For many, the backyard is simply a space to let the dog out, watch children play, and possibly erect a swing set or tree house. However, a backyard is so much more than just an open plot of land behind a home. It is an attachment of the home, and a valuable resource home owners have towards increasing the overall value of the house. By not only properly maintaining the house, but by adding mesmerizing landscaping techniques into the yard, the area behind the home can go from boring to Wow, with only a few projects. Best of all, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to transform a backyard into an enjoyable, peaceful area.

Patio and Deck

This is one of the more expensive landscaping projects a homeowner can undertake, especially if there aren’t currently doors leading to the rear of the house (other than the garage). Having an outdoor living space is fantastic, and depending on the height of the house, the patio doesn’t necessarily need to be wood framing.

Brick and stone add elegance to any patio, and although it does cost more than wood, it is easier to maintain and increases the value of the home significantly.

Divide the Yard

When someone wants to perform a few landscaping features on their yard, it is important to divide it up. Most individuals want an outside living space, but this shouldn’t result in the entire yard turning into this. Once this occurs, there is no room for children and pets to play, and although the current homeowner may like it, potential future residents will be turned off, especially if they have children or pets of their own.

So, by sectioning off the yard into specific areas, this ensures there is always room for both children and adults in the single space.Outdoor Kitchen Area Should a home owner already have a deck or patio, they might want to take it to the next level. By adding a roof over the patio and connecting the gas and electric line to the exterior, this allows the backyard to now have a full fledge kitchen, including a gas grill and stove, small refrigerator for drinks, and even a few tables and chairs for guests.

This is most likely only possible with larger yards, but it is a fantastic way to improve the value of the home, should the means be available for the owner.

Water Fountains

A home owner doesn’t have to go over the top with large, ornate fountains throughout the yard. In fact, smaller fountains near flower gardens is a great way to add flowing water to the backyard.

Plus, the tranquil feeling created by the water makes it far more relaxing in the back yard. The owner just needs to make sure the water is always moving, otherwise pests and bugs are sure to hatch form the still water.

Fence

This is an idea that needs to be conversed with the neighbors, but if the neighbor likes the idea, the two may be able to split the cost. This shouldn’t be a chain linked fence, but more something with substance. A wood fence provides privacy and keeps out unwanted noise, helping maintain the tranquil feeling.

Themed Gardens Most people have probably seen gardens where there is just a wide range of flowers, seemingly thrown all over the place. Instead, it is a good idea to create a themed garden, by using flowers from the same region of the world in the same location.

Fence Alternative

Perhaps the home owner wants a fence, but doesn’t like the cold, flat look of the wall. Although there are ways to decorate this, thick bushes and trees work just as well, and provide a more natural feel to the yard.

Kid Friendly Areas Just because a home owner has children doesn’t mean they need to leave the yard over to them. Play areas can occur with the rest of the landscaping, as long as it doesn’t inter fear. Perhaps in a corner of the yard a small playhouse can be constructed.

When the children grow up, this can be turned into a shed or work area, so as long as the home owner takes what do do with the kids area after they grow up into consideration, it should be fine.

Lighting

Lighting is important, not only for outside enjoyment during the nighttime hours, but to keep pests away. There are lights and candles that emit odors and chemicals that send pests flying.

Plus, many of these are solar powered, which doesn’t require an electrical current from the house.

Pool

Before a home owner opts for a pool, they need to think of the resale value. In some regions of the country, a pool actual reduces the value of the house significantly.

This guest post is brought to you by Kara Taylor, who is enrolled in the landscape architecture program at New School of Architecture.