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Jenny White

The best ways to cheaply spruce up your backyard to make it awesome

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From lighting improvements to stylish decor additions to garden fixes (and everything in between), all of these low-cost products here will make your backyard an awesome oasis for less than $50 dollars. You’ll be surprised how quickly your outdoor spaces can all come together.

Make your trees sparkle

Spruce up plain trees by hanging this pair of solar lights in them. When the light shines through the cutout design, the intricate patterns are cast onto the surrounding area. The waterproof lights will run for up to eight hours at night.

Create walkways with these easy pathway planks

Made from weather-resistant cedar planks, this 6-foot pathway can lead anywhere you please — it can even be positioned in a curved shape. The planks are nonslip, so you and guests can walk around on it comfortably. An 8- and 12-foot version can be found in the listing.

Add uplighting to trees, shrubbery & more

These solar lights stick into the ground using the stake bottom, so you can shine the light upwards onto trees, shrubbery, the house, and other areas that you want to draw attention to. Each of the 12 lights has eight LEDs to illuminate brightly for 10 hours per evening. They’re waterproof for durability.

Have a designated storage spot for tools & more

For odds and ends like tools, equipment, cushions, etc., use this deck box for storage. It holds up to 30 gallons, and with the lid closed, it’s waterproof to keep everything protected. The box also functions as a side table or extra seat.

Tame the edges along your patio & garden

Create deep, clean borders along your patio, garden, and other spots with this edger tool. It has a steel blade with sawtooth edges that slice through the ground cleanly. There’s an extra-wide foot platform that allows you to use your body weight for maximum force while digging. “I was surprised it is as heavy duty as it is. And it cuts very well,” wrote one fan who calls it the “coolest tool I’ve seen in a long time.”

Illuminate your outdoor table for al-fresco dining

You can’t eat comfortably outside at night if you can barely see — this remote-controlled light clamps around your umbrella pole to illuminate the area below. The 20 LEDs can be set to a range of colors, brightness levels, and lighting modes for a custom setup. It’s powered by six AA batteries and comes with a remote.

Store your hose in a stylish way

Hose a jumbled mess? Use this plastic pot — it can accommodate hoses up to 300 feet in length — and it also serves as a decorative element for your yard. The opening at the bottom allows you to keep the hose plugged into the spigot, so you don’t have to pull the whole thing out to water your garden.

Spruce up flower boxes & planters with faux plants

Flower boxes, pots, and planters will look nice year-round if you fill them with these faux flower stems. They’re UV-resistant so the bright purple hue won’t fade (other colors are available in the listing), and they look surprisingly realistic. “I have had them 5 months now and they are holding up to rain, hail, wind and very hot sun. I would definitely purchase again,” wrote one commenter.

Create the ultimate lounging area

Hang this mesh canopy over an outdoor bed or lounger to finish off the space for relaxation — it’s over 7 feet tall. The fine mesh design keeps bugs and other pests from bothering you without impeding airflow. A hanging kit is included.

Define an outdoor living area or eating spot

Position this waterproof rug under your outdoor dining table or other outdoor furniture to define the area and add a touch of style; it’s reversible to change up the look with a quick flip. The rug is tightly woven from recycled plastic. Rain will drain right through it, so it’ll dry quickly. Choose from eight colors and a few different sizes in the listing.

Stop mulch & dirt from spilling out of flower beds

Line flower beds, gardens, and other landscaping spots with this plastic edging border to keep dirt and mulch from spilling out. It’s flexible, so you can configure it into any shape, and it covers over 20 feet. Use the 22 plastic stakes to secure it in the ground.

Bring in functional items that also look nice

These rain gauges let you track the amount of precipitation you’re getting on any given day. However, they also serve as decor — they feature colorful flower, butterfly, and firefly components, plus built-in solar lights to shine for up to eight hours at night. They come as a pair.

Reduce the number of bugs from flying around

This citronella candle will burn for 25-plus hours straight, deterring bothersome mosquitos from your yard. Functionality aside, this pick has unique color-changing lights embedded into it for an appealing addition. Use the metal handle on the top for hanging.

Eliminate unwanted pet odors

Dogs are notorious for leaving yards a little stinky, but this odor eliminator gets rid of the stench from stool, urine, and more. Sprinkle it directly onto the area in question (including grass, your patio, etc.), and it’ll eliminate the odor instantly.

Create an inviting ambiance with string lights

At 50 feet in length, this light strand offers ample coverage for wherever you choose to hang it. Dim the lights as desired — they put out a natural warm white glow — to create a warm, welcoming ambiance. The 25 globe lights on the strand are waterproof, shatterproof, and energy-saving.

