Photo credit: Envato

If you’re ready for winter to end and enjoying the warmer weather recently, chances are that you’re already thinking about spending time in your backyard. Has the cold weather and wind left your backyard in need of some life? Perhaps you are ready for a backyard makeover so by the time summer comes, you can entertain in a great outdoor space. No matter what the reason, don’t let cost, time, or effort prevent you from getting started. Here are some simple DIYs you can do to improve your backyard’s appeal.

1. Light up your backyard

Photo credit: Janie Bruce

Did this tip just make a lightbulb pop up over your head? It should have, because this genius tip is the easiest and quickest way to improve your backyard! With hardly any elbow grease required, you can add lighting to your backyard in no time. Add some solar-powered path lights around the perimeter of your yard to add an instant glow. If you want to have a fun nighttime atmosphere, some tiki lamps can enhance your entertaining space. And of course, for a beautiful overhead lighting solution, string bistro lights above your patio, deck, seating area, or all over your yard. If you don’t have anywhere to hang the lights, try this DIY method for making light posts.

2. Create a cozy patio

Photo credit: Janie Bruce

Everyone loves a cozy backyard. In addition to our first tip, add some cozy new pillows and cushions to your backyard furniture. Try adding an outdoor rug in your lounging space, whether it’s a patio or gazebo, and add some potted plants or lanterns to give it more personality. You can even drape long, gathered curtains to dress up any corners. Lastly, the key to a perfectly cozy patio is a warm fire pit. Building a fire pit is more cost-effective and isn’t too difficult, but if you want to keep it easy, there are so many options to purchase one in bronze, stone, or concrete.

3. Upgrade your fences

Photo credit; Janie Bruce

Give your backyard fences a critical glance. Do they look like they need some freshening up? Fixing up your fences is a great way to elevate the look of your backyard. Of course, if there are boards in your fence that need to be replaced, do so. But you can also help upgrade them by giving them a fresh coat of paint (try a nice modern matte black, for example). You can plant short shrubs or flowers around the base of the fence, and if there is an area you would rather just cover, a garden trellis with ivy is a great way to do that. Lastly, try adding uplighting with small stake lights that point toward the fence, or string lights across the top of the fence.

4. Create a garden pathway

Photo credit: Janie Bruce

Creating a path is not only easy, but it’s a delightful way to upgrade your backyard. Find the area where you want your path to go and decide whether you want to add your path on top of the grass, or if you’d rather lay down mulch or gravel first. Then, using large flat stones or pavers, place a walkway across your yard or garden. If using mulch or gravel underneath, you’ll need to first lay down some kind of siding to prevent it from spilling out. To complete the transformation, don’t forget to add path lights along the way!

5. Make a pea gravel patio

Photo credit: Janie Bruce

Maybe your backyard doesn’t have a designated patio area, but you’d like one. Instead of bothering with the cumbersome process of pouring concrete, try using pea gravel. Pea gravel is also far less expensive than using pavers. This gravel is made up of fine, small rocks, and it’s great for any backyard. Remove any grass and dig up the area a little, about three inches. It doesn’t have to be perfectly even. Make your area border using small pavers or a retaining wall. Compact the soil, lay down weed fabric, and then fill it up with your gravel! This process requires a bit of work, but should only take you a day to finish. At the end, you’ll have a beautiful new patio space.

6. Add some zen water features

Photo credit: Janie Bruce

Who doesn’t love a water feature in their own backyard? Whether it’s adding a small fountain for a zen trickle or building a little pond for fish (which is possible to DIY but will be quite a bit of work), you can instantly transform a regular backyard into an oasis just by adding some water. Small waterfalls or fountains are very easy to install and may even invite some beautiful birds and butterflies to relax in your yard.

7. Plant a fruit tree

Photo credit: Envato

Imagine the delightful aroma of fruit blossoms wafting through your window. You can have that happen naturally- just plant a fruit tree! Citrus trees like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons are great for warmer climates and are fairly easy to maintain throughout the year. Ask an associate at your local garden center to find out what kind of tree would be best for your yard. Then, find a nice sunny corner of your yard that will be in the sprinkler zone, and that’s the perfect spot to plant one. When your tree grows large, it will provide lovely shade and delicious fruits. You can use them in recipes, gift them to friends and neighbors, make juices and jams, or just enjoy them for yourself right from the branch! No matter how you enjoy your tree, it will bring color and life (literally) to your yard.