TIPS FOR BUILDING A BACKYARD ON A BUDGET

If you want to add some play and entertaining space to your backyard but don't have huge landscaping budget to work with, don't be discouraged. You can implement some simple landscape designs without breaking your bank account. Not all landscaping endeavors have to be costly, especially if you are clever with the way you use your resources. Consider these tips as you plan to add a few features to your backyard design.

LOOK FOR USED OR RECLAIMED MATERIALS

When beginning to plan your design, check local websites and sales for used items that you can use in your landscape. For example, some people who are remodeling their yards will tear out stone, bricks, and rocks to replace them with something else. These materials still have plenty of life left, and you can use them in your own design instead of buying new flagstones or paving bricks. You can also get cuttings of plants from friends and neighbors. You can also look for reclaimed items and items on sale at home improvement stores. At the end of the summer season, some stores list potted plants, small trees, and even bulk goods like rocks and mulch for clearance prices. You can still successfully plant trees and shrubs later in the season, and rocks and dirt will keep.

USE CRUSHED ROCK AND MULCH

You don't have to use bricks or rocks to make a successful pathway or entertaining space. Until you have the funds for something more permanent, consider making paths or patio grilling areas with crushed limestone or a similar type of packable rock. You can level the rock to provide an even, pretty area for a fire pit or seating area. Mulch can also be your friend in a budget design. Sometimes, people finish flower beds with colorful rock mixtures, but these are more expensive. Mulch is healthy for plants, prevents weed growth, and keeps shrub beds looking nice. You can replenish mulch yearly to maintain the fresh look.

ADD A WATER FEATURE

Contrary to what you might believe, water features do not have to add extra expense to your design. Some large features, such as waterfalls or ponds, do require more financial investment, but a small fountain or even a small pond-less stream can be built with basic supplies. Usually, all you need is a water pump to recycle water through the pond-less feature or the fountain, and many fountain kits come with a pump, so all you have to do is plug it in and fill it up. You can even make a fountain yourself out of items you find in your search for second-hand landscape materials, such as old buckets or repurposed antique farm equipment. Tuck the fountain into a bed of perennials. The water adds movement and sound to your design, making it feel sophisticated without adding too much to the overall price tag.

HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU HAVE

An easy way to add beauty to your backyard without adding cost is to highlight what is already there. Some houses, for instance, have a simple concrete patio or deck already installed. If the deck is not in good shape, consider sanding and refinishing it. If the railing is weak, keep the deck but replace the rails to make it look new again. If you already have a basic poured patio or sidewalk, create a border around it with soil and flowers to make it look larger. You could also extend seating off of the patio itself by building basic wooden benches off the patio. The benches can sit on crushed limestone for a firm foundation. You can also highlight your yard with lights. You may not be able to install full landscape lighting, but you can use string lights along a fence line or solar lights along a pathway to add a bit of dimension to your backyard for late-night entertaining. For more information about installing budget-friendly features in your yard, contact us at Superior Outdoor Designs. With just one or two added features, your backyard can be beautiful without breaking your budget.