The covid-19 global pandemic made more homeowners value their backyard spaces. As a result, every homeowner was looking to transform their outdoor spaces.
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Today, one of the simplest and most affordable ways of upgrading your yard space is to add outdoor plants to your yard space. There is a broad spectrum of landscaping ideas you can incorporate in your yard on a budget.
The ten most affordable landscaping ideas for your backyard
- Using Mulch Alternatives
One of the best ways to create the perfect landscape for your garden is through mulching. Mulching is a common practice among a majority of individuals. Mulch comprises organic materials that release nutrients to the soil.
The main benefit of using mulch is that it is a cheaper option compared to other landscaping ideas. Some of the best and affordable mulch alternatives include:
- Grass Clippings:
When you trim the grass, do not discard the chopped clippings. Consider spreading them across your flower bed or wicking garden bed. You won’t need to spend a coin to get grass clippings.
- Leaves:
Leaves are also a good mulching ingredient. Shredded leaves decompose over time to provide nutrients to the soil. Shredded leaves are way affordable compared to most mulch materials.
- Pine Needles:
Another cheap mulch material you can use is pine needles. Pine needles are also user-friendly. They are light and easy to spread in your garden. You also don’t have to monitor pine needles as often. They incorporate low maintenance.
- Compost:
Compost is also an effective mulch ingredient. Compost mainly comprises organic matter like straw and peat moss. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for the soil. So, you can use it as part of your mulch. Nevertheless, avoid using too much compost since this can damage the plants.
- Stone mulch:
Contrary to popular opinion, stone mulch is ideal for your plants. However, you have to use it appropriately. Stone mulch works best in neat environments like pavers and inground pool decks. Unlike wood mulch, stone mulch does not wash onto pavements.
Gardening experts always recommend using pine mulch over wood mulch. It is more affordable and easier to spread. Nowadays, you can purchase dyed mulch for your garden. Spreading dyed mulch in your backyard makes it more attractive.
- Reuse Old Tires
Another idea for backyard landscaping is reusing old tires. Piled old tires can make your yard look ugly. And it is usually hard to get rid of tires since most garbage companies do not accept such kind of waste.
Fortunately, you can use them to make your yard look more attractive. Old tires are very easy to find. You can pick them up at a recycling plant. Besides, most individuals are more than willing to give out old tires.
Below are some of the ways you can use tires to transform your outdoor space.
- Consider using an old tire as your planting pot/container or hanging baskets. Then hang it or place it in your yard. Painting the old tire with a complementing color also helps you boost the aesthetics of the yard.
- Did you know you can create a pond with an old tire? Find a suitable spot in your garden to place the old tire. Then, create a pond and let the tire act as the base of the pond.
- Practice vertical gardening
A vertical garden is a great way to make your garden look more beautiful and save yard space. As the name suggests, vertical gardening entails growing crops vertically.
You can use hanging pots, containers, plastic bottles, and trailers for vertical gardening. Luckily, you don’t need to hire a professional to help you with vertical gardening.
Below are some of the DIY vertical gardening ideas to incorporate.
- Repaint old cans, fill them with soil and begin planting in them. Then, hang them on your outdoor wall.
- Use a water-resistant shoe rack as your platform for vertical gardening.
- Transform your wooden outdoor fence into a vertical garden.
- Add a Splash of Color
Another way you can make your yard more beautiful is to add some color. Consider repainting your outdoor planting pots and containers to match your backyard or your tiny cottage garden.
Also, you can paint your lounging chairs to make your outdoor space more beautiful. It would be best to use neutral and subtle shades as your paint color.
Another way of adding color to your garden is to plant flowers in the garden. Flowers are beautiful and help you make the garden more appealing. Position your flowers on the pavers, patio, among other planting beds.
Placing natural stones in your backyard also helps in keeping your outdoor space more inviting. Stones add a neutral shade and bring in a natural ambiance in the yard.
- Plant Useful Plants
Growing normal plants in your yard also helps you improve the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Most plants create a tranquil and natural atmosphere in your yard.
Besides, most of these plants are edible. So, you won’t have to spend much on grocery costs in the long run. Consider using terracotta planters to spice up the yard.
- Build an Outdoor Fire Pit
Outdoor fire features are one of the most popular backyard additions. Undoubtedly, fire features add elegance, class, and style to the backyard. Not to mention, fire features bring a warm and cozy atmosphere to your backyard.
So, consider putting up a fire pit in your backyard. Fire pits create the perfect evening chill spot in your yard.
There is a broad spectrum of fire pit designs you can incorporate in your backyard today. Always choose an option that complements your budget.
Luckily, fire pits are not as expensive as most people think. It all depends on the size and design you choose. You can spend as little as $50 when installing a fire pit.
- Planting trees
The next idea for backyard landscaping on a budget is planting trees. Planting trees in your yard is relatively affordable. Trees make your outdoor space more inviting. Also, they provide the best shade in your outdoor space.
You can always put up lounging chairs under the your well pruned tree in the long run. When planting trees in your yard, it is best to come up with a suitable layout. You can also use the tress to hang bird feeders to attract colorful birds to you garden.
Ensure your trees are well organized. Grow trees such as the magnolia which bloom with colorful flowers. Nonetheless, you may not be able to plant many trees in a small yard.
- Use budget-friendly outdoor lights
Have you ever thought of backyard lighting? Putting up lights in your yard boosts the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Lighting often underscores all the essential features in your yard.
