Backyard Landscape Tips & Ideas

Your backyard can become much more than a simple patch of grass. A thoughtfully planned outdoor space can serve as a place to relax, entertain guests, dine outdoors, and spend quality time with family. Whether you want a simple refresh or a complete backyard transformation, the right landscaping and hardscaping choices can make a major difference in elevating your new outdoor living space.

Tips for Transforming a Backyard

Pick a Focal Point

Every successful backyard design starts with a focal point. This focal point could be a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, patio, pergola, or water feature like a pool. A strong focal point helps organize the rest of the yard and creates a natural gathering area for family and guests.

Choose the Right Hardscape Materials

Hardscape materials play a major role in both the appearance and durability of your backyard. Popular choices include manufactured materials like concrete, brick, and pavers, as well as natural stone like flagstone. These materials are great for creating stunning patios, retaining walls, walkways, and fireplaces.

Light the Area Up for Ambiance, Safety & Security

Outdoor lighting ensures you get maximum use of your backyard after sunset. For example, path lights can lessen the odds of tripping and falling, while string lights can offer ambiance in a comfortable seating area.

Be Smart with Greenery

Plants help soften hardscape designs while adding color, texture, and privacy. Native Missouri plants are often a smart option for St. Louis homes because they typically require less maintenance than other species and support local pollinators and wildlife.

Connect Areas with Walkways

Walkways flow throughout the backyard, connecting outdoor areas to make everything feel more organized. Stone, concrete, brick, and gravel paths can connect patios, gardens, pools, seating areas, and side yards while helping reduce wear on your lawn.

Create a Dynamic Feel with Water Features

Water features add movement, sound, and visual interest to your backyard. Fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and streams, for instance, can all create a peaceful atmosphere while serving as eye-catching focal points. They don't have to be big to be impactful, either; even small water features can make a backyard feel more luxurious.

Consider Year-round Enjoyment

A well-designed backyard should remain enjoyable throughout multiple seasons. Pergolas, covered patios, outdoor heaters, fire pits, and durable outdoor furniture can help extend the use of your outdoor living area beyond the summer months.

Budget Wisely

Creating a backyard retreat is an investment in your property and lifestyle. A good rule of thumb is to spend between 15% and 20% of a home's value on major landscaping projects.

If your ideal project exceeds your current budget, consider completing the work in smaller phases.

Incorporate Proper Drainage

Drainage is one of the most important parts of any landscape project, as poor drainage can lead to standing water, damaged plants, erosion, and foundation issues.

Don't Neglect Maintenance

Choose materials that match the amount of upkeep you want to handle. Durable materials and low-maintenance plants can help keep your backyard looking great with less ongoing work.

Know When to Ask for Help

It's okay to ask for help. Creating a flower bed, for instance, is perfectly fine as a DIY project. But larger projects involving grading, electrical work, or natural gas lines? Those are often best left to professionals (and it may even be required, depending on where you live).

Quick & Easy Backyard Ideas for Homeowners

• Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in the St. Louis climate.
• Use durable hardscape materials like flagstone, concrete pavers, or brick.
• Create a fireplace for a laid-back gathering space.
• Add a pavilion for shaded comfort.
• Create a dining area with a built-in grill.
• Use lighting for nighttime ambiance.
• Install a fountain for a calming backyard atmosphere.
• Create privacy with hedges or other plants.
• Design the project in phases to better fit your timeline and budget.

FAQs

What are some affordable hardscape materials?

Concrete, gravel, mulch, and standard brick pavers are often among the most affordable hardscape materials. Which one is best depends on your needs. Concrete, for example, is durable and low maintenance, while gravel can provide a natural look at a lower cost.

What does backyard hardscape include?

Backyard hardscape includes the non-living features of an outdoor space, like patios, walkways, driveways, decks, fences, and water features.

What are the benefits of backyard hardscaping?

Hardscaping can:

• Improve the curb appeal of your property
• Create outdoor gathering spaces
• Improve drainage
• Reduce maintenance

What are some sustainable materials for hardscape projects?

Permeable pavers, reclaimed stone, gravel, and locally sourced natural stone are all sustainable hardscape options.

How do you choose the right materials for backyard hardscaping projects?

The right materials depend on your budget, maintenance preferences, design style, and how you plan to use the space. Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction works with homeowners like you to select materials that fit your property's layout and long-term goals.