Is your backyard not the space you want it to be? Tired of it being boring, plain, or a testament to past DIY landscape projects gone wrong? Now is the perfect time to do something about it and give your yard the backyard makeover it deserves! Whether you’re looking for a grand showstopper or needing inspiration for doing a backyard makeover on a budget, there are lots of ways to achieve your goals.

We’re taking a look at 7 backyard makeover ideas to transform your yard. Fall may be on the approach but there’s still plenty of time. Trying to plan ahead? You can also use our list as inspiration and plan your backyard makeover for the spring ahead. Let’s get going!

Backyard Makeover Ideas and Inspiration

Without a doubt, every backyard makeover should start with using a landscape planner online to plan and budget your vision. Think about the size of your yard, what you want to use it for, and how you’d like it to look when you’re finished. Love water features? There’s a water feature design to fit any size yard and budget. Want to know how to design a backyard for entertaining? Patios can fit any aesthetic and make your backyard the place to be!

To help get the creative juices flowing and let you see the potential your yard has, take a look at these backyard makeover ideas:

• Install a water feature for natural beauty and zen sounds
• Transform your backyard with new landscaping
• Add hardscaping like a patio installation
• Create a focal gathering space with an outdoor fire pit
• Set the mood with outdoor lighting
• Building a screen for added privacy and a unique look
• Adding trees for shade, privacy, and more landscaping opportunities

Backyard Makeover Idea #1: Add a Water Feature

Not only do water features add value to your home, but there are lots of options to meet every size and price range so you may want to consider them even if you’re looking for a backyard makeover on a budget. Having a water feature installation in your backyard gives your space a polished, unique landscape design that can wow your friends and family or work as a private oasis to relax solo. New water feature designs may even have lighting options to really highlight the newest addition to your backyard makeover!

Backyard Makeover Idea #2: New Landscape Design and Installation

Next on our list of backyard makeover ideas for your yard is adding in new landscaping. If you’ve never had plants, flowers, and shrubs before, you’ll be surprised at the ways landscape design can transform your backyard into a completely new space. If you’ve landscaped your yard before but it’s not looking its best, breathing new life into your backyard with a landscaping refresh is great, too!

Consulting a landscape design professional will ensure you’re using the right plants and flowers for the Upstate NY region according to the USDA Hardiness Zones. Want to have a backyard flower garden? They know which ones will thrive in your yard and create colorful landscaping you can enjoy. A professional will also be able to help design your landscaping in Colonie, Albany, Saratoga, and surrounding areas to maximize the outcome of your backyard makeover based on other factors such as shade, space, and soil type.

Backyard Makeover Idea #3: Adding Hardscaping

Another must-have on our list of backyard makeover ideas is adding hardscaping. Hardscaping services include essentially any non-living landscape design in your yard such as a patio installation, walkways, or landscape design with rocks. Other hardscaping backyard makeover ideas you may like are shade providers like pergolas or gazebos! You can potentially work a pergola into your plans when determining how to landscape a small backyard, but a gazebo will definitely require more space.

Backyard Makeover Idea #4: Outdoor Fire Pit for a Gathering Space

Want your backyard makeover to create a gathering space for hosting friends and family? When you’re putting in that new patio, consider adding different outdoor fire pit ideas, as well! Having a smokeless outdoor fire pit is a great way to transform your backyard and make a focal gathering spot. You can find all sorts of different fire pit types to fit your needs and desired look. Many are relatively inexpensive, making them an ideal option for a backyard makeover on a budget, as well.

Backyard Makeover Idea #5: Outdoor Lighting to Set the Mood

While the next item on our list of backyard makeover ideas to transform your yard doesn’t have to do with plants or trees, it’s just as important for creating a new look and setting a vibe. Outdoor lighting can set the tone for your space and really make it into something special. With seemingly endless options to pick from, you can look at overhead lighting for your patio installation, landscaping lighting to highlight plants and flowers in the evening, and even lighting for your backyard water feature to make it stand out!

In addition to the aesthetic reasons for choosing outdoor lighting for your backyard makeover, they’re also useful for lighting walkways and keeping people safe, as well. Style and function: a double win!

Backyard Makeover Idea #6: Privacy Screens in Your Backyard Landscape Design

If you’re looking for ways to add privacy to your backyard makeover, adding screens is both practical and stylish. We don’t mean a big netting across the top of your fence line, but instead considering stylish and chic privacy screens made from wood, metal, or an outdoor fabric. Not only can these give you the privacy you want in your new backyard landscape design, but they also create visually dynamic focal pieces for seating areas.

Backyard Makeover Idea #7: Planting Trees for Shade, Privacy, and Landscaping Opportunities

Speaking of unique ways to add privacy to your backyard makeover, planting trees can definitely help! Consult a professional for advice on the best trees to plant in Upstate NY for privacy that will grow quickly and require little maintenance.

Other reasons to have trees on your list of backyard makeover ideas include the shade they provide and the landscaping opportunities. Instead of leaving the base of your trees boring and plain, landscaping around trees can create a dynamic look that transforms your yard from plan to professional.

We hope this guide has given you lots of backyard makeover ideas and inspiration to consider! There are lots of opportunities to make the most of your space and create the backyard of your dreams even if you’re doing a backyard makeover on a budget. From water feature installations to patios and pergolas, head over to our Project Planner and get started planning your next landscape project. Once you finish, you can save the plans or submit them to us and one of our professionals will be in touch to get started.

Want more inspiration for your next landscaping project? Check out these resources and get creative:

• Landscape Ideas for Steep Backyard Hills
• Inspiring Homes & Landscape Design in Saratoga Springs, NY
• Tips for How to Landscape The Front Of Your House
• 8 Pond and Water Feature Construction Inspirations