A lake house sounds like something straight out of a peaceful daydream. It’s fairly similar to that coastal type of home, right? You’ve got the calm water, morning coffee with birdsong in the background, maybe a canoe bobbing gently on the shore. But once you actually have one (not just staying in one temporarily but actually living in one), you start to notice something no one ever warns you about. Nature really loves your lake house, too. A little too much, actually. Okay, that might be super obvious for some, but yeah, that can throw others by surprise.
But what exactly? Just some mosquitoes here and there? Well, here’s a painted picture for you: leaves blow in from every direction, dampness seems to cling to everything, and don’t even get started on the geese and their constant mess. But yeah, it’s easy for your relaxing escape to start feeling like a full-time maintenance gig. But for the most part, it doesn’t have to (well, the most part that is).
For the most part, you probably won’t need to battle the elements, but there’s a few things you’ll need to before hand so you can relax.
It’s All About Clearing the Chaos
One of the most frustrating parts about lakefront living is how quickly patios, porches, and docks get covered in leaves. Sure, it doesn’t seem to be such a big deal at first, but just go ahead and think about it for a moment. You step out to enjoy the sunrise, and out of the blue, your deck becomes a slip hazard made of soggy mulch. Raking by hand every couple of days? Not happening. Like, what’s the point? You’re on the lake, you’re in the forest, you’re basically surrounded by trees, so you’d have to constantly rake in order to keep up, right?
But instead, it might actually be pretty smart to look into the Worx leaf blower, yeah, that could definitely come in handy. How? Well, it’s lightweight, easy to use, and powerful enough to where, well, you don’t need a rake. So, yeah, you can clear out everything fairly quickly, therefore, a lot less stress on you (and less back aches too, which helps).
It’s About Protecting the Deck
Just think about this one for just a moment; wooden decking can go from rustic charm to green and grimy real fast if it’s not cared for. So, rain splashes up from the lake, damp leaves pile up, and algae get a little too comfortable. Well, before you know it, you’re tiptoeing around like you're on ice.
Generally speaking, simple habits go a long way. Sure, it sounds obvious enough, but you’d be surprised how often that bit gets neglected. So, regular sweeps, clearing debris quickly, and sealing the wood once a year keep the surface looking good and feeling solid underfoot. Again, you’re battling the elements here, and they’re a tad harsher than they are in the big city.
Besides, it doesn’t have to be a weekend-long affair either, just 10 minutes now and then does more than you'd think.
Goose Patrol
Sure, sure, geese might look serene gliding across the lake, but they’re not exactly polite neighbours. But of course, they’ll stroll right up like they own the place and leave little “gifts” all over your lawn and walkways. Yeah, it’s definitely not the vibe you’re going for.
But the trick here is to make your space just annoying enough that they move along. So, some things like motion-activated sprinklers, reflective pinwheels, or even planting tall grasses near the shoreline can help. But overall, it’s not about scaring them away forever, just making your property the least interesting stop on their daily tour.
Keep the Chill without the Clutter
It’s tempting to overdecorate outdoor spaces, especially when you’ve got all that natural beauty to play with. But too much stuff outside means more things to clean, store, or rescue from the weather. No, seriously, just think about if the storm rolls in or a sudden gust shows up, it all becomes a hassle.
Instead, it’s seriously in your best interest to just stick to a few comfy chairs, a table, and pieces that can handle getting wet or dirty. Just try and focus on textures that age well outdoors, like weatherproof rattan or unfinished teak. That way, your setup still feels cosy but you’re not dragging cushions in and out every five minutes.
Give Your Greenery Some Boundaries
Plants thrive near water, sometimes too much. Like, way too much, and vines creep over fences, bushes get leggy, and grass seems to grow an inch overnight. Basically, if left unchecked, your once-adorable garden starts swallowing walkways, railings, and even the house itself.
So, just a bit of trimming here and there works wonders. And if you’re not into constant pruning, choose slower-growing shrubs or hardy grasses that don’t need constant fuss. Native plants usually know how to behave themselves and won't demand weekly attention.
Store Smarter, Not Bigger
Here’s another thing to think about: lake houses tend to become the catch-all for summer toys, spare chairs, and whatever doesn’t fit inside. So, before long, your relaxing space starts to look like the clearance section at a garden centre. That’s why storage that blends in is a lifesaver (and probably the best move you could do anyway).
For example, you can look into benches with built-in compartments, sheds that actually seal properly, and even outdoor trunks help keep clutter tucked away. It means less time sorting through a mess and more time kicking back with a drink.
Know When to Outsource
Some jobs just aren’t worth the backache. If your roof needs clearing, your gutters are overflowing, or your boat dock’s seen better days, it might be time to bring in some help. There’s no shame in calling in a pro when the task list stops being fun and starts looking like a hazard. But seriously, hiring a local crew now and then can actually save you money in the long run by preventing damage and keeping things running smoothly. Plus, it frees you up to actually enjoy your space the way you planned to.
How to Enjoy Lake House Living without Letting Nature Take Over