23 Backyard Landscaping Ideas on a Budget
They say that curb appeal is responsible for up to 11% of a home’s resale value. But you shouldn’t wait until it’s time to sell your home to invest in the beauty and function of the surrounding property.
The backyard is an invaluable part of any home. Big or small, the backyard is the perfect space to entertain family, visit with friends, or relax after a long day at work. And for households with children or pets, a backyard can be a welcome distraction from causing havoc around the house!
Yes, landscaping is expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Keep reading for our favorite backyard landscaping ideas on a budget!
Contents
1. Thrift a Garden Statue
Scour local thrift stores or yard sales to find an affordable garden statue, adding a touch of classical charm to your backyard. Position it as a focal point in a flower bed or at the end of a pathway for a striking visual impact.
2. Add a Trellis Wall
Installing a trellis against a bare wall or fence creates a vertical garden space. Train climbing plants like ivy or roses to grow up the trellis, creating a living wall that adds both privacy and beauty.
3. Get a Small Pool or Pond for Movement
Introducing a small pond or stock tank pool brings dynamic movement to your backyard. This water feature doesn’t need to be large; even a modestly-sized pond can provide a serene focal point and attract wildlife.
4. Wood Pallet Plant Box
Repurpose wood pallets into rustic plant boxes for a cost-effective and eco-friendly gardening solution. These boxes are ideal for growing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables and can be arranged to define spaces or create borders.
5. Install a Simple Backyard Deck
Constructing a simple wooden deck can transform your backyard into a versatile outdoor living space. Design it for dining, lounging, or as a platform for a fire pit, ensuring it complements the existing landscape.
6. Landscape a Rock Garden
A rock garden is a low-maintenance and drought-resistant option. Select rocks of various sizes and shapes, and arrange them with drought-tolerant plants for a natural, zen-like environment.
7. Add a Small Pergola
A pergola offers both shade and architectural interest. Build it over a patio or along a garden path, and consider adding climbing plants for a lush, green canopy.
8. Landscape Along Fencing
Introduce a variety of floor plants to create a natural screen and soften the harsh look of your fence. Choose a mix of shrubs, flowers, and foliage to add color and texture.
Consider layering the plants to create a visually interesting and dynamic effect. The best part? This landscaping approach is versatile and works with different fence styles, from wood to chain-link to vinyl.
9. Install Flagstone Steps
Flagstone steps are both functional and aesthetic. Use them to navigate slopes in your yard or as a charming path through your garden, complementing the natural landscape.
10. Brick Garden Retaining Walls
Build retaining walls with bricks to manage sloped areas and create raised garden beds. This adds structure to your landscape and can be used for both ornamental and practical planting.
11. Use Adirondack Chairs for Outdoor Seating
Adirondack chairs are a classic and comfortable choice for backyard seating. Made from wood or recycled plastic, they are durable and stylish. Place them around a fire pit or in a cozy corner to create a relaxing outdoor retreat.
12. Cheap and Easy Landscaping
Focus on low-cost, high-impact projects like mulching, planting perennial flowers. Use native plants for a garden that thrives with minimal care, and repurpose materials like stones and bricks for pathways and borders.
13. Build Wooden Raised Garden Beds
Construct raised garden beds from untreated wood to create defined spaces for vegetable or flower gardening. These beds improve drainage, reduce pest problems, and make gardening more accessible and back-friendly.
14. Landscape with Pebbles
Pebbles are an affordable ground cover that requires minimal maintenance. Use them in walkways, as mulch in garden beds, or around water features for a clean and modern look.
15. Hang Plants
Utilize vertical space by hanging plants in baskets from tree branches, pergolas, or along the fence. This adds layers of greenery and can be used for both decorative and edible plants.
16. Vegetable Garden with Mesh Screen
Protect your vegetable garden with a mesh screen to keep pests out. This practical solution ensures a bountiful harvest and can also serve as a climbing support for certain vegetables.
17. Add Stepping Stones
Stepping stones create a simple and natural-looking path through your yard. Arrange them through your lawn or garden for an inviting walkway that encourages exploration.
18. Concrete Pavers
Use concrete pavers for a durable and versatile patio or walkway. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for creative patterns and designs that suit your backyard’s style.
19. Install Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is a low-maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn. It’s ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic or where growing grass is challenging, offering a year-round green appearance.
20. Use Fence Sconces
Attach sconces to your fence for ambient outdoor lighting. This not only improves the aesthetics of your fence but also adds safety and comfort for evening gatherings.
21. Build an Outdoor Garden Bench
Construct a simple garden bench as a DIY project. Place it in a quiet corner for a serene retreat or in the midst of your garden to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
22. Arrange Container Plants Around Your Patio
Container gardening is a flexible and easy way to beautify your patio. Mix and match pots of various sizes with a variety of plants like annuals, perennials, and small shrubs to create a dynamic and lush patio border.
23. Design with Shrubs and Grasses
Use a mix of shrubs and ornamental grasses for a modern, low-maintenance landscape. These plants offer year-round interest, require minimal care, and can be used to create natural borders, focal points, or a privacy screen.
Backyard Landscaping on a Budget FAQs
Outdoor furniture is the cherry on top of a stylish patio or fire pit area. Start your search by looking at gently used items.
Consignment shops and neighborhood sales are excellent places to find new-to-you backyard furniture. Keep an eye on local social media pages to snatch high-quality pieces before a neighbor does!
Remember to shop with an open mind. A coat of spray paint or new upholstery could turn an outdated lounge chair or patio dining set into a trendy work of art.
Some landscaping projects — even DIY ones — require power tools or other heavy machinery. Few homeowners have this equipment sitting in their garden shed or garage.
First and foremost, don’t use any machinery that you don’t know how to safely operate. It’s better to spend a little extra money to get the job done safely in these cases!
If you have the skills but lack the tools, consider renting the necessary equipment from a local landscaping center. (Also, be sure to ask around with friends and family first. You never know what you could borrow for free!)