7 Best Backyard Landscaping Ideas (2024)

If a backyard update (or complete overhaul) is on the agenda for this spring and summer, you are not alone. According to a Spring 2021 report by Thumbtack, backyard improvements are at the top of the list of projects that homeowners intend to take on in the coming months, and front yard landscaping isn’t the only landscaping that matters.

Landscaping, in particular, is a hot topic—Thumbtack reports that homeowners are planning to spend anywhere from $1,034 to $5,720 on landscaping and designing their backyards.

If you need some inspiration for your backyard before you start digging, building and rototilling, here are eight of our favorite backyard landscaping ideas.

1. Incorporate Biophilic Design

You don’t need to live amongst wildlife and old-growth trees to feel at one with nature. By using a blend of natural elements and hardscapes, like grass with grass block pavers, you can transform a backyard that is all business into a place that feels truly serene (without losing the form and function).

Experts call this concept “biophilic design,” and it is one of this year’s key trends in landscaping, says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes for Belgard.

If you are looking to connect with nature without leaving your property, integrating a little biophilic design into your landscaping plan is a sound choice.

2. Separate Your Spaces

You have a lot going on in your backyard—kids jumping on trampolines, dogs running around, gardening, weekend barbecues, maybe even Saturday morning yoga. While it is feasible (and maybe even easier) to establish one multipurpose space, you can also divide and conquer, suggests Pol Bishop, a U.K.-based gardening and landscaping expert for Fantastic Gardeners. A dog run on one side, a space for sun salutations in the corner, a kid zone in the center and a special section for your grill, smoker and outdoor wet bar. A few ways to create these defined spaces are by utilizing hedges, masonry edging, flower beds and fences.

3. Add a Prefab Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Hanging out in your backyard doesn’t have to mean hanging out in the open air. If you could use a little extra interior space to go with your backyard revamp, consider incorporating an accessory dwelling unit into your landscape design.

These quaint units can serve as home offices, guest suites, game/media rooms, workout studios or even permanent dwelling spaces for family members. While building one from scratch is certainly an option, you can also go the prefab route and buy one that comes in kit form.

4. Recreate Your Happy Place

Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.

Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.

5. Downscale Your Dreams

It’s not very often you hear someone advise you to minimize your aspirations but, when it comes to backyard landscaping, this might be just what it takes to turn your vision into reality.

For instance, if you have aspirations of a full-scale outdoor kitchen, but you’re working within the means of a limited budget, instead of throwing in the towel because you can’t swing the full cost of a built-in grill and outdoor cabinetry, re-imagine the plan to better suit your financial resources. A portable wet bar equipped with storage and a small gas grill, for example, will still allow you to cook and entertain outdoors without breaking the bank. It doesn’t have to look drab, either—you can do just as much to beautify your space with budget-minded outdoor kitchen equipment as you can with the top-of-the-line options.

6. Landscape With Veggies

A raised bed isn’t the only appropriate place for your garden veggies. To change up the look of your landscape without sacrificing your summer bounty, try planting your tomatoes, bell peppers, summer squash, cucumbers and rosemary amongst your flower beds rather than away from them.

You can also try creating a border around your beds with your favorite varieties of lettuce or cabbage or, for those who prefer container gardening, you can place pots and other planters in random (albeit plant-friendly) spots throughout your yard.

7. Think Distinct When Choosing Topiary

Topiary, the practice of creating ornamental shapes out of trees and shrubs, runs the gamut from elegant all the way to eccentric. And while basic shapes, like cones, globes and spirals, are fairly common (and perfectly nice for many backyard landscapes), the addition of topiary offers an opportunity to add something a little extra to your backyard oasis—something that shows your personality and is unlikely to be replicated at the house across the street.

Ideas for distinctive topiaries include animal shapes, arches, fences and furniture (yes, you can create a topiary table or chair). You can also mix topiaries with hardscapes and planters, or even go all-out whimsical with a topiary of your favorite Disney character. Other fun ideas include creating a maze, laying the topiary out in a heart-shaped design or making your animals-topiaries life-sized.