Your backyard, no matter what size or shape, can be the ultimate oasis when you know how to complete a full backyard transformation. That’s right, even the smallest of backyards can be transformed into a place you love when you know the right steps to take. There are several different ways to improve a backyard from the lighting to the seating options and everything in between.
Before you can begin taking the necessary steps to transform your backyard, you should first consider all the things about your current backyard space that you don’t enjoy or want to change. Then, begin thinking of your backyard design. What do you want your backyard to provide to you?
Keep these questions in mind and then continue reading below. Here’s a full guide on the steps you should take to complete a backyard makeover!
1. Remove Any Clutter or Debris
Before you begin drawing up your blueprints, you must first remove all clutter and debris from the area. You might not even realize how much space you have available until you do so. Once you’re able to clear out the entire yard, you can then determine how you want to design it.
Not only should you remove all items from the yard, but you should trim any dead or low-hanging branches and trim any shrubs and bushes in the yard as well.
2. Come Up With Zones
With a clear stretch of land, you can now come up with the different zones you want to have in the backyard. What does it mean to have different zones? When you think of a backyard oasis, you most likely imagine a few different features.
The zones are the different areas in the yard that you’ll use for different reasons. For example, one zone can be the children’s play zone. Another zone can be dedicated to enjoying a family meal outdoors.
Think about all the specific features you want your backyard to have and then create these zones. This creates more of an outdoor living space rather than a large stretch of grass and some chairs.
3. Use Landscaping to Create Borders
Once you know what different zones you want in the backyard, you can then consider how you’ll separate them from one another. To build borders, you can lay down some pavement, or large rocks. You can also use a few other landscaping techniques to create borders as well.
For example, small shrubs or hedges make for wonderful borders for separating the zones. Be sure to speak with your landscaping company about the different options you have.
4. Provide Lots of Comfy Seating Areas
In order to fully enjoy your backyard, you’re going to need lots of seating areas. For example, if you incorporate a kid zone, then be sure to place seating nearby for adults to get comfortable while watching the children. If there’s a pool in the backyard, then you should have lots of seating around the pool as well.
Many homeowners also build an outdoor kitchen in their backyard as well. When the weather is nice, there’s nothing like enjoying a family meal in the great outdoors. Make sure to view these outside dining tables and check out a few other outdoor furniture options also.
From dining tables to benches and swings, there’s something for every homeowner’s preference.
5. Plan for Shaded Areas
To create an ideal backyard, you should plan for some shaded areas as well. When the sun’s out and beaming down on the yard, it can provide a great place to soak up some sun. Too much sun, however, can cause sun poisoning.
You’ll need to plan for shaded areas to prevent the family from having to go back inside on days when the sun is too strong. How can you do this? There are many ways to create shaded areas in a backyard.
For example, you can plant more trees. You can also build a pergola or a more solid roof structure over the kitchen and dining area. To take things even further, you can also install a screened section to protect against rain or snow while still enjoying the outdoors.
6. Install a Water Feature
If you haven’t already considered installing a water feature in your backyard, then now is the time to do so. A water feature brings serenity and peace. It can become the perfect place for relaxing or reading a book.
Water features also attract lots of wildlife, which is a joy to watch! Make sure you provide lots of seating in this area as well. You can even consider a hammock to add to the laid-back atmosphere.
7. Design With Privacy in Mind
Building a backyard oasis is tons of fun, especially when all the construction is done with and you get to enjoy your new space. The last thing you want to do, however, is to share the oasis with your neighbors (unless you invite them over, of course). If you don’t want nosy neighbors peeping in, then you should design it with privacy in mind.
In what ways can you ensure you’ll have privacy while enjoying your pool, new water feature, or eating your family meals? For starters, you can install tall privacy fences around the entire backyard. You can also plant more trees or high bushes around the yard as well.
8. Add a Fire Pit and Hot Tub
Adding a fire pit and a hot tub into your design plans can help create that vacation vibe you might be going for. A fire pit is a great place to gather around when the nights get cold. Without a fire pit, you might not spend time outside when it’s chilly.
After installing your fire pit, be sure to add seating around it as well. Benches and swings are both great ideas! A hot tub also comes in handy when it’s a bit cold outside.
When it’s time to seal up the pool for the winter, be sure to uncover the hot tub and continue to have a blast in your new backyard!
9. Start a Garden
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, a backyard garden can be beneficial in many ways. Gardening can give you peace of mind by taking your mind off of other things while you focus on tending to the flowers. Watching butterflies, birds, and other wildlife visit your garden is also a great way to boost mental health.
Aside from all of these benefits, if you plant the right type of flowers, you’ll have a beautiful and vibrant garden with wonderful fragrance coming from the flowers. Keep in mind, if you’re unsure if you’ll be able to keep a garden thriving, there are plants that require low-maintenance.
Do some research and determine the best plants for beginners and use those in your garden first. Over time, as you become more skilled, you can then try to care for more needy plants.
10. Don’t Forget Proper Lighting
With all the planning needed to be done, it’s easy to forget about nighttime enjoyment. Don’t forget to set up proper lighting in your backyard too. During the evening hours, you’ll want there to be enough lights to light up your zones and protect you from injuries.
You can install pathway lights around the walkways and lights on either side of your home’s backdoor. Tiki torches are another great idea. They also make some that help keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
Fairy lights on the trees and around the pergola will look amazing as well. Think about the zones where you’ll spend the majority of your time during the evening hours, and make sure you install enough lights in that area. Why let the night stop you from spending time outdoors?
11. Plant All the Right Type of Landscaping
One of the last things to consider for your backyard transformation is the type of landscaping you want to plant. The landscaping you choose has a big impact on the type of backyard you create. For example, if you want a tropical escape, then consider planing lots of tropical plants that’ll make you feel as if you’re on an island.
Do you want a low-maintenance yard? Consider laying down artificial grass. There are plenty of options to choose from, so it’s best to speak with your landscaping company to determine which options you want to go with.
What Type of Backyard Transformation Will You Create?
How will you transform your own backyard? Use the information and advice given in the guide above to create the backyard transformation of your dreams! Remember, there are many different ways you can transform your backyard, so be sure to know what you want and formulate a plan.
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