Every little effort you can make toward building a better backyard — or front yard — will make your outside time that much more enjoyable.

 

  • Plants

     

    • Shrubs – Adding some curated plants pulls together your outdoor space.

    • Flowers – Garden beds with flowers make any outdoor space look gorgeous.

    • Herb garden – Set aside a section of your garden for herbs or plant pots on the deck.

    • Trellis with ivy or roses – Climbing plants can be woven into trellises.

       

  • Bug zapper or spray – Zappers, candles, and other insect-mitigation tools keep biters away.

     

  • Outdoor furniture – You can lounge more easily with suitable furniture.

    • Pillows/blankets suitable for outside – Weather-friendly accessories for warmth and comfort.

       

  • A fire pit – Provide a spark of something extra with a fire pit.

     

  • A water feature – Add a fountain or make lawn upkeep easier with sprinklers.

     

  • A message board by the front door – Tired of missing people? Your front door needs a message center.

     

  • Light fixtures by the door – Modernize your outside with new light fixtures.

    • Solar lights lining garden paths – Solar lights or fairy lights give your yard ambiance after dark.

       

  • Shades to protect from the sun – Patio umbrellas or retractable shades protect from the sun.

     

  • A storage shed: Stash lawn and garden tools, games, and more.

     

  • Outdoor bar: Establish a space to store drinks, ice to keep them cold — or even a wet bar for mixing.

     

  • Birdbath: Make your outdoor space a bird haven by adding a birdbath.

     

  • Bird feeder: Feeding birds is another great way to entice your avian friends to flit around the yard.

     

  • Fence: A sweet little picket fence can delineate your yard and make it all look nicer.

     

  • Trees: Whether you want fresh fruit or some shade, consider adding a tree. 

This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR's viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.