In decades past, families and friends would gather around in the living room as the place of entertainment and socialization. But today, more and more people are congregating in their backyards to cook, chat, play games, and enjoy one another’s company. But keeping a nice yard maintained can be a year-long project— and a costly one at that. Luckily, we are here to offer some of our best tips, tricks, and DIY backyard ideas on a budget.

Keep It Clean

The first step to having a nice, relaxing backyard getaway is to clear the clutter. Get rid of pots and lawn ornaments that are faded and cracked. Open up the area by cleaning up unnecessary or broken lawn furniture.

Low-cost Landscaping

Wanting to redo your lawn but trying to decide which backyard landscaping ideas on a budget are best for your home? Try low-maintenance and native plant choices. These require little effort and water to thrive, saving you money and time for years to come. Research what grasses grow best in your area. For example, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, carpet, Grama, and Bahia are all good warm-weather grasses that can withstand hot summer months.

Make Shade if You Have None

It’s hard for a backyard to be a place to sit back and relax if you’re constantly under the sun’s rays. If your backyard is lacking trees and shade, don’t be afraid to make your own. Umbrellas are one way to accomplish this. One advantage to umbrellas is that they are portable, allowing you to move them as the sun moves throughout the day and over the course of the year.

Create a Private Space with Shrubs

Tired of your neighbors watching your every move the second you step out of your door but not ready to fork over the cash for a privacy fence? Large shrubs can block the view of the nosy people next door and add some color to your own backyard. There’s a number of plants that make good privacy barriers, including:

  • Arborvitae
  • Areca palm trees
  • Bamboo
  • Boxwood
  • Pencil holly
  • White spruce

Be sure to do your research before planting. Depending on what climate you live in, some plants may fare worse than other choices. Some choices might be a little more labor-intensive as well and call for professional landscaping help.