What can I do with my backyard this year?

By ANGIE HICKS

Ask Angi (TNS) I f your backyard has seen better days, it might be time for a makeover.

Give your backyard some much-needed TLC this year. Landscaping remains one of the most popular home services out there. According to the 2024 Angi State of Home Spending report, landscaping was the fourth most popular home project for 2024, and many homeowners say it will remain a priority this year.

Here are some of my favorite backyard projects, and how to plan for big backyard renovations.

Most major backyard projects take a long time to plan and complete, so it’s important to start planning as soon as possible. If you want your projects completed by the time summer rolls around, you should start planning now. My biggest tip is to hire a contractor who will help you stay on track. As always, good communication is the key to a job well done. Just give them your vision, timeline and budget, and they’ll make sure your project is completed as efficiently as possible.

If you want to take on smaller backyard projects, like landscaping retouches, exterior painting or pressure washing, you don’t need to plan so far in advance. Try completing these projects after your major projects, so you can envision how everything will look together.

Don’t forget to add finishing touches once your renovations are complete. Small things like lighting and furniture can make your backyard a more comfortable, enjoyable place to spend time.

Here are five great ways to improve your backyard:

1. Potted Plants

A well-designed backyard typically features shrubs and trees as foundational elements, but incorporating potted plants can add depth, color and versatility to your garden. Potted plants offer the flexibility to experiment with various arrangements, allowing you to refresh your garden’s aesthetic with ease. Popular choices for container gardening include begonias, asters and azaleas, all of which thrive in confined spaces while adding visual interest.

2. Edible Gardens

A backyard can serve both aesthetic and practical purposes by incorporating edible gardens into the design. Growing fruits and vegetables not only guarantees freshness and superior taste but also supports a sustainable lifestyle. If space is limited, raised beds or container gardening can provide viable alternatives while maintaining high productivity.

3. Fire Pits

Nothing says summer like a backyard bonfire. Purchase a fire pit at your local garden center or create your own fire pit using stone or brick surrounded with gravel or small stones, which enhance both safety and visual appeal. Grab some comfy furniture, family and friends and get ready for s’more season.

4. Walkways and Paths

Defined walkways not only guide movement through your garden but also enhance its overall structure and design. Materials such as gravel, stepping stones or repurposed wooden pallets can be used to create pathways that blend seamlessly with your garden’s aesthetic. To elevate the look, line the paths with low-growing plants like verbena, hostas or sedges.

5. Water Features

Water features bring a sense of tranquility and refinement to any backyard. Tiered fountains add the soothing sound of running water. Small ponds can serve as a striking contrast to surrounding plants, adding visual depth and interest. Birdbaths can also serve as a focal point and provide shelter for our friends in the sky.