Thursday, April 25, 2024
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Cheapest Way To Cover Dirt In Backyard

Flip Burgers In An Outdoor Kitchen

muddy backyard fix if you have dogs

Photo via @mrs_rackley.home

Let your backyard be the supreme spot for entertaining guests with a kitchen! There are plenty of ways to build an outdoor kitchen that fit within your budget. Add a charcoal grill and table on a patio for a simple look. Or install a kitchen kit under a pergola, which includes an island, grill, storage, and refrigerator.

Photo via @thekatrinablair

Say goodbye to making multiple trips inside with a bar cart! Load your cart up with glasses, small appetizer plates, a pitcher for lemonade or water, and an array of snacks to have a convenient fueling station right in your backyard. And if it starts to rain, you can easily transport it inside to keep the party going!


Idea #9 Go Green With Moss

AVisuals/ Shutterstock

Moss is a wonderfully low-maintenance ground cover that spreads on its own. The rich, green color and velvety feel underfoot stand out in backyards. Moss thrives in most climates across the United States and grows in a range of sun exposure from full sun to full shade.

Outdoor Entertaining: Quick Pre

Depending on how much time you have before your guests arrive, you should be able to complete at least a few of these quick fixes to enhance the visual appeal of your yard. Since you will not have time to complete them all and might not be interested in doing some of them in the first place pick the ones that work best for your budget and style, as well as the amount of time you can spare to focus on your yard during your party prep.

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Inexpensive Landscaping Ideas For The Frugal Homeowner

Could your yard use a makeover? Frugal landscapers, gardeners and homeowners share their best tips for landscaping on the cheap. From cheap garden paths and walkways, to inexpensive ground cover ideas, to finding cheap or free plants, you can spruce up your yard with very little cash.


Has your front or backyard become overgrown? Sure, you can hire a landscape company to do the major clean up and tree trimming, but then what? You could end up with a dirt yard that is in desperate need of landscaping.

What options do you have for landscaping on a budget, especially when you have little grass and mostly weeds and dirt? What makes a good inexpensive ground cover for covering that dirt? How about a nice pathway? Sure all of these things could end up being pretty expensive. Or you can try some of these inexpensive landscaping ideas from fellow frugal landscapers and gardeners to create a beautifully landscaped yard both you and your budget will love.

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Idea #3 Keep It Simple With Hardwood Patio Tiles

Backyard Ideas To Cover : Home Ideas

anela.k/Shutterstock

If youre looking for cheap, no grass backyard ideas, interlocking hardwood patio tiles are the answer. These real hardwood tiles are not only easy to install, but they also look fantastic.


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How To Get Rid Of Grass In Yard

To get rid of grass naturally, you can use a variety of different forms of power equipment to dig up a lawn. Investing in a tiller will make the job easier, but youll need to go for a heavy-duty, rear-tine type to do the job properly.

Alternatively, you can rent a more powerful grass removal gear, such as a sod cutter, which will cut beneath the lawn and slice it into strips of varying sizes.

Set Up A Mini Sound System

You might not have time to install a complete outdoor sound system, but you do have time to set up a docking station for your smartphone or MP3 player even if have to run out to buy one before the party. Good music, good food and good company can go a long way in helping your guests ignore areas of your yard you might not have had time to improve.

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What Is In Ideas 4 Landscaping

With more than 7000 landscape concepts for you to select from, you can use the concepts to construct your dream home landscape. Ideas 4 Landscaping also feature multiple layouts for each and every of the 60+ types of landscape, so you will have more than enough choices to locate something that you fancy.

Below are some examples of the different classifications of each landscape type. cheapest way to cover dirt

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// Pick The Right Plants

DIY French Drain | Cheap Yard Drainage Solution | pt. 1

It can be easy to get swept away in looking at nursery plants and put more and more ornamentals in your cart until your total has soared way past what you planned to spend. Those impulse purchase plants also frequently arent the ones that are best suited to your area. There are several strategies you can use to choose plants that will make the highest impact for the lowest cost.

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Artificial Turf Can Do The Trick

Artificial turf is another handy option for hiding dirt in a backyard. However, when it comes to the process of installing artificial turf, most of us would think that it is difficult. However, the process is relatively easy and anyone with a bit of skill can do the job.

As for the cost of artificial grass, it is a little more expensive than the price of other alternative dirt-hiding options indeed. The average price of artificial turf is $3-15 dollars per square foot. Of course, it also depends on

  • how much you are buying
  • who you buy it from
  • the cost of labor or not

In any case, wholesalers usually sell turf at an average of $3 dollars a square foot. However, if you are looking for a low maintenance idea, artificial turf is exactly what you are looking for! So it is definitely worth its money.

