6 Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas That Will Maximize and Elevate Your Space

No matter how small your backyard may be, it's still brimming with landscape design potential. Something as simple as adding a water feature or planting climbing vines along a fence can instantly elevate the look and overall ethos of your backyard space. While it may feel like a challenge to create room for guests to gather or plant that garden you always dreamed of, you can easily transform your small backyard into an an outdoor oasis with a few smart landscaping tricks.

Related: How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger, According to Interior Designers

Johner Images / GETTY IMAGES

Make Use of Vertical Space

Taking advantage of vertical space is key when you aren't working with a ton of square footage. "There are a variety of ways you can make use of vertical space in a backyard that help maximize your overall outdoor living area," says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard. From utilizing plants to creating a pergola, the opportunities to think vertically in a small backyard are endless.

Create a Pergola

Building a pergola is a smart way to add shade to a sunny spot of your backyard without taking up too much precious ground space. "A pergola is a great option if you want to add some cover to your space, as well as a beautiful backdrop," says Raboine. "Pergolas act as a shade structure so you get some sun protection and are the perfect spot for added greenery." Dress your pergola up with vining plants, hanging baskets, or planter boxes to make it more visually appealing.

Plant Trees

If you want to add more greenery to your backyard, consider planting a few trees. Not only do they work wonders as a design element, but trees can provide shade and privacy when planted along a fence. "Using fastigiate (narrow growing) trees for height is an effective way to add a vertical element to the yard and also attract wildlife," says Jeff Lorenz, founder of Refugia.

Use Hanging Planters

Maybe you don't have enough room in your backyard for an entire garden of flowers, but hanging planters can also fill your space with colorful blooms. "Hanging planters are fine choices when in-ground planting space is limited," says Lorenz. "Trailing edibles such as strawberries will beautify a less attractive fence or wall while feeding you all summer long." Note that while they provide vertical interest, hanging planters will require more attention and watering as they tend to dry out easily.

WilliamSherman / GETTY IMAGES

Add a Water Feature

Don't underestimate the power of a water feature when re-designing your backyard space. The soothing sounds will make the area a more relaxing place to spend time.

Watertight Pot

Grow aquatic plants or create a miniature reflecting pool in your backyard by implementing a watertight pot or basin. "Black dye can be used to prevent algae and mosquito dunks will stave off mosquito growth," says Alexandra Correia, senior horticulturist at Longwood Gardens. "Flowers and leaves can be floated on a water basin to create floating flower displays, or topsoil can be added to the pot to provide a growing medium for aquatic plants." A simple pot allows you to incorporate water without connecting to a water source or doing invasive installation work, which can be tricky in a small backyard.

Bird Bath

Looking for a foolproof way to turn a sliver of outdoor space into an enchanting garden? Consider adding a bird bath—another water feature that doesn't require connecting to a water source. "The quiet splashes of water are known to ease the mind and create a tranquil environment, without taking up too much space," says Paige Leven, horticulturist at Longwood Gardens. "Birdbaths can fill a gap where perhaps you can't fit a traditional garden bed." Just make sure you change the water out regularly, so the birds have access to clean water when they're in need of a drink.

Franklin Levert / GETTY IMAGES

Consider Grass Alternatives

Yes, your backyard should look good—but it should also function without a ton of intervention. For this reason, you may want to consider replacing your grass with an equally attractive alternative option. "Low maintenance, low irrigation plantings are key for small backyards with minimal equipment storage or street access," says Lorenz. "Ditch the mower and replace traditional turf grass with no mow native species such as fine fescues and low growing sedges that are extremely drought tolerant and require just an annual fall haircut."

Kanok Sulaiman / GETTY IMAGES

Lay Paving Stones

Your lawn is teeming with design opportunity—you just need a few paving stones for structure. "Pavers give a space a very elevated look and are available in a variety of styles," says Raboine. "Homeowners also can play with a combination of textures by combining them with wood, stone, glass, and metal to elevate their backyard from typical outdoor designs."

If you do choose to lay paving stones in your backyard, permeable options are a must—especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. "By laying pavers or steppers over crushed stone with space in between, you will allow heavy rain to percolate and leave your property, rather than flood your home," says Lorenz. In small settings, pavers are most commonly used to create a patio or walkway for guests. "We utilize Pennsylvania Bluestone steppers to create organic pathways that blend with naturalistic plantings, and larger Bluestone slabs for seating areas," says Lorenz.

Kristin Mitchell / GETTY IMAGES

Make a Seating Arrangement

One of the perks of having a backyard is being able to host friends and family for dinners or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air solo. This is why it's nice to have some sort of seating arrangement, be it a small bench or breakfast nook.

Wall Seating

A wall seat or wall bench is a great option in smaller backyards with limited space. "You can modify an existing wall structure or create one that works within your space," says Raboine. When making a bench, consider making one that doubles as storage space—use it to stash gardening tools, blankets, and other backyard items that can sometimes clutter already small areas.

Bistro Seating

Even small outdoor spaces can handle a table and chairs. "In a backyard where permanent seating is too prohibitive, consider stylish, foldable bistro chairs and tables that can be hung against a fence or stored inside during winter," says Lorenz. It'll become your new favorite spot to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the evening.

Fire Pit

Fire pits are a great way to anchor your outdoor space and many options also double as a table to enjoy a meal around. "Fire pits function as a great focal point in a backyard space and extend the backyard enjoyment into the evening hours and even into the cooler days of fall," says Mike Montgomery, the host of Modern Builds on Smart. Healthy. Green. Living. For smaller backyards, consider buying or DIY-ing your own portable option, since they're compact and easy to move around.

Alex Levine / GETTY IMAGES

Add Lighting

A little décor goes a long way in a small backyard and lighting is a functional accessory that also makes a statement. "Landscape lighting can transform any space into one that feels intimate and welcoming," says Lorenz. But it's also important to be thoughtful about the type of lighting you use, as it can easily disturb nearby wildlife, he notes. "Opt for warm colored tones, low lumens, and a timer that automatically turns non-essential outdoor lights off while you are sleeping," he says.

Path Lights

If you used pavers to create a walkway, be sure to illuminate it so you and your guests can easily navigate the space at night. "Path lights, or small low lights placed along a walkway create an inviting footpath that welcomes the user into and through the space," says Leven.

Uplighting

Although it's one of the most common lighting options indoors, overhead lighting outside can be harsh and take away from the privacy often desired in a backyard space. "Consider uplighting on significant trees, backlighting to create a silhouette, and additional accent lights like torches, lanterns, and string lights," says Leven.