You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make your backyard look like it belongs in Country Living. All it takes is a little do-it-yourself magic to design your dream yard.
Try these budget-friendly backyard design ideas to transform your outdoor space into an oasis:
#1 Spruce it up every season
Work with what you already have! Before the start of every season, be sure to tend to your yard. This includes pruning trees and shrubs, laying down mulch, removing weeds, and so on. It’s a simple way to spruce up your yard while making a massive impact on how your home looks.
Ideally, you should re-apply mulch once a year, preferably during spring. Mulch installation costs around $20 to $45 per cubic yard, so if that’s beyond your budget, you can opt for low-cost alternatives such as:
- Grass clippings
- Pine needles
- Leaves
- Compost
- Stone
- Newspaper
#2 Put up a patio or deck
According to the Trends for Outdoor Living Spaces Report, patios are one of the most popular outdoor spaces in single-family homes. This is because homeowners can use these spaces for a variety of activities such as entertaining, dining, and relaxing.
Start your backyard spruce-up by building a patio or deck using affordable materials such as pea gravel, concrete, pavers, wood, and bricks. Not only will it boost your yard’s appeal, but it will also increase your home’s value. In fact, an outdoor deck offers a return on investment (ROI) of 75.6 percent!
#3 Clean up with your power washer
Your power washer can make the process of cleaning up a lot easier. It removes mold, mud, grime, dust, and other debris from hard-to-clean surfaces. But remember to be gentle! Your power washer is a high-pressure spray that can dislodge the stones in your patio and walkway.
As a rule of thumb, patio furniture that’s made of wood, mesh, and plastic can be power-washed. To reduce the amount of pressure, adjust the pressure regulator or simply step back from the furniture that’s being washed.
#4 Create a stone path
Creating a stone path is a simple way to “divide” your yard. Stone paths can be used as borders to define different spaces, separating the entertaining area from the dining area. In addition, laying down smooth stones can create an enchanting pathway into your garden, pool, or playhouse.
We recommend using natural stepping stones, but you can also choose cheaper pathway materials such as mulch and gravel. Be warned, though — make sure you use materials that aren’t slippery. You wouldn’t want to file an insurance claim for injuries simply because you used the wrong stone. Consider consulting a company for real estate management services to ensure that your home is as safe as possible.
#5 Build a tree bench
Is there a towering tree in your backyard? One way to turn the tree into the centerpiece of your backyard is by building a bench around its base. You’ll need wooden planks, a saw, wood pallets, and protective eye gear.
After building the bench, add decorative pillows for a touch of flair. Add a pop of color by painting the bench bright colors such as yellow, green, or pink.
#6 Add potted plants
If your yard isn’t as spacious as the ones in Country Gardens, you can opt for potted plants. Choose pots of the same size and style, and arrange them on your deck or patio. Then add larger “centerpiece” plants — preferably ones that are bright and bold, such as irises and canna lilies.
If you don’t have a green thumb, you can check your local garden store for pre-potted plants. It’ll be more expensive than potting the plants yourself, but it will save you some time.
#7 Lay down a rug
Need something to perk up your patio? Laying down a large outdoor rug is a great way to spruce up your space. Not only will it add a pop of color to your patio, but it will also cover up imperfections such as stains and scratches.
Choose a rug with a funky or geometric pattern. If you want your patio to look more open, avoid a rug that has a stripe that runs along its edges.
#8 String up outdoor lights
If you’re planning on using your patio as a dining space, stringing up lights is a simple way to set the mood. Choose warm-colored lights to create an intimate atmosphere for romantic date nights and dinners. Hang them over your patio or wrap them around the tree to create a stunning centerpiece.
Be sure to choose string lights or “fairy lights” that are intended for outdoor use. Each string of lights costs less than $100.
#9 Try vertical gardening
Do you have a blank wall in your backyard? An affordable way to make use of the space is by trying your hand at vertical gardening. Not only will it fill the space, but it will also extend your yard.
Keep in mind, however, that vertical gardening doesn’t work with all varieties of plants. Vertical gardening is suitable for plants such as ferns, succulents, and low-growing vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers.
#10 Install privacy screens
Are there areas in your backyard that you’d like to cover up, such as a storage shed or swing set? Privacy screens are a budget-friendly option for separating “unsightly” spaces in your yard. For example, a trellis with fast-growing vines can make any outdoor space look more attractive.
Privacy screens are also perfect for, well, privacy! If you want to block your neighbor’s view of your patio or playground, installing a privacy screen is a low-cost solution.
Conclusion
Creating an outdoor oasis can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project, however, not all homeowners have the luxury of time. That’s why Luxury Property Care offers property preservation services. Aside from keeping up with the day-to-day demands of your home (e.g. maintenance, repairs, pest control), our property managers will oversee your backyard improvement projects, no matter how big or small.
We’d love to help you design the yard of your dreams. Call us today at (561) 944 – 2992 or complete our contact form to learn more.
