19 (Almost!) Free Ways to Update Your Backyard

While your home’s front yard is in charge of commanding curb appeal, the backyard is the true heart of your home’s outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a space for outdoor entertaining, a fun play space for your kids, a stunning greenspace or all the above, there’s no shortage of ways to upgrade your backyard.

However, from buying materials to paying for services, most backyard dreams require some level of financial investment to become reality. Instead, we've thought up 19 almost-free backyard updates, so you can create your dream backyard without draining your savings.

Nosy neighbors got you down? You don't have to build a fence, plant a row of trees or construct a wall to increase your backyard's privacy. Oftentimes, simply hanging inexpensive curtains around your sitting area is all it takes.

You may think you need new outdoor furniture to improve your backyard entertaining, but we're here to convince you that you really just need to rearrange the outdoor furniture you already have. Finding an outdoor furniture layout that prioritizes flow, draws people to the best parts of your yard and maximizes its usability is the key to unlocking it's true potential.

There's a reason that most bar carts have wheels. So you can wheel them to wherever the party is, of course. Moving your bar cart outdoors is one of the quickest (and cheapest!) ways to improve your backyard's party readiness.

You know the best thing about vines? They start as a little (read: inexpensive) plant, then keep climbing and spreading for years. Just a few plants can create a living privacy wall that's as beautiful as it is effective.

Tired of that builder-grade concrete slab you call a patio? You don't have to invest thousands to cover it up or replace it. All it takes is your stencil and paint of choice to transform your patio in just one weekend.

There's a reason cafe lights remain so popular year after year. There are few easier or more budget-friendly ways to add instant ambiance to your backyard. String some up and you'll find yourself spending every night in the backyard.

What cheaper way to upgrade your backyard than to turn your recyclables into seriously cute decor? Whether you dazzle an outdoor dining table or spread them throughout your patio, anyone can shed some ambient lighting on their backyard's style with this quick-and-easy tin can lantern DIY project.

Upgrading your backyard isn't always about what you can add to the space, but rather what you remove from it. Since you naturally prioritize your home’s curb appeal, backyards often become drop zones for things that don’t belong in the house, the garage or even a shed. Finding a home for the clutter will immediately improve the look and feel of your backyard.

While a single shrub or flowering perennial may be inexpensive, you often need several plants to upgrade your backyard’s landscape. The solution? Divide and multiply your existing plants.

Anyone with a backyard garden space or flower beds should be composting. It’s like free soil and fertilizer all in one. What better way to put your kitchen scraps to good use?

No money for mulch? No problem! Fallen leaves, pine needles and other common lawn debris make free mulch. Trust us, your plants will be happy either way.

You don't need pricy edging materials to give your backyard landscaping the crisp edges you desire. You just have to keep your eyes peeled, as people regularly post free stone, bricks and other great edging materials on online marketplaces.

Rather than purchasing new trees and shrubs to beautify your backyard, look around at what you already have. There's a good chance that small trees and shrubs could be transplanted to better serve your outdoor space.

Shopping for outdoor furniture these days can come with quite the sticker shock, which has us rethinking things. Before you kick that old dresser or vanity to the curb, consider upcycling it into a vibrant multifunctional piece of outdoor furniture with storage galore!

There are countless ways to repurpose old pallets, but we especially love this DIY raised garden bed project. You can easily determine how much you want to spend on the project, by adding or removing accessories and decorative elements.

You don't have to buy fancy hardscape blocks to build a backyard fire pit. All you need are some large rocks. Scour the online marketplaces for free rocks or simply give new life to any rocks scattered throughout your yard.

There are few transformations as satisfying as pressure washing your patio or deck. Removing mildew and grime you may not even have noticed before will reveal the beautiful materials beneath, making your outdoor space feel brand new.

If your backyard fence is looking a little worse for wear, you may thing you need to invest in new fence boards, expensive stains or a complete fence replacement. Before you reach for your wallet, you may be surprised what a difference deep-cleaning your fence can make. A pressure washer will make quick work of this, just be sure not to get too close, as you may gouge the wood.