Fun and Effective Ways to Upgrade Your Backyard

Do you like the idea of a dream backyard? If so, you aren’t alone. However, what you may not like is all the work that will go into maintaining it. However, if you have an outdoor area that seems a little unloved, there are some DIY upgrades you can make that will help you get more enjoyment out of the space and that doesn’t require too much ongoing maintenance.  

Create Keyhole Garden Areas

A keyhole garden can help to provide visual appeal for your garden, and it offers a space-saving approach to planting. These beds are either U- or C-shaped and provide you with enough room to pivot or stand while you are working. They also provide you with access to each side. Also, this type of garden is easy to update and modify based on your own needs and your backyard vision.

For example, if you have recently hired pool builders in Prosper, TX, you can construct your gardens to line and highlight your new pool. Also, this is a type of permaculture practice, which makes it easy to incorporate for even those new to the green thumb lifestyle.

Renew Your Deck

As time passes, wooden decks can take on an old, gray, and somewhat weathered look. This can make the entire backyard space seem dull, boring, and frumpy. However, armed with a household cleaner and the will to make the space better, you can easily shave several years off the look of your deck. All this is possible without having to pull out the power washer.

Try scrubbing your older deck using oxygenated bleach, along with a soft brush. This is going to effectively remove any dirt and mildew. You can follow this up with a good cleaning and then sand the service before applying a new coat of protective stain. It’s a good idea to do this project in the spring, which will help you avoid putting more stress on your older deck, which may occur if you try to handle the project in the heat of the summer.

Plant Fast-Growing Shade

If your backyard space doesn’t have much – or any – shade, it can make the summertime quite unenjoyable. Get rid of the basic and often frustrating patio umbrella and opt for faster-growing trees instead. Some options to consider include the soft-wooded maples, poplars, willows, and others. These all offer natural shade.

Choosing the right tree for your outdoor area and knowing the proper way to care for it can seem pretty daunting. You can make this a bit easier by using the tree wizard provided by Arbor Day. This is a digital tool that will narrow down what trees are right for your area based on the climate, the growth rate, and the mature size.

Use Swales to Get Rid of a Soggy Landscape

Does your outdoor area look more like a small pond rather than a yard after it rains? If so, you should consider creating a swale. A swale is actually a shallow trench that is designed with the sole purpose of soaking up any excess water in your yard. It can also be used for redirecting the water away from the house, for gardening, or just to help you avoid cases of flooding.

Even though this type of earthwork has a specific purpose, it doesn’t mean you have to leave the area as a section of shallow dirt in your yard – after all, this could be an eyesore. Instead, you can use a swale as a border for a raised bed or fill it up with gravel to make a nice-looking path.

As you can see, there are several ways you can upgrade the look of your backyard without spending a fortune. Consider the tips here and pick and choose which elements are right for your yard. When you put some time and effort into this, you will love the results you get and want to spend even more time outdoors.