We need help with budget friendly ideas to fix sandy backyard area
camille_hebting
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
remodeling1840
2 years agocamille_hebting
2 years agoRelated Discussions
small backyard play area ideas needed
Comments (13)While play sets are great, they are expensive and do take up space . . . And you can always take your kids to a playground. You can't take them to a sandbox (well, unless you live near the beach), nor can you take them to a trampoline. My kids had a single swing on a tree branch, and it was heavily used for YEARS. They also had a Little Tikes slide. They didn't use it for years, but they did use it intensely around 1.5-2.5 years. Literally, they'd slide, the run around to slide again . . . Maybe 50 times in a row. Somehow it was a big confidence builder. Lots of playtime for something that cost $2 at a yard sale . . . And then went to younger nieces and nephews. Ditto for the sandbox. My kids used it, used it, used it. You can get one with a lid. When I have grandchildren, I think I'll build a really big, really fine sandbox. My kids did love it so. I don't remember sand in the house being an issue, but we didn't keep the sandbox particularly near the back door, so the sand had space to fall off. When our kids were in elementary school, my husband bought a trampoline, which he said had been his favorite toy growing up. No other toy was used as much for as many years as that trampoline. They jumped on it every single day, they'd lay on it and read. They even slept out on it a couple times. We did make strict rules about shoes and multiple jumpers. And we didn't allow them to bring the dog up (for fear her claws would cut the material and/or the dog would break her legs jumping off). You do need some kind of a step to help the kids access the trampoline, and I'd recommend a safety net....See MoreHelp! Need facelift ideas for urban backyard!
Comments (11)I see one bumped out bed (next to the neighbor's house) that looks like it would be suitable for a small tree (the kind you make from a large shrub -- burning bush for example.) Other than that, for low budget landscape improvements, I'd take every bare spot of ground and plant annuals. Some can come from already blooming bedding plants that you purchase at any home improvement store or Walmart. Others can come from seeds. Obtain information from other forums about which annuals are easy to grow and put out a good show. I've been promoting corn lately as it qualifies as a handsome, fast solution, if one needs something tall and narrow. It can also make a hedge. Annuals will fold at the end of their life span (one season) but they provide a cheap way to buy time while you are planning your permanent landscape. For that, you ought to start working on a base plan, which shows all the permanent features of the area in map form. (Keep it as simple as possible.) Use copies of it to explore/brainstorm various ideas. Since you have a large amount of concrete, consider some LARGE planters ... especially low ones. It is better to you fewer large planters than a bunch of small planters, which require much more maintenance and don't put out as good a show....See MoreNeed help with designing a family friendly backyard
Comments (26)It must feel like you're not getting much help here, probably because your yard is quite small and your wishlist rather long. I don't think your backyard will ever be a fun space with a play structure, etc. unless you tear everything out and turn it into a playground. Realistically, even if you did that, your kids will outgrow it in a couple of years and you'll be stuck with an unattractive, deteriorating, view-blocking structure that no one uses. My suggestion is to embrace what you have and try to make it better, even if only for the adults. Think cozy courtyard, or intimate patio. With that view it could be fabulous. A few thoughts in no particular order . . . tear out the shrubs that block the view tear out the lawn replace the lawn with raised beds for vegetables and flowers, or replace the lawn with attractive, low-growing, drought tolerant plants plant a couple of patio-size trees that can be limbed up to preserve the view install a drip system look into staining the concrete patio divide the space into zones -- dining, socializing, quiet space and provide furniture for each add a table and chairs that can be used for dining, games, work, etc. if you go the veggie route, figure out where your tools and supplies will go figure out how to provide shade -- umbrellas, shade cloths, awnings, pergola, etc. figure out lighting so the space is useable more hours each day invest in several beautiful large pots; use them to help define zones; fill them with shrubs, small trees, etc. put speakers outside so you can listen to music go to open houses in your area and spy on what your neighbors have done in their yards HOW ABOUT A HOT TUB? The kids will love it! =) Oh, I think I just spent your $20k. Good luck with your project....See MorePeople cutting through backyard. Need ideas to help fix.
Comments (16)Definitely do not get a dog just to keep people out of the yard. A dog needs a lot more care than just a yard to run in. And you really don't want the liability of a dog bite if you know people are entering the property and any dog has the potential to bite an intruder. Is your yard well-kept or overgrown? If the latter, it might be that neighbors (probably kids or teens) don't realize that there is a new owner who cares about their property. It's not a quick fix, but keeping things mowed, trimmed, etc might help. You could also plant some shrubs in front of the fenc that would be, uh, unfriendly to land on such as thorny roses and barberry (as other posters suggested). Even if the plants are small, no one wants to jump into a thorny shrub....See MoreNHBabs z4b-5a NH
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agocamille_hebting
2 years agothinkdesignlive
2 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoremodeling1840
2 years agoSilver Quill Creative Group
2 years ago
Related Stories
ROOM OF THE DAYSeattle Shed Packed With Creativity and Budget-Friendly Ideas
Fence board paneling, thoughtful built-ins and repurposed materials elevate a renovated garage
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Budget-Friendly Decorating Updates for a Great Room in Texas
Antiques rub elbows with new furnishings in this Dallas ranch, where the living and dining area got a $5,000 makeover
Full StoryHOUZZ TVSee an Eco-Friendly Backyard Cottage in 700 Square Feet
In this video, watch how a green builder helps a Seattle couple create an energy-efficient home inspired by Houzz photos
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNParty-Friendly Patio and Backyard Arrangements
Whether you’re looking to host a small group or a crowd, use these patios made for entertaining to inspire your setup
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE5 Savvy Fixes to Help Your Home Sell
Get the maximum return on your spruce-up dollars by putting your money in the areas buyers care most about
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Budget-Friendly Bohemian Ranch in Dallas
A resourceful owner uses vintage finds and homemade pieces to create a cozy home full of love and imagination in Texas
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: Practical, Budget-Friendly Beauty in Dallas
One month and a $25,000 budget — see how a Texas homeowner modernized her kitchen beautifully working with those remodeling constraints
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: High End Meets Budget Friendly in Toronto
Splurging selectively and saving elsewhere, a Canadian family gets a posh-looking home that matches their vision
Full StoryBACKYARD IDEAS10 Low-Maintenance Backyard Ideas
These outdoor spaces minimize yard work and keep the focus on fun
Full StoryOUTBUILDINGS10 Cool Ideas for Backyard Retreats and Playhouses
Get away from it all without packing a bag, by setting up an outbuilding tailored to your imagination
Full Story
Christopher CNC