outdoor space looking perfect all summer long, they will want to start with maintaining their gardening gear. Things like dampness combined with sunlight can lead to issues such as rusting and corroding. Help your clients out by explaining the importance of storing their tools somewhere cool, dry and shady – like a garden shed or garage! 

5 – Shoes 

With all the in-and-out your clients will be doing with their newly accessible outdoor space, it can be easy for shoes to get forgotten on the front step or the porch. While this is totally normal, maybe they wanted to put their feet up on a lounger or keep from tracking dirt into the house, it’s important not to leave those shoes out for too long. Shoes forgotten outside, even in the nicer summer weather, can get damaged in a variety of ways. From mildew and discoloration caused by dampness to unwanted residents in the form of spiders and creepy crawlers inside the shoe, it’s just a good idea for them to bring them inside. 

6 – Sunscreen 

A staple of summertime activities, some might think keeping sunscreen outside is a convenient and smart option. However, in general homeowners will want to bring the sunscreen in and out with them. While sunscreen is great with heat, humidity and of course sun when on the body, when it is in a bottle most formulas need to be stored somewhere cool and dry.  

7 – Electronics 

This can be a bit confusing for your clients, as many outdoor living areas feature electronics designed to withstand the heat – think outdoor fridges or lights. But it is important that you help clients understand that even if something like a speaker is labelled as “outdoor,” it’s best for it to come inside when they do. Otherwise they run the risk of damage (from things like moisture and overheating) or even loss due to theft! 

Photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn, found on Southern Living