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When it comes to backyard upgrades, it may sound like an expensive undertaking, but it can actually be fairly simple! From adding pillows to your deck furniture to installing a fire pit or pool, the options are endless!
Backyard additions can be cheap, too. As long as you make sure what you’re installing is best for your family, your house and in line with what you’re allowed to have on your property.
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Add a Garden
The addition of a garden can be beneficial to any backyard. Gardens can help beautify any backyard and can even provide you and your family with fresh, home-grown vegetables if properly maintained!
- Amount of sunlight your backyard gets- some plants grow with a lot of light, while some grow in shade
- Your climate type- where you live will impact which varieties of plants will thrive best in your environment
- The time of year- some plants are seasonal, so make sure the plants you’re buying are the ones that will grow best in whatever time of year you’re in
Plants and landscaping can add privacy as well, which is great if you have children who like to play in the backyard. Even if you only add a few plants, a small or potted garden, or a huge full-blown garden in your backyard, it’s sure to add to the look and feel of your space and encourage conversation with guests!
Did you know that gardening is also a great way to combat stress? Tending to a garden can be a very mindful practice and hobby if you put time in to attend to it. But it doesn’t have to be difficult! There are even apps that help you keep track of your plants. And if all else fails, you have the option of hiring a gardener to take care of your lawn if you are short on time.
Consider Adding a Pool
When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a dip in the pool. Pools are great for entertainment, exercise and can be very aesthetically pleasing. Some people are put off by the idea of having a pool because they think it’ll be a huge hassle to keep up with, but there are alternatives! The key lies in how you choose to keep your pool sanitized.
For example, instead of going with a traditionally chlorinated pool which usually does require a lot of upkeep, you could try using a salt water chlorinator on your pool instead. Salt pools are significantly easier to maintain because they don’t require the constant addition of chemicals. Additionally, even if the amount of upkeep isn’t a concern, salt pools offer a more luxurious pool experience because the water is silkier and won’t irritate skin or eyes!
All you’ll really need to do to maintain your salt pool is to test the salt pool water at least every week with test strips or a digital tester. If your salinity levels are off, you’ll need to add a bit of salt in order to re-balance the water. This tends to happen after a big storm or heavy pool use.
With any pool, just make sure you keep it clean of debris and dirt to prevent staining, clogging and imbalanced pool water. If you currently have a traditionally chlorinated pool, switching is easy and you don’t have to empty out your entire pool. You are just simply adding a new piece of equipment to your pool. Salt systems are made to work with any existing pool equipment, so you don’t have to replace or remove any of your existing pieces of equipment.
It’s also a very DIY-friendly process, so you can install it yourself in about an hour! Pools are a fantastic way to add fun and beauty to your backyard!
Give Your Porch an Upgrade
There are many things you can add quickly to your porch that can make your backyard a more relaxing and exciting place to be.
Adding small touches and amenities can create a very inviting feel. String lights are a super easy and budget friendly way to add warmth to any outdoor space. Grills also can add a new way to entertain and also look great on a patio, plus there are so many delicious grilling recipes you can make for your friends and family!
Even adding a fire pit can be a great addition to your backyard. Nothing screams “summer” more than roasting marshmallows over an open fire to make smores! They don’t have to be huge or expensive either! Fire pits are a cozy, affordable way to entertain family and friends.
Upgrading your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be costly- there are many DIY projects that you can find online that can walk you through ways of changing up your existing furniture. If budget isn’t a concern, beautiful outdoor kitchens are very functional for family and guests alike! You can always buy new furniture or even new accents like pillows or candles for your space to add new pops of color.
Got Kids? Add a New Play Area
Adding a play area can give your children a fun and safe place to play and spend the day. You can add simple things like swingset or sandbox or go all out! You don’t have to have a huge budget to make something wonderful for your kids.
If you take a look online, you’ll find design inspiration from ways to create a haven for your kids in your backyard on a budget, or ideas for creating massive play areas that include things like a treehouse or climbing wall! There is no right or wrong way to make a play area as long as it’s safe for your kids to play.
This can also include elements to make sure they’re getting enough exercise, like a basketball hoop or climbing bars. Kids are always full of energy, so no matter what you add to your backyard, you can be sure they’ll be entertained all in the comfort and safety of their own home.
Give your Backyard a Deep Cleaning
Even if you’re not expecting company, cleaning up your backyard can not only make it look better but also will decrease the chances of pests and other critters getting into your yard or even your house!
If you have a lot of trash around your home, this can invite roaches, rats, racoons and more to your property, some of which can make their way into your home. Lots of foliage and debris can be great homes for snakes and other creatures!
Not only that, but it’s essentially a free way to spruce up your space! Just giving your yard a once over clean and getting rid of anything you don’t need or use can increase the amount of space you have and also make it look significantly more put together.
Whatever you choose to spruce up your backyard, remember it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. If you want to DIY your projects, make sure you do it safely and with the right materials. There are many kits and inspiration available online, so feel free to play around with ideas!
