Having a garden or big backyard can be a blast, but it can also become a bit dirty, muddy, and zany.
Seeing all of the patches of dirt might get you thinking about ways to cover up all the dirty patches in your backyard and create a beautiful landscape but staying within your budget.
That’s why we put together a quick list for you that includes the most budget friendly options to make your backyard both enjoyable and dirt free.
So let’s get into the list with little further delay!
The cheapest ways to cover dirt in your backyard include shingles, natural mulch, recycled bricks, gravel, wood or composite decking, building a water feature, using natural grass, and using artificial grass.
8 Ways to Cover Dirt in Your Backyard
Isn’t it time to have a neat, dirt-free backyard?
Here are some creative, efficient, and inexpensive ways that would cause an interesting transformation to your backyard!
1. Shingles
Even it’s not very common to see shingles used for a walkway, we’re used to seeing shingles used as a roof cover but they can be used in the yard for practical purposes.
There are various sizes and materials to use, and they are great for a parking spot, driving track, or pedestrian sideway.
You just have to carefully install them so their edges don’t split.
And, we recommend using quality materials. if you are going to use shingles.
On an Aesthetic Note: Their neutral color provides you possibilities to decorate your garden any way that you’d like.
2. Organic Mulch
Here’s a great natural option for covering the dirt that benefits you in many ways! Just think about it, mulch:
- can help prevent weeds from growing
- can improve pest resistance
- can reduce water requirements
- can improve the soil
- can keep roots from extreme temperatures
You can use wood chips, hay, straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles as organic mulch.
Let’s cover some of the types:
- Wood chips. They are very common and very cheap, plus they look nice. Wood chips are often dyed black, brown, or red, so they can match your garden décor.
- Straw. Straw is not only a great option to cover dirt, it can also be used to grow your plants and vegetables in a garden. Straw breaks down kind of slowly so it is also easy to clean up, and is great for water retention.
- Shredded leaves. This is some mulch you can get for free if you have a tree in your yard! You can use whole leaves, but it may look a little untidy as a cover. Shredded leaves also do not last as long as some of the other mulching options, but you can collect more shredded leaves any time you wish, so you can replenish as needed.
3. Recycled Bricks and Pavers
Rather than buying a whole bunch of new material, why not reclaim bricks or pavers from some old sidewalks and driveways to create an environmentally-friendly space in your yard for your loved ones?
Also, why not add some covered or at least potted plants and some tables and chairs or a patio umbrella?
4. Gravel
Gravel paths are simple to construct (they can be shallow, not deep).
However, you will have to build a steel edge all the way around since they can be somewhat mobile.
After making your gravel path (or each gravel path if you use different gravel types), you may want to place a fountain or your choice of patio furniture.
One of the benefits we like about gravel is that it has no nutritional value so it will not attract any bugs that might harm your plants.
5. Wood or Composite Decks
If you went with this approach, it gives you a warm feeling about your outdoor areas.
Also, your yard will appear more alive and purposeful because you could create a whole wood platform.
As well, when you select the wood for your deck, you can build many colors and variations to have your house décor match each other.
Also, you could use the wooden area on summer days, for parties, dinner events, or just for a quiet afternoon in an attractive atmosphere.
6. Build a Water Pond
Have you always wished for a mini-lake in your back year, but never taken the leap to make it happen?
Well, here you go, let’s finally make your dream come to life!
This can be a DIY project that is not too out of pocket:
- First, you need to make a base, fill the ground with water, and build up across its edges.
- Then, along its edges, put some well mixed rocks and/or a tank that is stable, and fill it with various colorful flowering plants.
- And finally, you can then enjoy the heaven you just created in your very own backyard!
7. Natural Grass
Sure, Installing natural grass properly is all about knowledge and effort, but there are plenty of benefits for your home.
One thing that sets it apart is it is one of the healthiest things you can provide for your home and family and the planet by producing an incredible amount of oxygen.
Another is that grass offers a very hygienic surface because it filters dust from the air and purifies water. The sweet smell of new grass awakens the senses and a short walk on the grass with bare feet is a great way to reduced stress.
Even better: Properly maintained, the natural grass will completely elevate the quality of your landscape.
8. Artificial Grass
While synthetic turf is made from plastic, it can look attractive, as it has moved on from what we would call a ‘fake grass’ look.
One big plus is that you do not need to water it or think about pesticides or fertilizers. And it can be installed all over your outdoors, easily.
Oh, and you could have a garden that is green all year!
However, it can be expensive to install and requires regular maintenance.
In addition, the chemicals in synthetic turf can be damaging to people and the environment.
It can also eliminate or kill ecosystems underneath; so switching to natural grass just become challenging.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you’ve been delaying cleanup in your backyard because of either your busy schedule or expense.
But, as you can see, there are tons of options and ideas that require neither lots of time or money.
Cleaning up your backyard can be a fun hobby that will benefit you in the long run; just think of how tasty your meal will be in your fabulous and organized vegetable garden!
So, figure out what works for you and get that backyard makeover completed.