Just imagine this: once the turf is installed, you will have no maintenance worries for 10-20 years! That sounds relaxing, doesnt it?

What Causes Mud In Your Backyard

Everything from excess moisture to poor drainage! Various factors cause mud puddles in your backyard. Fortunately, there are as many solutions to rid yourself of them! However, it is vital to know the root behind the mud patches before selecting a solution.


Identifying what causes the water build-up will aid in making a sensible choice regarding which mud-covering method will be most effective. So, here are the most common causes of mud in the backyard:

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Option #: Plant Trees

Compared to plants, trees need more water as they grow. A spacious backyard makes it suitable to grow a tree. Aside from absorbing all the water, you can also enjoy the shade that it will provide and appreciate how it can improve the quality of air on your property.

Growing a tree on a muddy patch is near to impossible. You can plant the tree near the muddy patch when it grows the roots will reach the muddy area and do its job in absorbing water.

Tips For Choosing The Right Material For Covering Dirt In A Yard

Plantes couvre sol à croissance rapide dans le jardin moderne

Covering dirt in a yard is a challenging task. It requires a lot of effort and planning. One needs to find suitable material for the job.


Many materials available in the market can be used for this purpose. Some are more expensive than others, but they are also better at their job.

Hence, it is essential to know which material is best suited for what kind of dirt and what kind of yard you have before you start looking for one.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right material for covering dirt in a yard.

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Here Are 17 Cheap Garden Path Ideas To Use As A Source Of Inspiration For Your Own Yard

Not only are these creative and cool ideas, but most include tutorials as well, so you arent left hanging.

Weaving a garden pathway through your outdoor space is one of the best ways to define the space. And it will make such a large impact.

Walkways of any kind will sculpt and shape your landscape, in addition to helping with function.

Cover The Dirt With Mulch

This is by far the most affordable and easy way to cover dirt in your backyard. All you need is a bag or two of mulch, which you can find at any home improvement store or even on amazon.

Spread the mulch around the area where the dirt is most prominent and voila! Youve instantly made your backyard look neater and more put together. Not only does it avoid mud tracks but it also works as an air freshener.

There are many different types of mulch, so be sure to choose one that is best suited for your needs. For example, if youre worried about weeds, opt for a cedar mulch which naturally deters them.

Our recommendation is natural cheddar shavings by Wood Smith USA Store. They have a great subtle cedar scent that will keep your backyard smelling fresh!

  • Easy to find and spread
  • Helps with weed control and smells great
  • Needs to be replaced every few months

Take a look at this video where they used pine shavings to avoid muddy tracks from their dogs. This will give your a better idea of how to mulch your backyard!

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Add A Relaxing Water Feature

This naturalistic stream makes a lovely addition to a backyard

Whether you go for a gently meandering waterfall or an elegant backyard pond, these features will undoubtedly bring soothing, sensory benefits to your plot.

They don’t have to cost a ton either, especially if you build them yourself. If you’ve got the space, you can dig them straight into the ground and add a liner. Use plenty of pebbles and plants on either side for an organic feel.

Alternatively, if space is at a premium, you can create a smaller display with a large container. Add a pump and you can enjoy the trickling sounds too as you relax nearby.

Diy Backyard Fire Pit

Convert Your Lawn by Sheet Mulching

Enjoy warm summer nights spent around a backyard fire pit. To build your own, you’ll need inexpensive materials including angled pavers and gravel for the base. This easy DIY outdoor project can be completed in a weekend, and your family can enjoy bonfires for years to come.

Editor’s Tip: Check local regulations and/or your homeowner’s association regarding fire pits before installing one in your backyard.

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Get Some Water Features

It doesnt matter if you choose a gently meandering waterfall or an attractive backyard pond either of these features will provide soothing, sensory benefits to your landscape.

They also dont have to be prohibitively expensive, especially if you make them yourself. If you have the necessary room, you can dig them directly into the ground and line them with a liner. Make use of a lot of plants and pebbles on either side of the path to give it an organic feel.

If you dont have that much backyard space to spare, a huge container can be used to make a more compact display. With the addition of a pump, you may also enjoy the trickling noises while you relax close.

Set Up Some Lawn Games

Photo via @laurynprattes

Complete your yard makeover by setting up lawn games. Croquet, bocce ball, ladder golf, and bucket ball are all awesome ideas for including recreation in your backyard green space. This DIY backyard project is a cinch and will provide immediate outdoor fun for you and your family!

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Compact Soil And Thatch

Compact soil generally occurs in areas where your yard has a lot of foot trafficking. The soil particles move closer together and become compact when the small spaces between the particles diminish.

In addition, soil types like clay and loamy dirt have a higher tendency to become compact.

