September ushers in fall, a refreshing time of nature walks, apple picking, and outdoor feasts. Your backyard is at the party’s center, so it must look and feel the part. It’s a superb time to do upgrades in your backyard. According to PR News Wire, 78% of homeowners made background upgrades in 2021, showing a growing interest in outdoor spaces. Discover 10 backyard upgrades on a budget you can do this September.
1. Create a Cozy Outdoor Seating Area
If you’ll spend considerable time outdoors, a cozy outdoor seating area is one of the best backyard upgrades on a budget. A cozy outdoor has comfortable chairs, sofas, and hammocks. The cushions aren’t too hard to make you uncomfortable, nor are they too vulnerable to the outdoor climate. Most outdoor spaces have a shaded area with a pergola or umbrella. Similarly, investing in swimming pool cleaning makes the outdoor space enjoyable and relaxing.
Since fall allows more outdoor time, upgrading your outdoors provides a relaxing space for fun activities. You can enjoy some cold juices under the beautiful sun while having conversations. Besides, upgrading your outdoor space extends your living space for entertaining. So, no more postponing that barbecue because you have all the necessary space. When you have improved the overall aesthetics of your backyard, you have a greater incentive to spend time outdoors, which is healthy.
You can create a cozy outdoor space without breaking the bank. Start by choosing durable and weather-resistant furniture without compromising aesthetics and comfort. For ergonomic purposes, arrange the seating to encourage social interaction. Circular arrangements are the best because everyone can see each other without struggle and even serve food.
2. Add Solar-Powered Garden Lights
Have you planned to upgrade the garden, but the cost held you back? Solar-powered garden lights are some of the most eco-friendly backyard upgrades on a budget. They come as small solar panels on top of each light, and LED bulbs are inside the light fixtures. You can place them on the fence gates, pathways, and the garden itself.
Besides being eco-friendly and energy efficient, solar-powered garden lighting doesn’t need electrical wiring or external power sources. It relies solely on the sun as an energy source to illuminate pathways, gardens, and outdoor spaces, especially in the evening.
When installing a solar-powered garden light, go for strategic locations that allow collecting sunshine while illuminating the ground below. Push stakes into the ground and mount them securely. Ensure the solar panels can receive direct sunlight to charge optimally. You can now enjoy automatic nighttime illumination without additional maintenance.
3. Plant Low-Maintenance Perennials
Low-maintenance perennials are plants that return year after year. Once established, perennials require minimum care and attention. Thus, you don’t have to worry about gardening daily for the plants to thrive. Some examples of perennial plants are lavender, daylilies, and sedum. These species are known for their resilience and hardiness. The low maintenance cost of perennial plants makes them one of the backyard upgrades on a budget.
Perennial plants offer long-term savings on time and effort, so even if you invest in them this September, you will continue enjoying them throughout the year. They’re a good choice for the sustainable and eco-friendly homeowner. Besides, they offer color and continued bloom in your garden. Some perennial plants attract pollinators, which could help your gardening goals.
You’ll start by land clearing the space you want to plant the perennials. Working with a professional gardener is also recommended, especially when picking appropriate plants for your garden. Ensure your soil has good drainage; if not, amend it before planting. Proceed to dig holes the size of root balls or slightly larger. After planting, water thoroughly and mulch to retain the moisture.
4. Install a DIY Fire Pit
A DIY fire pit is a homemade feature for open-air fires. It can be circular or square, depending on your design needs. While professional fire pits cost more, DIY ones are pocket-friendly backyard upgrades on a budget. The central area has a fire ring where the fire lights up while the base is fire-proof.
There are many advantages of a fire pit. First, it creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings. During those cool evenings and extended outdoor sessions, it provides much warmth. You can also use it for cooking, for instance, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. Under the fire, you can stargaze, storyteller, and socialize.
You don’t have to go at the DIY project alone, especially considering it involves fire. You can work with a local concrete contractor to choose a safe and level location away from flammable materials. Build the base with sand or gravel, then arrange bricks in the desired shape and place the fire ring inside.
5. Upgrade Your Outdoor Dining Space
Consider upgrading your outdoor dining space. When looking for backyard upgrades, you can do it on a budget. For starters, September brings milder weather with cooler temperatures, making the outdoors more fun. Remodeling your outdoors adds to this enjoyment by allowing you to maximize your space for gatherings, parties, and peaceful meals before winter comes. Besides, fall offers a beautiful natural environment that adds ambiance to your outdoor dining area.
What should your dining space look like after an upgrade? First, it should have comfortable seating. Go for furniture that can endure time without compromising on beauty.
Next, add a spacious dining table that can fit many guests. For shade, go for a pergola or retractable awning. Also, don’t forget safety, especially if the outdoor space is on your balcony. For instance, upgrade the residential balcony handrail to improve ease of access and safety for all guests.
