A backyard doesn’t just offer a place for your children and pets to play, it can extend your living space and add value and beauty to your home. If your backyard needs a little TLC, now is a great time to start planning a makeover.
You might want to create a peaceful retreat, fill your space with flowers or just clean up what’s already there. Whether your goal is a big transformation or a small update, there are lots of creative ways to improve your outdoor space.
If you’re thinking about buying supplies, paying contractors or purchasing furniture to help with these updates, home improvement loans might be an option to consider. Home improvement loans could help spread out the cost of upgrades by letting you repay the amount in monthly installments.
Here are some helpful backyard ideas that might just make your outdoor area feel more enjoyable.
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Add a path
Adding a path to your front or back yard guides foot traffic through your outdoor space, preventing people from walking on grass or muddy spots.
You could build the path using gravel, bricks, stepping stones or wood. You can design your path to lead from your door to a garden, seating area or shed. You may even consider creating a small accent path winding around your yard.
Choose a design that fits your yard. Some people like a straight walkway, while others prefer a curved look.
Lay mulch
Mulch is a layer of material — usually bark or wood chips — that you spread on top of soil. Mulch helps hold in water, stops weeds from growing and may give your garden beds a cleaner look. In addition to garden beds, it’s often used around trees and bushes.
Mulch comes in several colors, such as brown, red or black. If your space already has some plants or trees, spreading mulch around them could give your yard a quick glow-up.
Plant a garden
A garden can add color, greenery or even food to your backyard. Your garden could also support butterflies, bees and birds by providing the nectar, pollen and seeds they need to eat.
And you don’t need a large space to grow a few vegetables, herbs or flowers. Raised garden beds or containers could work just fine.
Before planting, check how much sun your yard gets and choose plants that match those conditions. Native plants are often a great choice for a garden, because they’re already adapted to thrive in the local weather and soil.
Try to water your garden regularly and remove weeds when needed to keep it healthy and aesthetically pleasing. If you’d prefer a lower maintenance option, you could install an automatic irrigation system that distributes water evenly and regularly.
Spruce up your fence
If your fence is faded or broken, fixing it up could make your whole yard look better. Try cleaning it, replacing loose boards or painting it a fresh color.
If you want to add something extra, think about hanging flowerpots or installing a trellis for climbing plants. Some people also add string lights or small decorations to give the fence more personality.
Add seating
Having a good place to sit can make your outdoor space more comfortable. Whether the seating you choose is a bench, a hammock or a few outdoor chairs, a place to sit gives people a reason to spend time in the yard.
Look for furniture made from materials that can handle rain and sun. If your budget is limited, you may be able to find secondhand furniture or even build your own.
Include lighting
Lights can make your backyard safer and more inviting after sunset. You may not need hardwiring or special tools to install them, as many outdoor lights are battery-powered or solar.
String lights could hang along fences or patios, and lights staked into the ground could line the pathways around your yard. Small lanterns or LED candles can also give your outdoor space a cozy glow.
Consider a fire pit
A fire pit is a popular backyard feature that allows you to sit outside and stay warm during cooler months. You may also be able to use a fire pit to roast marshmallows or cook simple meals.
You can build one with stones and gravel, buy a portable metal version, or go with a propane-powered fire pit for a more luxurious experience. Always make sure you follow local safety rules and keep the fire away from anything flammable.
Fire pits come in many sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your space and budget.
Even small changes could make a big difference
A backyard doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable — it just needs to reflect how you want to use the space.
Whether you’re drawn to quiet evenings with a book, casual get-togethers with friends or simply having a neat and comfortable area to spend time in, even small updates could help create a space you can enjoy for years to come.
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