The backyard is a designated relaxation zone. It is a place where you can perform countless activities away from prying eyes, or simply lay around as you enjoy an earned moment of peace. It is also a place where you can entertain guests when the weather allows it. However, in order to create an appropriate environment for such activities, you’ll have to do a bit of landscaping. For people with unlimited budgets, creating an appealing oasis of comfort in the backyard is a non-issue. However, if you are strapped for cash, here are some basic and useful tips for economical backyard landscaping.
Start with the trees
Before you begin your backyard landscaping activities, first plant your trees. They will determine the layout of your backyard. Even if we are talking about mere sprouts, it is fairly predictable on how tall and bulky a particular species of tree can become over time, so arrange your backyard accordingly.
If you desire shade trees, go with sycamores, maples or oaks. Elms, birches and some ash trees do grow significantly faster, but they also have shorter lifespans, so it would be better if you avoid purchasing them. Of course, if you completely want to avoid purchasing a tree, you can ask around a neighborhood – someone will almost certainly be eager to give you an extra sprout if they have one to spare. Keep in mind that planting trees is a long game. The results will not be visible for years to come.
Spa area is a good investment
Of course, you cannot create an interesting backyard without investing some money into it. If you live in a predominantly hot corner of the globe with long and smoldering summers, you should definitely consider purchasing a stylish outdoor spa pool, so your backyard can truly live up to the moniker of “oasis”. Just imagine how cool it would be to organize a spa party with friends?
Thankfully, we live in the time when installing such backyard landscaping items is neither complicated nor too costly. Just make sure you have chosen the right corner for it, so you can arrange the rest of the yard without the fear of having to refurbish it too soon.
Line your backyard with bushes
Backyards usually have crude corners. In order to achieve the appearance of comfortable oasis that is hidden from prying eyes, start your backyard landscaping endeavor by lining your backyard with bushes or other backyard-appropriate plant life. You can choose a reasonably priced species of green plant life and plant if en-masse. This will also definitely simplify the maintenance of your yard and make it appear more opulent.
Go to the local quarry or a beach
The next thing you should do is take a drive to the local quarry or a beach (whether it’s the river, a lake or an ocean, it doesn’t matter). Start looking for interesting rocks, larger stones and twisted logs you can use to spruce up your backyard. This material can go a long way when it comes to decorating your backyard, which is astounding considering you can get it for free. Fill your trunk with these free goods, but have at least a semblance of an idea about what you can do with them.
Use the assortment of white rocks to create a line that separates the “bush” area from the lawn. If you’ve lined your entire yard with bushes as suggested in the tip above, you should end up with a striking white line that goes around your entire yard, which will give it a sharper, more distinct appearance.
Boulder décor
Use bigger rocks as decoration material. If you’ve managed to find interesting boulders, just place them in small groups of twos and threes in the middle of your lawn. Furthermore, take out the interestingly shaped tree branches and logs you have found and lacquer them before you introduce them as décor on top of the said boulders. However, try not to overdo it – determine the number of these “organic” islands according to the size of your backyard.
With a bit of effort on your part, you can truly turn your backyard into a worthy extension of your household. Some of these tips do not require of you to spend too much money, but the difference they make is truly profound. Still, always keep in mind the fact that a beautiful backyard (and front yard for that matter) requires constant maintenance.
