10 Improvements to Make to Your Yard

A yard is an important part of any home, providing extra outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment and adding curb appeal. However, many homeowners fail to utilize their yards to their full potential. With some simple improvements, you can transform your yard into an inviting oasis and add significant value to your property. 

Upgrading your yard not only increases your enjoyment of your outdoor space but also boosts your home’s resale value. According to Bob Vila, outdoor improvements like landscaping, patios, and decks can provide great returns on investment. Considering these ROIs, you can create a backyard that feels like an extension of your living space with a few strategic upgrades tailored to your needs and lifestyle. 

Let’s explore some improvements that can make a yard more functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Upgraded Landscaping

One of the easiest ways to instantly improve your yard is by upgrading your landscaping. Simple steps like mowing, fertilizing, pruning shrubs, and planting flowers can make a dramatic difference in how your yard looks. Proper lawn care and strategic plantings can add vibrancy and character to your outdoor space. 

Consider planting trees, shrubs, and flowers native to your region, as these will thrive in your climate without excessive maintenance. Flower beds and potted plants add pops of color, while trees provide shade and visual interest. Hardscaping, like walkways, retaining walls, and rock gardens, also complement the landscaping. A thoughtfully designed landscape ties your entire yard together.

Adding a Patio or Deck 

A patio or deck exponentially increases the usable space in your yard, providing a designated area for outdoor furniture and entertainment. According to the National Association of Realtors, adding a patio can increase a home’s value by around $5,000, while a new deck can add $8,000 or more. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed or need expert guidance, consider reaching out to Deck Experts, a trusted network of professional decking contractors who can help you design and build the perfect addition tailored to your needs.

Considering DIY? For a simple paved space, opt for materials like stone, brick, or concrete. Decks offer a more elevated design, often built from wood or composite decking. Make sure to check local building codes for requirements before constructing a deck. For the final touches, furnish your new patio or deck with seating, lighting, and decor. An outdoor rug and throw pillows make the space feel homey.

Installing a Pergola

A pergola adds architectural interest to your yard while providing shade and coverage. Often featured in gardens, pool areas, or over patios, pergolas consist of an open slatted roof supported by posts or pillars. You can install a freestanding pergola or attach one to an exterior wall.

For added ambiance, drape lights or sheer curtains across your pergola. Place potted plants around the base and furnish the space with chairs and side tables for an intimate seating nook. Though hiring a contractor is ideal, DIYers can install an affordable pergola kit starting at around $1,000. Pergolas lend unique character to backyards of all sizes.

Building an Outdoor Fire Pit 

An outdoor fire pit creates an instant focal point for nighttime gatherings. Choose from wood-burning, gas, and propane models, or create a DIY fire pit with retaining wall blocks or a metal liner. Position your fire pit on a patio or dedicated space with seating surrounding it. 

For safety, locate the fire pit at least 10 feet away from structures. Expect to spend around $200 to $3,000 for a prefabricated fire pit, not including installation. You can also purchase a kit or materials to construct a custom fire pit for less. Outdoor fire pits provide ambient lighting and warmth for enjoying cool evenings outside.

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

Take your cooking and entertaining outdoors by adding an outdoor kitchen. Start with the essentials like a grill, sink, counters, and storage. For a higher-end setup, include features like a refrigerator, pizza oven, wine cooler, and more. Use materials that can withstand weather exposure, like stone, tile, stainless steel, and weather-treated wood.

Ideally, position your outdoor kitchen near the existing patio space to allow for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Expect to invest around $1,500 to $5,000 for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen. The project can be completed in phases over time as well. Even a simple grill station makes outdoor cooking more convenient. 

Installing Privacy Fencing

Fencing in your yard not only defines the perimeter but also provides privacy from neighbors. Opt for wood, vinyl, or composite fencing ranging from 4 to 6 feet tall. A living privacy fence made from dense shrubs or trees is a natural alternative. 

Set boundaries and create intimate zones in your yard with fencing. Use it to conceal utility areas, delineate garden beds, or surround a patio. Be sure to check local regulations regarding fence height and materials before installing. Fencing lends a sense of seclusion that makes backyards feel more like personal sanctuaries.

Planting a Vegetable Garden

Get a taste of the good life by planting your own vegetable garden! Start small with a few raised garden beds tailored to your region and sunlight conditions. Leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and herbs are relatively easy for beginners. Over time, expand your garden each season.

Position your garden in a sunny spot near a water source. Amend the soil with compost or manure to optimize growing conditions. Maintain your garden by weeding, watering, and harvesting regularly. You can also incorporate flowers and trellises. Growing your own produce is rewarding and provides the freshest ingredients.

Adding Exterior Lighting

Outdoor lighting allows you to utilize your yard long after sunset. Illuminate pathways, patios, trees, and architectural elements throughout your landscape. Opt for solar lighting along garden beds and walkways. Install recessed lighting and pendant fixtures on patios, pergolas, and porches.

Uplighting placed in trees or along structures creates a dramatic ambiance. Control lighting with timers and dimmers to set the perfect mood. Ensure fixtures are rated for outdoor use and positioned safely away from plants and structures. Proper lighting transforms your yard into a gorgeous nighttime oasis.

Constructing a Water Feature

The tranquil sound of moving water instantly enhances any backyard. Water features come in endless forms, from grand-tiered fountains to modest birdbath fountains. Consider placement carefully, situating your water feature in a visible spot where its soothing presence can be enjoyed.

Smaller water features like container fountains are easily incorporated onto patios and garden beds. Larger installations require more planning and professional installation. Choose a style that fits your landscape, like rustic stone for a natural garden or sleek metal for a contemporary setting. The restful trickle of a water feature adds serenity to your personal backyard paradise.

Conclusion

Revitalizing your yard requires imagination and thoughtful planning. With this list of impactful improvements, you can transform your yard into an outdoor oasis. Tailor these projects to match your needs and style. Invest time into designing your ideal yard, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come. Your home’s exterior is just as deserving of a makeover as the interior. Use your yard to its full potential by making it as beautiful and livable as the inside of your home.