A backyard is a great place to have outdoor activities, entertain guests, and relax. If you have a spacious property, you have many options for backyard landscaping. However, if you have a small backyard, you may have limited space to work with.

If you live in a densely populated suburb or a condo in the city, you probably don’t have much space in your backyard. But with a little imagination and some careful planning, you can turn even a small backyard into a cozy oasis. Here are 15 small backyard landscaping ideas to get you started.

18 Beautiful Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas

1. PROVIDE MINI STORAGE SHED

Outdoor storage is important even if you have a small backyard. You can either purchase a pre-made storage shed or get creative and make your own. If you make your own, all you need is a little imagination and the right tools.

dat small storage shed tho will be perfect for all the outdoor stuff you can’t store inside. If you don’t need to store garden tools and yard equipment, you could use it as a potting shed for all your gardening needs.

Gathering Areas

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your small backyard, you may be wondering how to go about it. After all, you likely don’t have the space for a large patio or deck. However, there are still ways you can create a cozy and inviting outdoor space. For example, by using pavers or modular floor tiles, you can easily create a small patio or seating area. This way, you can still enjoy your backyard while entertaining guests.

Outdoor Pavers

If you want to quickly install a patio without using grout, you can use outdoor pavers made of concrete or stone. Find a spot near the house or in the yard and cover it with sand or landscaping fabric to create a level surface. Then, lay the pavers down end to end. You’ll have a patio space that’s ready to use right away.

Modular Tiles

You can choose from solid wood outdoor tiles or patterned tiles, and many styles can be found with interlocking edges for a seamless look. Wood patio tiles can transform your outdoor living space from drab to fab. If you have an unattractive, small patio at your home or apartment, you can use snap-in deck tiles to give it an updated look. Hardwood outdoor tiles and wood patio tiles are perfect for resurfacing old or worn outdoor flooring surfaces. They are beautiful, durable, and made for the outdoors. Tiles are quick and easy to install, and they come in a variety of wood tones, sizes, shapes, and patterns. You can choose from solid wood outdoor tiles or patterned tiles, and many styles can be found with interlocking edges for a seamless look. Wood patio tiles can transform your outdoor living space from drab to fabulous.

2. GROW A VEGETABLE GARDEN

If you want your outdoor dinners to taste even better, try growing your own vegetables in a garden. Once you know where you want to establish your garden, plant your favorite produce. (Herbs, tomatoes, zucchini…the sky’s the limit!) If you want to balance between form and function, take a cue from lifestyle blog Connie & Luna, who added a series of arbor trellises to their kitchen garden. With a trellis, your greens can climb upward and create a lush archway.

Trellises are an important part of growing your greens, and they can make a big difference in your vegetable yield.

3. INCREASE YOUR TERRACED LEVELS 

You can create the illusion of a larger yard by creating terraced levels. This is especially effective in yards that are long and narrow, hilly or sloped. Terracing in the landscape also creates mini-gardens and helps to prevent erosion.

levels that are built into the side of a hill in order to make a level area for planting. These levels can help with drainage problems and prevent runoff by stopping the water from flowing down the slope. Hillside terrace gardens are an attractive addition to the landscape and can be planted with a variety of evergreens, native plants, succulents, ground covers, annuals and perennials.

4. CREATE A BACKYARD MURAL

Adding art to your backyard can make it more visually appealing. Ashley Wilson of At Home With Ashley primed her wall with a fresh coat of white paint and then added streaks of color in the rainbow. This color-coded style is pleasing to the eye, but you can decorate your blank wall however you please. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

5. BUILD A LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Landscape lighting is an easy and affordable way to add visual interest to any size yard. It provides a soft glow that creates mood and a comfortable atmosphere.

Landscape lighting can help improve your home in several ways. By highlighting certain features in your landscape, you can make it more aesthetically pleasing. You can also use landscape lighting to illuminate areas around your home that might be dangerous to walk in at night, preventing accidents. Additionally, landscape lighting can be used to deter would-be burglars, as it makes it more difficult for them to move around your property undetected.

Path lights add safety and beauty to your walkways. Floodlights provide security and can be used to highlight constellations at night. Landscape lighting is available in a wide variety of low-voltage, LED, halogen, and solar fixtures in beautiful outdoor finishes. You can use uplights and downlights to accent trees, plants, garden beds, and architectural features on your home. Path lights add safety and beauty to your walkways, and floodlights can provide security and be used to highlight constellations at night.

Pathway lights can be placed along walkways and garden pathways to provide extra light and safety. Motion detectors can be used to provide home safety alerts for unsuspected or unwanted visitors.

6. PERFECT YOUR PATIO 

If you want to spruce up your backyard patio for the summer, consider adding some stylish tiles, as seen on Jenna Sue Design’s site. Traditional tiles are ideal, but peel-and-stick floor decals will also do the trick. This way, you can enjoy a good-looking outdoor space all summer long!

7. ADD A SWING

There is no reason not to add a swing to your backyard. It can offer fun for the entire family and is easy to install.

8. MAX OUT YOUR SEATING

It’s important to create enough seating for everyone when you’re hanging out outdoors, since that’s become a popular way to socially distance yourself. Sara Toufali of Black & Blooms doubled down on seating by adding a settee, two chairs, and some floor pillows to her backyard. When you’re buying outdoor furniture, you need to find pieces that can withstand the elements, but you also want to personalize the space with your own style. Toufali managed to do both by adding a rug, umbrella, and plenty of throw blankets.

