DIY Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners

Owning a home comes with the opportunity to shape your outdoor space. With just a few simple landscaping ideas, homeowners can refresh their yards quickly and affordably and make their space a place they want to spend even more time in.

DIY Landscaping Project Ideas

There are several ways to create a welcoming yard with DIY landscaping projects, many of which can be completed in a short span of time.

Add or Replace Mulch

Adding fresh mulch around your plants and the front of the house is a quick way to refresh your outdoor living space. The best times to add or replace mulch are mid-spring, when the ground is no longer frozen, or fall, when plant roots need protection from the cold.

If you're adding mulch around trees or plants like hydrangeas, be sure the mulch doesn't creep up the trunk, as doing so can prevent proper water absorption. For areas that are weed-prone, consider installing ground cover to reduce overgrowth.

Install Flower Beds

Backyards with extra space are a great place for flower beds, which can add structure and color. A typical flower bed requires a flat, grass-free area with rich soil. Homeowners can choose which type of edging they like, such as wood or metal, and arrange their flowers in the bed before planting. For added variety, flower beds can also be a great place to plant herbs or vegetables.

Enhance Your Patio

You can also enhance your patio to boost both curb appeal and functionality. Installing pavers, for instance, is an easy way to create a stylish patio surface. Adding a walkway can also improve access throughout an outdoor space. For added texture, try using natural-looking rocks as stepping stones that connect your patio to another area in the yard.

Create a Retaining Wall

For sloped yards, a retaining wall helps prevent erosion and creates defined planting areas. Retaining walls can be installed alongside patios or other areas that might need leveling support.

To DIY a retaining wall:

1. Start by marking the layout.
2. Then, dig a shallow trench for a stable base.
3. Add a layer of gravel.
4. Place the first row of wall blocks evenly.
5. Continue stacking while checking that each layer is level.

Plant Perennials

An easy way to incorporate color into your yard is to plant perennials, which typically return each year at the same time. Even better, perennials are notoriously drought-tolerant and sturdy plants that are easy to tend to, once they bloom.

Common options by season include:

• Spring: Daffodils, hostas, and creeping phlox.
• Summer: Day lilies, geraniums, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers.
• Fall: Mums, irises, and peonies.
• Winter: Ornamental grasses like blue fescue, golden yuccas, and hardy cyclamen.

Plant for Year-round Coverage

For year-round foliage, consider planting larger perennials, such as dogwood trees, evergreen boxwoods, juniper shrubs, or Japanese maples. These plants offer extra shade and privacy as they grow. With flowering perennials, keep in mind that they usually take at least one to two years to fully bloom.

Incorporate Water Features

Fountains, bird baths, and even small walkway streams are easy landscaping additions that can enhance a backyard. These water features not only add natural flair to their space, but they also can mitigate unwanted sounds by creating a peaceful, constant flow of water. Fountains can also transform a space into a backyard oasis, serving as an eye-catching focal point in back and front yards alike.

Add Privacy Features

Many homeowners prefer an added layer of privacy, so they can enjoy peace and quiet while spending time outside. If this sounds ideal to you, you can consider plants like arborvitaes and ornamental grasses, which can provide consistent privacy alongside shared fences and patios. Alternatively, you might consider incorporating trellises, which are ideal for flowering shrubs, greenery, or vines and can create natural barriers over time.

FAQs

How can I create a low-maintenance garden design?

If you're doing your landscaping on your own, you'll need to create a garden design you can follow easily.

1. Start by selecting an area in your yard that will help native plants thrive.
2. When selecting plants, consider if they'll need full sun or mainly shade, and whether or not they need frequent pruning, upkeep, or watering.
3. To keep your garden design low-maintenance, try planting in a smaller area and see how it goes before expanding.

What is the least expensive way to landscape?

Landscaping on a budget can look different for everyone. To landscape economically, create a feasible design plan before purchasing your supplies. You can also start small and finish one portion of your project at a time, such as planting a small garden area or refinishing your hardscape area. The key is not to over-budget or over-commit when you start working on your home's landscaping.