The Cheapest Ways to Cover Up Exposed Dirt in the Backyard
- Concrete. The first way that you will be able to cover the exposed dirt in your backyard is by covering it with concrete.
- Woodchips. The second way to cover the exposed dirt is by covering it with mulch. ...
- Creepers. ...
- Gravel. ...
- Build a Deck. ...
- Fake Grass. ...
- Garden. ...
- Hay. ...
Full Answer
What can I use to cover the dirt in my yard?
9 Ideas About How To Cover Up Mud And Dirt In Backyard
- Lay Down Some Sod. Image credit: flickr.com Sod is a good yard cover if you just want your lawn to look the way it used to.
- Plant An Alternative Ground Cover. ...
- Or Plant A Garden. ...
- Enjoy The Many Benefits Of Wood Chips. ...
- Gravel Is Also Good. ...
- Make A Zen Garden. ...
- Make A Path. ...
- Make An Outdoor Living Space. ...
- Build A Water Feature. ...
- Your Yard Has So Much Potential! ...
What are some Backyard design ideas?
Consider using the following items, even if some are on a seasonal basis:
- Furniture: Chairs, sectionals, sofas, dining sets, coffee tables and side tables. ...
- Rugs: Outdoor area or throw rugs that are weatherproof will warm up the space and make it feel more inviting and finished
- Pillows and Cushions: Soften up the space with comfy cushions and throw pillows to bring the indoors outside.
What is the best way to cover dirt?
- To begin, you must find the area where the pavers are going to be placed. ...
- Next, when the base is dug open lay paver base sand. It’s best to compact it flat with a compactor machine or roller. ...
- When totally flat begin to lay pavers in sequence. ...
- When placed out, you need to prevent them from moving. ...
- Lastly, repeat the most recent step again. ...
Can I put a shed in my backyard?
The layout and condition of your backyard may restrict where you can put your shed. You want to avoid unstable foundations or hazards, so there are several factors to consider. If you have sand in your backyard, this is not an ideal position for your garden shed.
What is the cheapest way to cover dirt in backyard?
A Cheap Fix to Cover Up Dirt in a BackyardPlanting grass is a frugal option that requires more sweat than money. ... If you're not sure what your future landscape plans may be, cover the bare soil with a 4-inch layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips. ... Paths and patios are inexpensive alternatives to plants.
What is best to cover dirt in backyard?
You can cover it with ground cover, green it up with grass, or wood mulch and crushed concrete, among other things. Your choice will vary depending on the look you're going for. But if you don't want to spend too much, covering the dirt with mulch or crushed concrete is your best bet.
How do you temporarily cover dirt in your yard?
Absorbent organic material is the best way to soak up moisture and mud, whether you want to remove it or leave it in place. Spreading temporary ground cover for mud, like pine flakes, crushed limestone, or kitty litter, will soak up the mud and allow you to shovel it out to remove the excess water.
What can I put in my backyard instead of grass?
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to a Grassy LawnGroundcovers. Groundcovers sprawl across the ground but don't grow tall, eliminating the need to mow, providing the perfect alternative to grass. ... Corsican Mint. ... Creeping Thyme. ... Clover. ... Ornamental Grasses. ... Evergreen Moss. ... Native Perennial Beds. ... Artificial Turf.
How can I make my backyard less muddy?
6 Muddy Backyard SolutionsExtend Gutter Downspouts.Install a French Drain.Check Your Grade.Create a Creek Bed.Create a Rain Garden.Dig a Dry Well.
What's the cheapest ground cover?
Cheap Natural Perennial Ground Cover OptionsCreeping Periwinkle – $1.07 per plant.Walk-on-Me Thyme – $3.99 per plant.Moss Phlox – $4.59 per plant.Violets and Pansies – Seeds range from $0.95 to $2.95.Early Snow Glories – $2.40 per plant.
What is the cheapest alternative to grass?
Anyways, here are ten cheap alternatives to grass you can use on your lawn:Mulch.Artificial Grass.Install Pavers.Rock and/or Sand Garden.Recycled Wooden Decks.Paint the Lawn Green.Gravel.Ground Covering Plants and Trees.More items...•
What do you cover soil with?
Aggregates such as gravel, slate and pebbles are a low maintenance alternative to soil or grass. Creating ground cover delivers several benefits: Provides moisture retention, helping plants to survive in periods of drought.
What is the hardiest ground cover?
