Simple tips for redoing your yard without breaking the bank

Is your yard the most boring on the block? Not anymore. Use our affordable yard makeover tips to improve your curb appeal — and maybe make your house the envy of the neighborhood.

Quick DIY landscaping ideas

Good landscaping begins with a good layout. If you already have an organized yard, it may only need a few simple, affordable upgrades to take it from bland to beautiful.

Tree trimming

Trees that are looking a bit unkempt may benefit with a bit of trimming. Cut out any dead branches to help your trees look healthier. Give the tree a facelift by removing low hanging branches — you should be able to comfortably walk under it.

Hire a pro to trim your trees so they look healthier.

Freshen your mulch

Flower beds add variety to your yard, but they can quickly feel disheveled when weeds, rocks and dirt clumps are visible. Clear out the weeds, smooth out the surface, then cover the area with organic mulch. In addition to keeping weeds down and nourishing the soil, mulch gives the area a clean, cohesive look.

Light it up

Add a bit of charm to your landscaping with outdoor lighting. Place solar powered lights along your walkways or around your flowerbeds to give the area a subtle glow.

Build a better lawn

Occasional weeds in your grass isn’t unusual, and it’s something you can treat with products from your local garden center. But if your yard has become more dandelions than lawn, it might be time for a total revamp. 

To start over, you’ll need to kill the existing lawn. First, cut it as short as you can, then spray it with a weed and grass killer. You may need to spray it again after a week. Next aerate the area well, making several passes. Then, add a minimum 1 inch of topsoil. You’re ready to spread the new seed.

Quickly revive your flower beds with some fresh mulch.

Getting rid of yellow patches

If you’re dealing with unsightly yellow patches, check for broken sprinkler heads. If the sprinkler system is working correctly, you may have problems such as grubs — bugs that eat the grass from the roots. 

A professional lawn care service can help you diagnose and resolve problems. They’ll set up a fertilization schedule to keep your lawn healthy in the future.

Find local lawn care professionals on KSL

Installing a sprinkler system

Keeping your lawn watered is vital, especially in Utah’s intense summer heat. If you don’t have an automated sprinkler system, it’s worth it to invest in one so you can water efficiently. 

How deep should you dig pipe trenches? How much pipe do you need? What sprinkler heads will work best? How long will this project take?

Hire an irrigation specialist to take all the guesswork out of it. They can design and install a system for you. In the fall, after irrigation water is turned off, they can winterize your system to prevent broken water lines.

Find an affordable sprinkler service on KSL

Redo your yard from scratch

If your yard is just plain boring or needs a major overhaul, hiring a professional landscaper could save you time and money. They can offer advice on how to design your yard to maximize natural features, and also how to avoid issues such as erosion and drainage.

Their expertise can help you save money when choosing plants, recommending ones that will thrive in your soil and suggesting ones to avoid.

Search Utah landscaping services on KSL

Fun additions, such as a deck or patio, extend your living space and spice up your backyard.

Add some outdoor features

A well-trimmed yard, whether you have grass or xeriscaping, will look nice. But your home will look more polished and inviting if your outdoor areas also include gathering spaces.

Pour a patio

A comfortable patio becomes an extension of your living space. Put up a few chairs and a table, and you have a place to hang out with the family, host guests or just read a book. When you’re ready to sell your home, a beautiful patio is a great selling point. It could even increase your resale value up to 10%. 

You may be able to pour a small patio, but if you’re wanting a larger pad or an unusual shape, you may want to hire a pro. They’ll have the equipment and experience to make sure the patio is smooth and level.

Find a concrete contractor on KSL Services

Create gathering places to make your yard feel welcoming.

Build a deck

For sloped yards or to add more dimension to your outdoor living space, consider adding a deck. A deck is also more customizable than a flat concrete pad. You could include multiple levels or add decorative railings to make it interesting.

If a deck brings to mind the sliver-laden, decaying wood deck from your childhood, think again. Today you can build one with long-lasting, maintenance free materials such as composite decking and PVC decking.

Search deck and patio specialists on KSL

Invest in a firepit

A gas or wood firepit is a simple design element that can add a bit of charm to your backyard. Create a little nook in your yard for cooking or relaxing. Be sure the ground is level and the spot is at least 10 feet away from anything that could melt or burn.

Keep calm with a water feature

Give your front or back yard a natural, calming ambiance with a water feature. A small, gentle waterfall not only makes your yard feel more serene, it can also mask background noise — traffic, lawn mowers, etc.

Discover local masons on KSL Services

Add a fence

Sometimes, your property just lacks definition. A fence clearly defines your boundaries, giving you a private space. Fences are good at keeping children and pets in a safe area. Fences also help reduce noise so you can feel more relaxed when you’re outside.

Find fence installers on KSL

Find affordable specialists on KSL

KSL Classifieds’ Services listings make it easy to find trusted Utah landscaping services to help you turn your yard into an outdoor space you’re proud of. When you turn to a pro, you’ll know you’re getting the job done right the first time.

Before you begin your landscaping upgrade, get quotes from multiple specialists on KSL Services. This will give you an idea of what budget you’ll need to make your dream happen.

Discover how easy it is to refresh your outdoor space with help from local landscaping experts.

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