Compact soils are notorious for causing wet and muddy areas in your backyard.

To boot, thatch like grass clippings, leaves, and roots makes it more challenging for the water to absorb into the ground. So instead, the excess water will pool atop the thatch and create a muddy backyard.

If you have lots of snow in your area, the mud might be even worse!

After a snowstorm, the heavy snow seems to pack down the compacted soil even further. Add in all of the extra moisture from the melted ice, and your backyard might end up a muddy mess!

Pull Your Outdoor Room Together With Throw Pillows A Rug Or A New Centerpiece

Create an instant patio

If you are not quite ready for new patio furniture, or your current set is still in good condition, you can improve the look of your outdoor rooms with new throw pillows, a new outdoor rug or a new centerpiece. You should have no trouble finding some new patio décor items at home improvement stores, department stores or discount retailers, such as Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx.

13. Set the mood with instant lighting options.

String lights, tiki torches, solar landscape lights and candles can all be purchased, installed and enjoyed the same day. If you set up your solar lights in the morning, you can use them to guide guests, accentuate landscaping features or create the mood that evening. Citronella candles are another quick lighting option that also provide all-natural pest control.

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Cheap Way To Cover Dirt In Backyard With Dogs

Dirt is an inevitable part of having a backyard with dogs. While its easy enough to sweep up the occasional mess, eventually the dirt will accumulate and become an eyesore. Luckily, there are cheap and easy ways to cover up dirt in your backyard so that it doesnt ruin the look of your outdoor space.

Use Edging To Add Some Order

If you want to landscape with a budget, sometimes the best money-saving technique is to enhance what you already have.

Is your favorite tree looking a little forgotten, or is the mulch in your flower beds getting all over the lawn? Consider giving your trees, shrubs, and flower beds a makeover with some edging. Edging helps to keep your mulch in place, prevent erosion, and make your landscape stand out.

Edging materials include stone, concrete, brick, wood, metal, logs, and recyclable items.

Cost: Landscape curbing installation, or edging, can cost between $70 and $1,700. But to keep that piggy bank on the shelf, spare stones on your lawn or extra wood from the tool shed can make excellent materials for your flower beds edging.

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Construct A Tree Bench

Photo via @cottagesandbungalows

Utilize that big tree in your backyard makeover by building a tree bench! Some protective eye gear, wood pallets, and a saw are just a few of the items youll need for this crafty outdoor bench idea. When youre finished, paint it your favorite color and add some decorative pillows for a shaded reading spot!

Create A Homemade Path For Free

Cheapest Easiest way to level your lawn – how to make a homemade leveler

I recently made a stepping-stone path in our yard, absolutely free. First, I measured the area and estimated how many steps Id need. Then, I drove around to various construction sites in our area. Wherever Id see broken-up chunks of concrete, Id stop and ask if I could take a few of the smaller pieces. I looked for pieces that had a flat side, and were roughly about a foot square. Within three days, I had enough chunks to start my project!

Next, I laid the chunks out in the desired path. For each one I dug about two feet down, so that the flat top is flush with the ground. It takes a little patience to get each step level, but the results are rewarding. I finished the edges of my new path off with pea gravel and sprinkled it with pretty marbles and colored stones. Now I get comments all the time on my lovely, homemade path. Similar landscape rocks and stones cost around $2 to $3 each, so I saved about $60!Shaunna

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Buy Wood Chips Or Mulch And Use It Everywhere

Any homeowner who needs to quickly spruce up their yard needs wood chips lots and lots of wood chips. Wood chips or mulch or bark are the perfect quick fix for yards that have lost their luster or have unfinished landscaping. This is one of the quickest, most affordable and easiest ways to bring texture and color to your yard while covering up bare patches of dirt, fixing up your flower beds, covering small holes and refreshing the overall look of your yard. Even if your yard is primarily dirt or a patchy, natural grass lawn, you can instantly transform it and significantly enhance its visual appeal by simply throwing some wood chips over it.

Go Vertical With Your Gardening

If youre looking for simple backyard ideas to spruce up a small outdoor space, vertical gardens are a good place to start.

Vertical gardening, simply put, is using vertical space to grow plants. If youre looking for small backyard landscaping ideas on a budget, vertical gardens are a good place to start. Not only do they make the most of limited space, but they can be inexpensive too, especially if youre using recycled materials like old plastic bottles to make it.

DIY Vertical Garden Ideas

  • Use a wooden ladder, terracotta pots and some wire for a rustic front porch vertical garden.
  • Wash out old paint cans, fill with soil and hang them up to create a vertical herb garden.
  • Repurpose a picture frame to create a vertical succulent garden.
  • Waterproof an unused shoe organizer for a vertical garden thats easy to move.

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