For example, if you install lights besides flowers, you make them appear more appealing. There is a wide range of lights you can use for your backyard. The most common type of lighting is LED lighting.
Although relatively costly, they offer the most durability. Using white twinkle lights is also a good idea; they cost approximately $6 per unit.
After buying lights for your backyard, you can wrap them around your tree or any outdoor pillar. Alternatively, install lamp posts at intervals in your outdoor space.
Attach rope lights across your flower beds for an exceptional glow in your yard. Also, consider running lights from the house to the trees to improve visibility at night. All these lighting ideas add a whole new charm to both small and large outdoor yards.
- Buy affordable outdoor seats
Lounging chairs in your backyard offer excellent aesthetics and functionality. Outdoor chairs come in a wide array of designs and colors. So, you can always find the one that complements your yard space.
Luckily, you can find used furniture pieces online at low prices. Outdoor experts always advise going for waterproof outdoor patio chairs. Also, consider adding weather-resistant pillows and cushions to the seating for more comfortability.
- Add a walkway
Other than being functional, pavers and walkways are a great way to improve your backyard landscape. For instance, stepping stones and pavers create a pathway for you to access the garden easily.
Along the walkway you can plant flowering tress where you can hang suet log feeder to help entice birds to your garden thus add color.
Also, they make the yard look more adventurous and inviting. With walkways, your outdoor space will undoubtedly look more organized. The best material to use on your walkways includes stones and concrete.
Stone is the most affordable option; they range from $1 to $15 per unit. You can find pavers at your nearest local garden store or hardware.
The best option: Reuse and Recycle to Reduce Costs
If you are working under a tight budget, recycling and reusing items is a good idea. For example, consider installing indoor furniture in your outdoor space.
When upgrading your backyard space, you need to be innovative, especially if you have a fixed budget. Luckily, you can always search for the best yard renovation ideas for your yard space.
Other backyard landscaping ideas on a budget
Hang some window boxes
Have you ever thought of installing window boxes? Window boxes add a whole new charm to your outdoor space. Grow flowers or house plants on your window boxes for more aesthetics.
Window boxes can also help you cover up for any wear and tear on your walls or front door. Hanging a window box on your wall is quite simple. All you need is the right materials and equipment.
Additionally, you have to ensure that the wall supports the weight of the window box, which costs as little as $10. Of course, the price varies depending on the size and material used to make the box. Luckily, you can always build your window box.
Use edging to add some order
Using the right edging in your yard is another money-saving backyard landscaping technique. Edging not only makes the yard look neater but also protects the soil. Today, there are many materials you can use to edge your garden.
Some include wood, concrete, stone, metal, and bricks. Edging keeps your mulch in place and enables you to achieve an even landscape. Expect to spend approximately $70 to $1,700 when edging your backyard.
Spice up your landscape with outdoor dining
If you have a large outdoor space, add outdoor dining. Look for a complementing dining set and place it on one side of your yard. A beautiful dining set creates an exceptional focal point for your backyard.
Moreover, it creates the perfect relaxation spot in your garden. Here, you can always wine and dine with your family whenever you want to. You can find a piece of good patio furniture set for about $150 to $200.
Rock your rock garden
Adding natural rocks to your garden makes it look more attractive. Creating a rock garden requires you to use different types of rocks and pebbles in the garden. Luckily, natural rocks come in different designs, colors, and sizes.
Thus, you can always use different rock types in the garden. Rocks create a beautiful view in your garden, especially if you have green plants and flowers.
The best thing about using these rocks is that you won’t spend a lot on maintenance. Once you place them in your garden, they stay in good shape for years.
If you plan to spice up your yard using rocks, expect to spend $600 to $700 on average. Needless to say, you can spend more; it all depends on the rock types and the extent of the project.
Cool off by putting up an above ground pool
Are you looking for a way to keep your children occupied this summer? Consider installing an above-ground pool. Above ground pools are fantastic features that serve as excellent sources of enjoyment and relaxation.
Above ground pools also modify your yard into a premium haven. Therefore, it is a great backyard landscaping idea.
Unlike inground pools, above ground pools are affordable. They cost approximately $700 to $4,200. On the other hand, inground pools can cost up to $70,000.
So, if you have a fixed budget, consider installing an aboveground pool. There are many types of aboveground pools you can install. Each varies in configuration. So, finding your best option requires you to weigh the pros and cons of each.
From there, you can find your best aboveground pool option. Aboveground pools can last for decades if maintained properly. So, don’t be afraid of investing in an aboveground pool.
Do you want to spend more?
If you don’t have a fixed budget, consider installing an inground pool. Inground pools are a better alternative compared to aboveground pools. However, inground pools are costly.
But they spice up your backyard into a first-class holiday destination. You can customize an inground pool to fit all your requirements. Currently, there are three major types of inground pools; vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass.
Each of these pools provides distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your requirements often determine your best option. So, if possible, install an inground pool and accompanying water features. This way, you’ll obtain the best aesthetics in your yard.
DIY landscaping that is pocket friendly
From this article, it is clear to see that there are many ideas for backyard landscaping on a budget. Finding the best landscaping idea for your yard requires you to evaluate all your requirements first.
Then, analyze your budget to identify whether you can execute the idea. Some of the best ways to improve your backyard landscape include growing a vertical garden and installing an aboveground pool.