When you have a dedicated space for al fresco dining, meal-making becomes all the more fun. You can host birthday parties and bridal showers because you have the necessary space. Besides, spending time outdoors with loved ones can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing. Take time to upgrade your backyard as an appreciation of the beauty of changing seasons.
6. Build a Raised Garden Bed
Building a raised garden is one of the most mesmerizing backyard upgrades on a budget. Raised gardens are a favorite among hardeners because of the improved drainage. Waterlogging is not good for plants, but raised gardens are good for plant growth because you have more control over water levels and soil quality.
A raised garden is typically rectangular or square and has defined borders. You have control over how these borders integrate seamlessly with other outdoor space elements, such as residential garage doors. The height should be about six to 12 inches. Ensure you use a well-balanced and nutrient-rich soil mix.
A raised garden is a budget-friendly way to lift your outdoor space. Since you have more control over soil quality, you have fewer weeding problems, and thus, raised beds are easier to manage. Besides, depending on the plants you grow, raised beds can increase the visual appeal of your garden by adding pop.
7. Craft a Natural Stone Path
Have you ever thought of adding a natural stone path? Maybe you saw one on pool maintenance company videos or at your neighbor’s. There’s good reason to desire having a natural stone path. They add beauty and charm to your garden, swimming pool, and outdoor space. As the world turns back to nature and everything eco-friendly, natural stone paths are gaining popularity. Stone is not only eco-friendly but also durable; thus, it can withstand heavy foot traffic.
One of the reasons natural stone paths are becoming popular is because it’s a timeless beauty. Tile may come and go, but natural stone has been around for centuries. It’s also one of the cheapest backyard upgrades on a budget because it has low maintenance requirements. You can easily walk around your outdoors without worrying you’ll slip and fall.
A natural stone path should blend seamlessly into your outdoor surroundings. Depending on your space, you can choose from various options, including those that give a rustic and organic look. A landscape designer can help you understand how to plan your path to improve the aesthetics. For example, you can choose a winding path to create a dramatic look. Please ensure the stones are well leveled to prevent safety incidents.
8. Set Up a Hammock
Picture this: It’s a lazy Saturday afternoon in September, and you’re on a hammock reading a book. Hammocks are a great way to unwind and relax under the sun. As you lounge in a hammock, you feel less stressed and enjoy. You can enjoy quality time with loved ones.
A hammock has fabric or netting suspended between two anchor points. Some people do DIY hammocks using strong fabrics and steel anchor points. Whatever option you take, you have to ensure proper installation by securing a safe attachment to trees, posts, or sturdy frames. Call a residential paver to provide a stable place for the hammock.
Hammocks create a serene retreat in your outdoors that’s essential in improving wellbeing. According to a study reported by CBS News, a hammock can soothe you to quicker and more satisfying sleep. However, hammocks are not limited to sleeping alone. You can socialize, read a book, or enjoy nature.
9. Repurpose Old Furniture for Patio Use
Do you have old furniture in your house or basement? You can repurpose it for patio use. Repurposing your furniture is a sustainable way to use existing materials. It also helps you save on costs compared to buying new patio furniture. When repurposing, you are helping reduce landfill waste, a great way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving a heavy environmental footprint. You have more control over the design since you are crafting it from scratch.
Start by assessing the furniture’s condition and cleaning it thoroughly. If it is too much work, consider hiring a pressured water cleaning service to remove all the dirt and grease. Next, craft a clear design concept that you intend to implement. If the furniture has any issues, fix it before repurposing it. Lastly, add personalized finishing touches, such as adding a colorful fabric. Ensure the finishes match your paver patio and other outdoor elements.
While repurposing old furniture is one of the backyard upgrades on a budget, you have to make certain considerations. For instance, what material is the furniture made of, and can you work with it? Do you have the necessary skills and tools to convert the furniture for patio use? Answering these questions will help you decide on the functionality and design of the repurposed furniture.
10. Build a DIY Water Feature
Have you ever gone to a mall and spent minutes gazing at a water feature – how it spurs and redirects the water in amazing ways? You may have thought that’s out of your pocket reach, but DIY water features are amazing backyard upgrades on a budget. Water has a cathartic effect, especially when jetting from a water feature. The whooshing sound and increased humidity can help create a tranquil outdoor environment.
Start by visualizing and planning what your DIY water feature should look like and where you want to place it. Next, gather the necessary materials, such as water pumps and a basin. After assembling all materials, implement the design and get the water flowing. A local pool repair service can help you with maintenance and more complex aspects of the water feature.
To bring it all together, upgrading your backyard is one of the best ways to prepare for fall. The good part is you don’t have to break the bank to prepare your backyard. This elaborate guide lets you pick a few high-impact projects to prepare for a new season. It’s advisable to work with professionals to get the most value. Remember to explore our website for more budget-friendly home remodeling tips.