Lamium. Under even the most unforgiving of conditions, lamium prevails. This vining plant, also known as dead nettles, can tolerate cold, heat, and drought, and it's deer resistant. There are more than 40 species of lamium, but the best are those that are flowering perennials like the Pink Chablis.
1. Shingles
Even though we‘re used to seeing shingles as a roof cover, they can be a practical solution as a yard walkway.
2. Organic Mulch
Here you have a natural method to cover up the soil, which will benefit you in several ways.
3. Recycled Bricks and Pavers
Instead of buying a great deal of new material, you could try recycling bricks or pavers from old sidewalks and driveways, which will make your yard an eco-friendly space for your friends and family.
4. Gravel
Gravel paths can be easily constructed since they don’t need to be set deep.
5. Wood or Composite Decks
If you go with this method, you’ll add a warm feeling to your outdoors.
6. Build a Water Pond
Have you always wanted a mini-lake in your backyard but never got around to building one?
7. Natural Grass
It certainly takes some knowledge and care to plant natural grass properly, but it comes with plenty of advantages for your home.
1. Concrete
The first way that you will be able to cover the exposed dirt in your backyard is by covering it with concrete. Concrete may seem like the most obvious choice for some because it allows you to have more space for furniture and outside activities.
2. Woodchips
The second way to cover the exposed dirt is by covering it with mulch. One of the most inexpensive types of mulch is wood chips. You will be able to find a large number of woodchips that will be able to cover your entire backyard for a very inexpensive price.
3. Creepers
The third way that you will be able to cover the exposed dirt in your backyard is by covering it with creepers. Creeping plants grow close to the ground and will cover the dirt in your backyard in no time.
4. Gravel
The fourth way that you will cover the exposed dirt in your backyard is by covering it with gravel. Gravel is one of the best options for covering the dirt in your backyard because of how durable it is. Once you lay out the gravel, you do not have to worry about it.
5. Build a Deck
Backyard view of grey rambler house with upper and lower decks and green lawn. Kirkland, WA, USA.
6. Fake Grass
The sixth way that you will be able to cover dirt is by covering it with fake grass. Installing fake grass is not very cheap. However, maintaining it is. Once you have the fake grass in your backyard, you will quickly realize that there is little you have to do to take care of it.
7. Garden
The seventh way you will be able to cover the exposed dirt in your backyard is by creating your own garden. Many homeowners choose this option because what is better than having an area in your backyard dedicated to growing your favorite plants or foods?
Use Grass to Restore Your Yard to Its Former Glory
Most people choose to cover the dirt in their yard with grass because it looks good and is relatively easy to maintain, provided you have a green thumb. It’s also relatively cheap in comparison to other options. However, this method requires a bit of elbow grease.
Create an Eco-Friendly Space with Recycled Bricks or Crushed Concrete
Recycled bricks or crushed concrete are an excellent alternative to planting grass, and what we chose in our own yard. You’ll end up spending less in the long run over grass since there’s no maintenance costs. Plus, using recycled materials, keep those items out of landfills.
Cover the Dirt with Ground Cover
If you want to cover your dirt yard with some greenery, but grass isn’t an option, you can do so by planting ground cover. Low creeping plants are great for covering the ground and creating an instant garden.
Play It Safe with Mulch
If you’re unsure what your future landscaping project will look like, you should consider using mulch. It is low cost, and it also provides several benefits such as weed control, suppression of soil erosion and moisture conservation.
Time to Give Your Backyard a Facelift
You don’t have to live with a dirty yard because you’re strapped for cash. As you can see, you can achieve a beautiful look with little to no investment. Whether you choose to use wood chips or stone, you can’t go wrong.
What are some good ground covers for a backyard?
Sun-loving ground covers, such as creeping thyme ( Thymus praecox) and candytuft (Iberis spp), which grow in USDA zones 5 through 9, and shade-loving plants such as mini Kenilworth ivy (Cymbalaria aequitriloba) and blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis), which grows in USDA zones 6 through 9, can fill every part of your backyard. If you look around your neighborhood, you can usually find a neighbor willing to share cuttings and advice on establishing ground covers. The spreading nature of ground covers also means some will spread too vigorously. Be careful when selecting plants to ensure you don't accidentally plant an invasive species such as periwinkle (Vinca major), which grows in USDA zones 7 through 11, or English ivy (Hedera helix), which grows in USDA zone 4 through 9.
How to green up with grass?
