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5 Tips for Landscaping a Small Yard

Think you can’t do much landscaping in a small yard? Think again! Options for creating an amazing landscape in a small space are more varied than you think, with tons of possibilities no matter what your style or how many square feet you have.

These tips can take even the most modest space and create interest, space, and enjoyment. Your yard is your personal oasis and should be a space to relax and play.

1. Create a Focal Point

Giving your small yard a focal point draws the eye and adds interest. Your focal point could be a seating area or an arbor. Other ideas include a fountain or other feature. Don’t rule out focal points such as ponds or gazebos because you don’t think you have space. You can create smaller versions of these backyard favorites that not only suit your space but create a true backyard escape. Think of a half-barrel pond or cleverly designed water feature that doesn’t take up much space but is big on impact. A small arbor or a well-placed trellis can give the feel of a mini-retreat right in your yard.

Photo by Field Outdoor Spaces

2. Think Vertical

Go tall in your garden to maximize space, privacy, and interest. Vertical gardens, climbing plants and tall blooming flowers make the most of your backyard area. There are some amazing things you can do with vertical gardening, such as creating a “living wall” full of gorgeous foliage that adds instant drama, interest, and personality to your small yard. A vertical garden display can make a beautiful focal point in your yard.

Photo from MaxPixel

3. Make a Path

Creative use of pathways draws the eye and pulls separate areas of the yard together. You can use pavers, mulch or decorative rocks to create a winding path from the porch to the gate, or between the patio and another focal point.

Photo by Field Outdoor Spaces

4. Create Separate Outdoor “Living Spaces”

Even a small yard can be divided into separate outdoor “living” areas. This not only creates the look and feel of more space, it also makes entertaining and spending time outdoors more enjoyable. Create multiple nooks and seating areas. Use plants, benches, small fences, trellises or other landscaping features as borders between areas. For example, create a relaxed patio and barbecue area, and then use creative borders such as raised beds or a trellis to enclose a meditation or reading space, complete with a bench or a hammock.

5. Declutter

If your yard is tiny it’s important to keep things streamlined. Take a critical look to see what can be eliminated. What is taking up space and is that thing necessary or beautiful? If it’s not necessary, and it doesn’t make you happy when you look at it, take it away. It doesn’t belong in your small yard. It might be a good idea to remove the grass as well. Create more functional space with concrete or another hard surface. You can use containers and raised beds for planting so you still have foliage and color.

It’s best to map out your yard on paper to get an idea of what will and won’t work. Another option is to consult a landscape designer who can guide you through the process of creating a backyard that suits your needs. You don’t have to have a large space to work with a landscape designer, they are skilled at creating beautiful outdoor spaces of all sizes.

The key to a beautifully landscaped small yard is creativity. Don’t feel limited by a small space. Most large yards are primarily lawn with only a small portion of the yard actually landscaped or used for entertaining. Cozy spaces are wonderful for entertaining. If you maximize the space you have, you’ll find that your smaller yard is bigger than you thought!

Once you have your design plan, contact Wilson Blacktop for the landscape materials you need.

Featured image by Carl Wycoff