Your yard should be your refuge … a natural extension of your home that provides space for you to enjoy. But any number of annoying factors can make you feel like you’d rather be inside doing chores than outside trying to relax. From rickety furniture to pesky pests, we’ve tracked down common reasons people slam the door on their backyards and came up with some easy fixes. Follow these tips to prep your outdoor space so you can enjoy it all summer long!

1. Lounge in comfort.

If your patio furniture has seen better days, ditch it. Invest in some nice, weather-resistant pieces that will allow you to sit and recline in comfort, as well as tables to hold food, drinks, and other necessities. If you like to spend evenings or nights outdoors, install ambient lighting so you can keep the fun going after the sun goes down. May is a great time to snag yard décor deals at start-of-season sales, so you’ll have the best selection now.

2. Throw some (sun) shade.

A patio sunshade will give you a haven when you need a break from the sunlight, and there are styles for every budget. Umbrella-style shades can be moved around as needed, while mounted sun sails can add a stylish touch year-round. If installing a permanent sun sail, position the shade at an angle and location that will provide the most coverage from the elements.

3. Carve out your space.

You can’t truly relax if you feel like you’re uncomfortably close to other people’s properties. If your yard is right next to your neighbor’s or faces out onto a busy area, install privacy screens or plant tall shrubs to give yourself a sense of seclusion. Privacy screens are also a great way to section off your space into separate “rooms” or “zones” for lounging, dining, and entertaining.

4. Eject the pests.

No one wants mosquitoes at their cookout. But instead of spraying pesticide, opt for natural methods. To keep mosquitoes from breeding, remove standing water throughout your yard. If you can’t eliminate standing water, treat those areas with mosquito dunks, which are non-toxic. Citronella candles or torches, or a homemade spray of water mixed with peppermint or rosemary oil, sets a relaxing mood for humans while repelling unwanted bugs. A patio fan will keep you cool while blowing flying pests away. Add potted plants with lavender, marigold, citronella grass, rosemary, and basil to ward off pests while adding fragrance and color to your backyard.

5. Tend to our fluttering friends.

Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are key to maintaining our ecosystem, and they’re lovely to watch. One way to attract these beauties is to create a butterfly garden, which takes up very little room and can be done with potted plants. And many of the plants that attract butterflies also attract bees and hummingbirds. (Bees are critical to the ecosystem, so don’t shoo them away. Just keep a safe distance.) If you want to draw more hummingbirds, hang a homemade or commercial feeder filled with sugar water (1/4 cup of sugar dissolved in one cup boiling water, then cooled). Note: Don’t substitute honey or use red food coloring!