If you don’t spend a lot of time in your backyard, it’s probably because it’s not as inviting as you want it to be. You might be looking at your backyard feeling unsatisfied and at a loss on what to do to get it looking good.
The first step is to get inspired. Create a backyard inspiration board to find out what your tastes are. You’ll need to find out what’s possible for your backyard, your capabilities, and what other options are available for you—for instance, you might want an in-ground pool, but it might not fit in your backyard!
Try to picture how well upgrades such as landscaping and construction will work for the area. But even with limited space, you’ll be surprised at how much you can change it with some techniques and good planning. If you’re ready to get creative, let’s take a look at your options.
1. Start Landscaping
Landscaping your backyard is a surefire way to transform it completely. You can completely recreate the area to look whatever way you want. But landscaping isn’t only meant to beautify a yard. Other benefits include:
- Preventing soil erosion
- Giving you peace of mind
- Improving air and water quality
- Cooling down your home
Still, landscaping might seem like a massive project if you’re not sure where to start. Either way, it does take some knowledge about gardening in general. So, you’ll have to study up on some basics if you plan to do the maintenance yourself.
Try to visualize how you want your backyard to look. You can then talk to experts like Northern Virginia landscape design to help you out with your desired improvements and make your backyard come to life. Professional landscapers will know what will be possible for your backyard, what greenery can grow in your region, and where to add other aspects such as water features and paths.
2. Adding a Garden
Adding a garden can literally and figuratively bring your backyard to life. After cleaning up your backyard, you can start a small garden nestled nicely in one corner. From there, you can start expanding it slowly but surely.
The great thing about gardening is it’s relaxing and a little bit addictive. You’ll be spending more time outdoors and transforming your backyard at the same time. Plus, what you plant in your garden is all up to you. If you like cooking, starting an herb and vegetable garden is possible. For color, a variety of flowers that can easily grow in your area will do nicely.
Lush and well-planned out gardens can also make your home easy to sell and even increase its value. This is why many people spend on enlivening neglected gardens when they want to put their house up for sale.
3. Add a Water Feature
Adding a water feature is usually done with landscaping, but it’s still doable on its own. The great thing about these is that they can immediately make your backyard look alluring, and the sound of water is also very calming.
Natural ponds surrounded by rocks and plants are great options, especially if you’re interested in keeping some fish in it, too. If you want to go the extra mile, you can try a koi pond that pairs well with floating plants such as water lilies.
A bigger project, a rock waterfall, a stream, or even a staircase waterfall are ornate and eye-catching. But if that’s too much, go for an easy option like decorative or birdbath fountains.
4. Build a Deck
If the backyard isn’t fit for gardening or is too uneven, constructing a deck is an excellent option for a backyard transformation. Decks are great because it’s a space that can function in all sorts of ways.
You can add a sitting or dining area with a kitchen and grill space. This can also bring out the designer in you when choosing outdoor furniture pieces! Your deck can also be surrounded by a garden and integrated with the whole landscaping plan so that it fits perfectly. The best thing about decks is that you can spend more time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors.
Just make sure you get some professional help to figure out how to build it and if you need to complete any other requirements, such as permits and other paperwork.
Conclusion
A backyard transformation will not only elevate its looks and increase your home’s value, but it can also completely change your lifestyle. Making it more charming and pleasant will make you want to spend more time outdoors without leaving your home. It can be a tranquil space for you, your family, and your friends.