9. DESIGN GARDEN PATHWAYS 

In a small backyard, it’s easy to make the area seem larger by creating a strong focal point and visual interest that captures attention. By designing beautiful garden pathways, you can actually change the depth perception of your backyard.

You could make a pathway through your backyard with pavers, stepping stones, or gravel to create a clear sense of movement. If you have the space to divide your yard up into separate zones, you could include a pathway to each zone.

10. BUILD FIRE PITS

While a large backyard might provide more space to work with, you can still add a fire pit to your patio or yard, no matter the size. A fire pit is the perfect gathering spot for company and also provides warmth and light for your backyard. This way, you can enjoy the outdoors even on cold evenings in Northern New Jersey.

A fire pit is a hole in the ground that serves as a firebox, with low surrounding walls made of non-combustible materials such as concrete, stone, or brick. It does not require ventilation or a building permit.

An outdoor fire pit is a great choice for small backyard landscaping ideas that will add atmosphere to your outdoor space. It’s less expensive and easier to build than an outdoor fireplace and takes up much less space.

11. PLACE WATER FEATURES

Backyards that are small often do not look very appealing because there is not enough room for trees, shrubs, and plants that would add dimension and color.One way to landscape a small backyard without taking up much space is to add water features.These not only take up minimal space, but also create a backyard atmosphere.There is nothing that can make an area feel more inviting and relaxing than the sound of running water.

• Place a small, recirculating fountain on the patio or deck
• Create a natural rock waterfall or a tiered fountain in a quiet corner of the yard
• Build a small outdoor pond with underwater lighting, plants, flowers and colorful fish

12. BRING BOLD POPS OF COLOR 

Small backyards don’t usually have as many things to look at as large yards, but you can make them more interesting by using bold colors. This is an easy and affordable way to change your backyard landscape.

Color can make your patio or deck more interesting and inviting by adding contrast. Cushions, pillows, throws, and accessories in strong colors can bring life to your yard. Annuals and perennials in bold hues can add a splash of color to your garden.

Using two or three colors throughout your yard will give it a planned and coordinated look.

13. ADD OUTDOOR RUGS

If you add an outdoor rug to your small patio or deck, it will look more designed and stylish.

There are now many outdoor rugs available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, patterns and colors to suit any type of outdoor space. These rugs are made from durable materials like sisal, nylon and synthetic fabrics, which are resistant to water and staining and can withstand the outdoor elements.

Outdoor rugs are available in a variety of materials, so it’s important to select one that will stand up to the elements and complement your patio furniture. If you are looking for a way to add some life to your patio or deck, consider getting an outdoor rug. You can select a rug with a bold and bright color or a more subdued and serene color. Outdoor rugs are also made out of different materials, so make sure to select one that will be able to withstand the elements and match your patio furniture.

No matter your style preference, outdoor rugs are a cheap way to add some new life to your backyard.

14. MAKE A MOVIE NIGHT AL FRESCO

If you want an activity that the whole family can enjoy, try setting up an outdoor movie theater. This project from Lia Griffith is much simpler than it appears, and only requires a white sheet, some wooden dowels, a decorative ribbon, and a high-quality outdoor projector. Once you have all the materials, you’re ready to start the show!

15. CREATE A WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY BACKYARD WITH A POND

If you want your backyard to look more natural or attract more wildlife, you should consider building a garden pond. Ponds are an easy DIY project that can be done in a weekend, but they have many positive impacts on your backyard. Not only will ponds increase wildlife in your garden, but they will also improve drainage and make your backyard less vulnerable to floods. You should try to position your pond next to a seating area so you can take advantage of the natural ambiance.

16. WORK WITH YOUR TERRAIN NOT AGAINST IT

If you have a sloping garden or your backyard is on a steep incline, it is best to work with the landscape rather than trying to change it. This backyard was designed by The Garden Concierge to take advantage of the hilly landscape by adding steps and a separate patio area. The tall cypress trees also help to conceal the road from view.

17. USE THE SHOW-STOPPING POTENTIAL OF GRASSES

Ornamental grasses make a great addition to any backyard as they are easy to take care of, don’t cost much, and look beautiful especially at sunset. They grow quickly and add interest and dimension to any design style.

18. CREATE  SPECIALTY GARDENS 

You can add unique appeal to your backyard by creating a specialty garden. Even a small space can be transformed into a beautiful and interesting garden that will be a focal point for your home.

Butterfly Gardens

By growing plants that caterpillars like to eat and plants that adult butterflies feed on, you can create a wonderful garden that not only looks beautiful, but also protects the butterflies and promotes a healthy, green landscape.

Cutting Gardens

A cutting garden is a great way to get fresh flowers for your home every day. You can either get single stems for regular use or more elaborate arrangements for special occasions. Fresh flowers always make surroundings more beautiful.

If your budget is small, Yamaguchi recommends planting shrubs and/or a young blossoming tree. Shrubs are inexpensive and easy to elevate your yard while keeping it looking fresh and neat. Young trees are less expensive than older trees and easier to plant, and blossoming trees look great throughout all the seasons.