Hey everyone! I'm new here and hoping to get some advice. My husband and I have been homeowners for two years now, and after focusing on some necessary repairs, we're finally ready to tackle our messy backyard. We have about 0.25 to 0.30 acres of land that's in dire need of some love. It's a bit of a disaster with dirt turning to mud after rain, tons of leaves from our beautiful old trees, and no grass, just dirt. We're planning to level the yard, create a little hardscaping near our fire pit, and separate the space into two areas with low-maintenance, pet-friendly plants. We want to do this ourselves but really need guidance on what tools we should get or rent, any important steps we might overlook, and good places to find tutorials. We're trying to keep our budget around $10-15k. If you need to see the mess for context, I'm happy to share pictures! Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
First off, a great starting point is to sketch your plans with paper and pencil. Organizing your thoughts is super helpful! You'll need basic tools like a wheelbarrow, a pointed shovel, and both metal and plastic rakes. Since you want to grow grass, consider getting a push broadcast spreader for even distribution of seeds. Renting a rototiller can be useful for preparing your soil, too. And don’t forget hoses to keep things watered! If you're in a wet area, make sure to check on good drainage solutions and keep an eye out for weeds, especially with the rain you get. You got this!
Your backyard size is definitely manageable! Check local listings for affordable dirt delivery. You could also rent a mini skid steer for moving dirt and pavers around easily. Depending on how shady your yard is, you might need to trim some branches for better grass growth. I'd recommend renting chainsaws and pole saws if necessary. For the grass, get a good garden rake, quality grass seed, a handheld seed spreader, and a bit of straw with tackifier to help with coverage. Just remember to water everything after planting! Oh, and if mosquitoes become an issue, try using a hose attachment like Cutter spray to keep them at bay.
Any tips on how to share photos on here? I can only add links or GIFs!
Thanks for the tips! I really appreciate it!