Landscaping Tips for Hosting Summer Gatherings

Summer in Georgia is the perfect time for backyard get-togethers—whether you're planning a casual cookout, a poolside hangout, or a more formal celebration. But if your outdoor space isn't ready to handle guests comfortably, your event can quickly go from fun to frustrating.

At GCO Landscaping, we help homeowners throughout Sharpsburg and surrounding areas create outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and gathering-ready. Here are our top landscaping tips to help you prepare your yard for summer entertaining.

Start with a clean, functional foundation

Before you arrange chairs, string lights, or plan your outdoor menu, it’s essential to ensure your landscape is in top shape. A level, well-maintained yard is the foundation of any successful summer gathering. If your lawn is uneven, muddy, or patchy, your guests are more likely to notice the discomfort than the décor.

Improving the functionality and appearance of your outdoor space doesn’t have to be complicated. These essential landscaping upgrades can make a dramatic difference in how your yard looks and feels:

Property grading

Improper drainage is a common problem in many Georgia yards—especially after heavy summer rain. Poorly graded areas collect water, creating soggy spots and making certain areas of your yard unusable.

• • Levels your yard for safe foot traffic and outdoor furniture
  • Prevents pooling water and muddy conditions during or after gatherings
  • Redirects runoff away from patios, foundations, and walkways

At GCO Landscaping, we provide expert grading services to correct uneven ground and improve the flow of water across your property.

New sod installation

Bald spots, uneven growth, or thinning grass can detract from the overall appearance of your landscape. Installing fresh sod is one of the fastest ways to refresh your yard ahead of summer events.

• • Provides a dense, uniform lawn that looks clean and manicured
  • Creates a soft, barefoot-friendly surface for kids and guests
  • Instantly boosts your yard’s visual appeal

We help clients throughout Sharpsburg and Peachtree City choose the right sod for their soil and sunlight exposure, ensuring long-term success and a vibrant look.

Mulch installation

Fresh mulch adds polish to your garden beds while providing important functional benefits.

• • Improves the appearance of flower beds and tree rings
  • Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Protects root zones from heat and erosion

Mulch also acts as a finishing touch that ties your landscape together, making your space feel tidy and event-ready.

Sprinkler repairs and adjustments

If your irrigation system isn’t working properly, your lawn can quickly become stressed and uneven—especially during Georgia’s hot, dry spells.

• • Check for leaks, broken heads, or poor coverage
  • Ensure all areas of the lawn and beds are getting consistent moisture
  • Prevent overspray on patios or guests during events

GCO Landscaping offers sprinkler system repairs to keep your lawn lush and hydrated, reducing the risk of dry patches or standing puddles before your next event.

By addressing these foundational elements, you’ll create a safer, more attractive, and more enjoyable space for both everyday use and summer entertaining. Whether your guests are mingling on the patio or relaxing under a pergola, a well-prepped landscape sets the tone for a successful gathering.

Design an Outdoor Space That’s Built for Entertaining

A great summer gathering starts with a landscape that’s designed to bring people together. Creating a space where your guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with smart planning, quality materials, and a layout that encourages connection and comfort.

At GCO Landscaping, we specialize in designing outdoor environments that are as functional as they are beautiful. Whether you’re hosting casual cookouts or formal backyard parties, here’s how to turn your yard into an inviting gathering space built to handle Georgia’s heat and humidity.

Build out gathering zones with hardscaping

One of the most effective ways to prepare your yard for hosting is by incorporating hardscaping elements. These features add structure to your landscape and define zones for dining, relaxing, or conversation. Hardscaping also eliminates muddy or uneven surfaces, making your space more usable year-round.

Popular entertaining-ready hardscape features include:

• • Paver patios – Durable, low-maintenance, and available in heat-resistant materials and lighter tones to stay cool underfoot. Perfect for setting up outdoor furniture or dining areas.
  • Outdoor kitchens – Built-in grills, prep counters, and storage make it easy to serve guests without running back and forth inside.
  • Firepits – A cozy centerpiece for evening gatherings, offering warmth and ambiance once the sun goes down.
  • Retaining walls with built-in seating – Great for sloped yards, these walls provide both elevation management and overflow seating for larger crowds.

All of our hardscape designs are customized to fit your property and integrate smoothly with existing features like sod lawns, garden beds, or landscape lighting.

Add shade and comfort for hot Georgia days

In the Sharpsburg and Peachtree City area, summer temperatures can soar—so providing relief from the heat is essential if you want your guests to linger comfortably outdoors. Integrating shade solutions and airflow-enhancing features makes your outdoor space more enjoyable during peak hours.

Smart strategies to keep your yard cool and inviting:

• • Pergolas and gazebos – These open-air structures filter light and provide partial shade without blocking natural breezes. They’re ideal over patios, grills, or seating areas.
  • Ceiling fans or misting systems – Keep air moving and provide evaporative cooling for maximum comfort during hot afternoons.
  • LED landscape lighting – Extends the usability of your yard into the evening while creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Lighting can be installed along walkways, around patios, or within pergola structures for added safety and style.

These elements not only improve comfort—they increase your landscape’s visual appeal and value.

Enhance usability with thoughtful finishing touches

The difference between a good yard and a great gathering space often lies in the details. Small upgrades can significantly impact how your space looks, feels, and functions during an event.

Finishing touches that complete the experience:

• • Garden bed installations – Add seasonal color and soft textures to high-traffic areas. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in Georgia’s climate for long-term beauty.
  • Artificial turf – A great solution for areas where grass struggles to grow or where you want a soft, clean surface for play or foot traffic. No mud, no mowing, and always event-ready.
  • Drainage solutions – Standing water can ruin an event and damage your yard. We install French drains, channel drains, and dry creek beds to move water efficiently and protect your landscape investment.

Whether you're working with a large backyard or a more compact space, our team at GCO Landscaping will help you design a landscape that feels welcoming, polished, and practical for your hosting needs.

Real project example: Outdoor entertaining in Newnan

A recent client in Newnan wanted to upgrade their backyard for hosting weekly barbecues and family gatherings. We installed a large paver patio, a custom cedar pergola, and garden beds filled with low-maintenance perennials. We also repaired their existing sprinkler system and added LED landscape lighting for evening use. The result? A functional, shaded outdoor space their guests rave about—and a backyard they use more than ever.

Proudly serving South Metro Atlanta

GCO Landscaping is based in Sharpsburg and proudly serves nearby cities and towns, including:

• • Peachtree City
  • Sharpsburg
  • Senoia
  • Newnan
  • Tyrone
  • Fayetteville

If you're preparing your yard for summer entertaining, we’re here to help with everything from design and grading to patios, lighting, and more.

Let’s get your yard party-ready

Make your outdoor space the highlight of summer.
Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, need better shade, or want to improve your lawn before hosting guests, GCO Landscaping is ready to help. Our experienced team will work with you to design and install a landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and built to impress.

Call today or request your free estimate and let’s transform your yard into the perfect summer gathering space. We proudly serve Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Senoia, Newnan, Tyrone, and Fayetteville with expert landscaping and hardscaping services.