Cheap Ways To Improve Your Backyard
Nobody wants to waste their backyard’s potential. However, some people understandably forego beefing up their backyards because they don’t want to spend a fortune. Luckily, there are several cheap ways to improve your backyard.
You can cheaply improve your backyard if you simply install comfortable seating and hang plants, such as Boston ferns. It’s also a great idea to install a trellis and hang several lanterns or LED balloon lights. You can also easily install a fire pit without hiring professional help and spend less than $200 if you’re careful.
Improving your backyard’s aesthetic can improve curb appeal and increase home value. Follow along as we explore several cheap ways to improve your backyard.
How Can I Upgrade My Backyard Cheaply?
1. Install Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds have grown in popularity, and it’s with good reason. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also easy to take care of if you don’t have a lot of gardening experience. The improved soil drainage, accessibility, mobility, and weed control make raised garden beds quite enjoyable.
They also stand out with their distinct look that can easily draw attention. That’s especially true if you plant some beautiful, colorful flowers that stand out and attract pollinators. This includes phlox, goldenrod, red buckeye, marigold, and verbena.
Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard can also easily thrive in raised garden beds. Otherwise, simple herbs like oregano, dill, chives, basil, and mint are perfect for raised garden beds. Cedar, oak, and black cherry wood are the best materials for raised garden beds.
2. Put In A Pergola
Have you ever seen a pergola and thought it was outside your ideal price range? If so, you may be wrong, as you can easily install affordable pergolas that look great. While you can expect to spend up to $6,000 to install a high-end pergola, you can install a nice DIY pergola for as little as $1,000. Some people can pull it off for even less money by foregoing any help. That’s especially true if you use recycled wood and repurpose old hardware and tools.
You can save more money if you forego wood and use vinyl and aluminum instead. Vinyl is much cheaper than most types of wood, and a lot of the available vinyl looks great.
3. Hang A Tree Swing
Tree swings are enjoyable for children and adults alike, and they’re visually appealing. A nice tree swing can make your backyard look better without breaking the bank. You can easily install a cheap tree swing for less than $40 if you’re careful.
All it takes is some rope and wood, plastic, vinyl, or whatever kind of seat you want on the swing. However, the last thing you want to do is skimp on the rope itself, as that is a matter of safety. For example, you shouldn’t reuse rope from another project, as it may have weakened over time.
Purchase new ropes and pick a sturdy, durable branch that you know can withstand the weight of whoever uses the swing.
4. Install A Trellis
A trellis can make any backyard or garden look more unique. The sky is the limit, as you can easily paint a trellis any color you want to complement your backyard. For example, you can pick a bright, pastel color to complement the surrounding greenery.
Doing so can add character and improve your backyard on a budget. Otherwise, you can pick neutral colors like black and grey, which will go well with any color scheme in your backyard. Next, you must pick a climbing plant to adorn your trellis, such as wisteria or climbing rose.
Other climbing plants like honeysuckle, hyacinth bean vine, climbing hydrangea, and clematis are also great options. Be patient, as it takes a while for these plants to climb and look great. You can even grow tomatoes or grapes on a trellis and enjoy the fruits of your labor when you harvest them.
5. Add More Seating
Do you regularly invite people over to spend time in your backyard? If so, you have no choice but to provide seating for your guests. However, the type of seats you buy and or build can significantly alter the way your backyard looks.
For example, installing hammocks can transform your backyard into a comfortable oasis that feels like you’re on vacation. You can also install comfortable porch swings and rocking chairs to add character to your backyard. Some people get creative and buy vintage stadium seats to make their backyard feel like a glimpse into the past.
6. Hang Plants
Have you ever been to New Orleans and seen the hanging ferns on many balconies? If so, then the visual has probably stuck with you, as it’s an iconic look. You can improve your backyard’s aesthetic and hang ferns, lobelias, petunias, verbenas, and geraniums.
Most plant nurseries offer hanging plants in sturdy baskets throughout the spring and summer. The key is to hang them at an attainable height to ensure you can easily water your hanging plants. Spider plants and air plants are especially easy to take care of.
7. Hang Lanterns
Hanging lanterns can also add a cozy vacation vibe to your backyard. Lanterns can provide warm, unique lighting that is either dull or vibrant, depending on the surrounding material. Today, you can even find LED balloon lanterns that are easy to take care of.
LED lights in many cases can last thousands of hours before they need to be replaced. This is also safer than having an open flame, especially if you live in a windy area.
8. Install A Fire Pit
Store-bought fire pits are typically affordable, but you can easily make a DIY fire pit for next to nothing. Look online for cheap stones and bricks to build the pit itself and contain the flames. Next, dig a pit that is at least 12 to 18 inches deep and 3 feet in diameter.
Stock up on firewood and store it in a large bin or somewhere you can keep it dry. Burning wet firewood can create harmful emissions, and it’s quite hazardous. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when you have fires in your backyard.
9. Lay Stepping Stones
A nice, cute walking path can add plenty of character to your backyard. That’s especially true if you use stones to contribute to a natural aesthetic. You can easily find stepping stones from landscaping suppliers and at garden centers.
The best part about laying stepping stones is that it requires almost no work. Depending on how your yard is graded, you may not even need to dig at all. You can probably just lay the stones on the grass or soil and let them settle.
However, you may need to dig holes if you want the stones to be flush with the ground. Keep in mind that the grass beneath the stones will die if you lay the stones on it.
10. Create An Outdoor Theater
Anybody can set up an outdoor theater in their backyard without spending much money. All you need is a projector, a screen, and some comfortable seats. Granted, high-end 4K projectors can cost thousands of dollars, but that’s not always necessary.
You can find simple projectors meant for outdoor use that cost as little as $50. Look for Bluetooth-enabled projectors to ensure you can easily watch whatever you want. That way, you can control the theater from your smartphone.
It’s also worth installing some warm string lights to create a cozy atmosphere. You can save money on seating if you invest in cheap bean bags.
Summing It Up
Install raised garden beds, hanging plants, and stepping stones to create a nice, natural aesthetic. You can also spice up your backyard with a porch and a tree swing to enjoy cool breezes. A nice trellis with climbing plants and tomatoes can transform your backyard into a gorgeous oasis for little money.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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