How to Improve a Small Backyard
Improve your small backyard much the same way you would go about redoing a larger one. Start with the usual upgrades of a fresh coat of paint on exterior walls and repairing dilapidated fences and posts. The key to creating a visually pleasing smaller space is to choose the elements that you bring in wisely so you do not lose the design appeal in a lot of clutter. All you need are some basic handyman skills and the time to plan your backyard to fit all of your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Clean it up. Trim hedges and bushes down to fit the scale of the space. Choose additional shrubbery and plantings based on their visual appeal and how much spreading or overgrowth they will create.
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Plan the seating space for your best use. For example, a larger table for entertaining can be placed in a smaller space by using benches that tuck under the sides rather than chairs all around.
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Separate areas visually rather than blocking the sight line with larger walls and buildings. For example, use edging around the side of a planting area instead of gates and install an awning off the side of the house for shade instead of bringing in a gazebo.
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Scale down the features that you want to include in the design. For example, use ceramic pots to create a fountain in lieu of a larger store-bought pot. Also a two-person garden swing that is hung from an existing tree takes up less ground space than a bench.
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Fill up unused areas with a larger element rather than a bunch of small ones, like a collection of garden statues, for a dramatic impact. For example install a pond to draw wildlife into an empty corner of your backyard. Ponds can be as small as 3 to 4 feet in diameter.
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