Green Up With Grass. Planting grass is a frugal option that requires more sweat than money. By planning two to six months ahead as well as turning the pile, you can build a compost pile with dead leaves, weeds, shredded paper, manure, grass trimmings and other yard debris. After the compost pile has completely decomposed, ...
What grass grows in USDA zones?
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, and zoysia grass (Zoysia spp), which grows in USDA zones 6 through 9. These grasses tend to be invasive, so use caution when selecting grass for your yard.
What are some alternatives to plants?
Recycled Bricks, Pavers and Concrete. Paths and patios are inexpensive alternatives to plants. Recycling old bricks, pavers, concrete from sidewalks and driveways and other found materials make your yard an eco-friendly space for your family and friends.
What makes a yard a wasteland?
A bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland – dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. Although your budget may not allow a full makeover, there are several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and pet-friendly retreat.
Do ground covers spread vigorously?
The spreading nature of ground covers also means some will spread too vigorously.
Can you dump wood chips in your driveway?
Although some tree-trimming firms will happily dump a load of free wood chips in your driveway, use caution, as the chips may contain pesticides, herbicides and other substances such as juglone, a toxic chemical found in walnut trees (Juglans spp.), which grow in USDA zones 3 through 9, depending on the species.
What is the best way to get rid of mud?
1. Lime: Many designers are considering hydrated lime or quicklime as a quick solution in getting rid of the mud. When lime touches the mud, the moisture triggers a chemical reaction that spreads the lime and dries up the water in the mud. 2.
Why is gravel good for soil?
It also helps drive away pests and not a suitable material for fungi to grow on. Gravel also gives the soil a foundation and prevents it from being washed away or erode. The only problem that you have to deal with gravel is when it gets buried in soft mud.
How much does sod cost per square foot?
You can buy sod for at least 8 cents per square foot. So, covering a bigger muddy patch with sod can be heavy on your budget. If budget is not a problem, then you must make sure the sod survives by tilling, leveling, and keeping the soil moist for the roots to grow well.
How high should mulch be?
Keep the layer of mulch at 4-inches height. Avoid mulch build-up at the base of shrubs, to prevent the roots from attaching to the mulch that will decompose eventually. Don’t build mulch volcanoes at the foot of the tress because it will speed up the decay of the protective bark, attract rodents, and grow weaker roots.
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is made up of plants that thrive on wet soil and needs more water than other types of plant. This option is an inexpensive way of taking advantage of the water from the mud and designing your backyard at the same time.
Why are drainage pipes placed in lawns?
The placement of these pipes is intentional in hopes that the rainwater will help water the lawn. However, too much rain and flat lawns with not enough plants or trees to absorb the water will only end up stagnating the water on the soil.
Can straw absorb water from mud?
When the soil is too murky, hay or straw can absorb the water from the mud when it gets dry. Choosing sand as a cover for mud is not a long-term solution but it does the job. The only problem you’ll deal with this method is when the wind blows, so does the hay.
A Cheap Fix to Cover Up Dirt in a Backyard. The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and ..
A Cheap Fix to Cover Up Dirt in a Backyard. The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and ...
The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and pet-friendly retreat
The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and pet-friendly retreat.
The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and pet-friendly retreat
The bare expanse of dirt, rocks and a few dead weeds makes the backyard a wasteland -- dry as a bone in summer and a mud hole in winter. While your budget may not allow a full makeover, there's several frugal options that can turn your dirt-filled yard into a family- and pet-friendly retreat.
Do greatmats have perforated surfaces?
Nearly all of them offer perforated surfaces to allow for maximum airflow, allowing the dirt floor to drain and dry but keeping foot traffic, furniture and appliances out of the dirt. You can be confident in the longevity of your investment when you choose Greatmats.
Does Greatmats cover dirt floors?
Greatmats has a number of floating flooring and matting solutions that would work really well to cover an existing dirt floor. The different options have been installed in hundreds of professional and home shops, garages, porches, basements, barns, sheds, and other settings.
Can you install Staylock tile over dirt?
Staylock perforated tiles are easy to install over a dirt floor without glue or adhesives. Instead, they feature an active locking connector design that allows the tile to “float” over the dirt floor.
Can Greatmats cover dirt?
There are many flooring solutions at Greatmats that can easily cover an existing dirt floor, from decking tiles to flexible horse ring mats and numerous options in between.
Does safety matta tile work on dirt floors?
The Safety Matta Perforated Tile works really well on dirt floors, too. This product has an interlocking lug system that is easy to install, and the raised tiles provide excellent drainage.
