Are you (and your yard) ready for summer?
If not, it’s time to get ready!
Spring is one of the best times to prepare your yard for summer fun. We understand it can be overwhelming to take on an entire yard landscaping project, so we put together a few cheap landscaping ideas below to help you get started.
Wait.
Before you get started, there’s something you should know:
You will be able to get more done if you break down your landscaping ideas into bite-size projects.
Start Here: 10 Cheap Landscaping Ideas
You will find ten smaller projects you can do to improve your yard.
Whether you’re interested in fixing up that old fence or replacing your lawn with synthetic grass, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.
We recommend you start with one.
Once you’re finished, move on to the next one.
Ready?
1. Give Your Patio A Good Rinse
Here’s the thing:
It doesn’t matter where you live – your backyard needs a good rinse around this time of year.
High and low temperatures alone will give your yard a run for its money, so it’s a good idea to check in on the condition.
If you have a stone or concrete patio, it may be a wise investment to rent or purchase a power washer to clean and brighten your patio.
On the other hand, if your deck is wooden, regular cleaning with a chemical cleaner and a fresh coat of paint or stain will do wonders for its aesthetic appeal.
It’s best to do a cleaning and staining in the cooler months, so thinking ahead and completing this step in spring will be gentler on the wood and ensure a longer life for your deck.
2. Paint Your Patio Furniture or Replace the Cushions
Do you avoid your patio furniture?
Your patio furniture has the power to bring your patio together, but only if it’s welcoming.
Here’s the thing:
Most homeowners let their patio furniture wear for far too long, which is understandable considering the expense. But letting your furniture wear over the years ultimately has a negative impact on your patio and backyard.
So, what can you do on the cheap?
Give your furniture a new coat of paint and replace the cushions.
This is relatively inexpensive and gives you an opportunity to change things up with new color, patterns, or style.
Of all the cheap backyard ideas available, this is one that has a big positive impact.
3. Give Your Grill A Deep-Clean
If you are planning to grill during your barbecues (and who doesn’t love the smell and taste of a fresh grilled summer meal?), a critical component of your yard readiness is making sure your grill is in working order and you have all the grill tools you’d need.
Make sure your grill lights properly, doesn’t smoke too much and has new charcoal briquettes (if necessary).
Take some time to dry-scrub the interior before washing all surfaces with a mild dish soap and warm water.
Now is also the appropriate time to make sure your propane tank is full and your grilling utensils – tongs, spatulas, and skewers – are clean and still in working order, too.
4. Touch Up Your Fencing
Your fence will probably last for years, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need care every now and then.
Here are three things to look for:
- Broken fencing
- Holes near the base of the fence
- Areas of the fence that have faded from sunlight
Let’s break this down:
Before you do anything, you want to evaluate the overall health of the fence.
There’s a good chance your fence is probably fine, but you might as well take note of what needs some work if you plan to improve this aspect of your yard.
Walk along the fence and mark areas you think need a little more paint.
Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to make the necessary repairs and finish the job with a fresh coat of paint and sealer.
5. Plant Perennials (They Live for More Than Two Years)
Tired of spending time and money on plants?
We hear you.
Plants are relatively cheap, but replacing time and time again adds up.
Consider planting perennials plants throughout your yard. Unlike annuals and biennials, perennials live for over two years.
Take the time to look into what each plant requires, including sunlight, space, and water needs.
Once you have a foundation of long-lasting perennials in place, you can rest assured your yard will look great for years to come.
6. Add Color to Your Garden
Flowers will take your yard to the next level.
A little color goes a long way when it comes to creating a beautiful yard.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your local garden nursery for guidance. In most cases, you’ll find it really isn’t as difficult – or expensive – as you thought.
And you know what?
You don’t have to buy all your flowers at once.
Start with one or two small plants and take it from there.
7. GatherAround the Fire Pit
Add some extra pizzazz to your outdoor barbecue space with a fire pit.
Fire pits are a gathering place in your outdoor space, an area for friends and family to gather in the evenings after you grill and eat – or a place to make and enjoy a tasty dessert treat (like S’mores).
You can purchase a freestanding fire pit or build a stone or brick fire pit insert into your patio, deck, or lawn.
8. A Putting Green Is Fun for Everyone
Everyone loves miniature golf.
Installing putting green turf doesn’t take long. With a little planning, and maybe the help of a professional, you can have your very own putting green at home.
Enjoy a quick tournament with your guests, entertain your neighbors, or brush up on your game on your own.
Adding a putting green is a great way to make use of your entire yard.
And you know what …
You can even customize your putting green to accommodate the features of your yard.
9. Upgrading Pools, Fountains, and Waterfalls
Pools are expensive.
However, there are a few things you can do to upgrade your pool, fountains, and waterfalls.
The concrete, tile, or stone surrounding your pool likely feature a specific color or color combination. Replacing these materials might help you breathe new life into your pool.
You can apply this same idea to fountains and waterfalls.
Start by exploring different materials and the available color options.
10. Do Away With Mowing, Watering, and Fertilizing Your Lawn
If you’re like most homeowners, we’re pretty sure you’ll agree with us when we say yard work isn’t easy.
Look:
It doesn’t have to be a pain.
You can do away with mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn altogether if you want. You can replace your lawn with rocky terrain, succulent plants, or synthetic grass.
It will look great year-round and you won’t have to spend time maintaining it.
Awesome!
What Do You Think?
Setting out to improve your yard is overwhelming – it’s a huge project when you look at it as a whole.
Here’s the thing:
You don’t have to tackle your entire yard all at once.
By approaching one aspect of your yard at a time, you’ll find it’s much more manageable. If you’re looking for cheap landscaping ideas, we’d love to know which of these 10 ideas you plan to explore with your own yard.
Let us know in the comments below!