Hang lights up high for extra drama

Use these 10-foot poles to hang your favorite string lights much higher than you normally could — this gives your entire yard a spruce up. The two poles are made from waterproof metal with a rustproof coating to last through the elements. There are various installation choices based on your specific setup.

Increase the amount of shade on your patio or deck

At 8 by 10 feet, this sun sail can create a large amount of shade for hanging out on your patio or deck. The high-density polyethylene material that it’s made from blocks up to 95% of UV rays, and each corner boasts a rustproof D-ring for hanging (four cords come with, too). It comes in a range of sizes and colors to fit your space.

Add pops of color to your garden

Liven up your garden with the addition of these seven hand-painted flower stakes that come in bright hues to pop. They’re made from durable metal with a UV-protective coating to prevent fading. And the stems can be inserted directly into the soil or ground for a secure hold.

Create privacy for added comfort & shade

These outdoor curtains offer an element of privacy for your backyard, plus they filter out sunlight so it doesn’t shine quite as harshly. Made from 100% polyester, each of the two curtain panels is textured with a grommeted top for hanging. They’re water repellent by design and available in 21 colors.

Keep your grass in tip-top shape

Grab this bag of smart seed that contains seed plus fertilizer to make your yard greener. It’s perfect for new lawns, bare spots, or thinner areas, and the three-pound bag will cover up to 750 square feet. You’ll see results in as few as eight days.

Create a comfy spot to lounge in

Hang this nylon hammock between two trees using carabiner clips — it takes mere minutes to set up — creating a comfortable spot to read a book, take a nap, or simply enjoy the outdoors. Single- and double-sized options are available in the listing in a wide range of colors.

Utilize technology to control lights & other electronics

This smart outdoor plug can be controlled with a free app or your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant. You can even set up timers and schedules. This pick features six outlets — plug in various items like outdoor lights, a speaker, and more — and the 12-inch green stake will blend in with the lawn.

Add extra seating in seconds

Short on seating in your yard? This lounger sofa inflates as soon as you whisk it through the air. It’s surprisingly comfortable — there’s a pillow-shaped headrest to support your head and neck — and it’ll stay inflated for up to six hours. When not in use, the lounger folds down for storage in the included carrying bag.

Illuminate plants, railings & more for nighttime hangouts

Wrap this pair of wire fairy light strands around branches, railings, and more for a warm, welcoming ambiance — and much more visibility overall. Each light strand is 33 feet long with 100 LEDs that can be set to eight modes like twinkle, slow fade, or steady-on. Since the strands are waterproof, you don’t have to worry about weather ruining them.

Play your favorite jams for a fun time

“Lovely addition to my beautiful backyard and so relaxing to listen to my music in the summer evening,” wrote one shopper about this Bluetooth speaker, which doubles as a lantern. It’ll last about 24 hours per charge, and it can be mounted from your siding, hung in a tree, stuck in the ground (using the stake), or just placed on a table.

Brighten your fencing at night

When dusk falls, brighten up your fence with the addition of these six solar lights, which are designed for this exact spot. They have built-in sensors to turn on and off automatically, and they’ll shine bright for up to 10 hours when fully charged via the sun. They can be set to 10 solid colors, including various temperatures of white.

Add hands-free access to your back door

Install this mesh screen on your back door for easier access. The middle is lined with 26 powerful magnets so you can walk directly through it, and then it closes up on its own behind you. Use the included hook-and-loop tape and push pins to hang it.

Attract beautiful hummingbirds & butterflies

This one-ounce packet contains over 7,500 seeds (to cover up to 100 square feet) with high germination rates. There are 23 wildflower species included that’ll attract hummingbirds, butterflies, honey bees, and ladybugs.

Flatten an outdoor rug so it’s not an eyesore

Curling rugs are a tripping hazard and a visual eyesore. But these corner grippers are an instant fix; the renewable sticky gel provides a firm grip on the corners, keeping them in place. The grippers won’t cause any damage to the surface below, whether that’s your deck or patio.

Get hands-on in the garden (safely)

As you work in your garden, protect your hands by wearing these gardening gloves. They’re made from absorbent, breathable bamboo with a textured rubber coating for grip. The gloves will fit snugly on your hands; the elastic cuff keeps out dirt and other debris.

Prune shrubs & other greenery

Trim grass, shrubs, and flowers with this set of garden clippers. The ergonomically-designed, nonslip handle is comfortable to utilize, and the heat-treated hardened carbon steel blades will cut through greenery cleanly. This pick has a lifetime warranty.

Add illumination to walkways for visibility & atmosphere

Line your walkways with these six pathway lights that are powered by the sun. They’ll turn on at dusk and off at dawn on their own. And since they’re made from thick, waterproof plastic, you can keep them out year-round without concern.

Get every surface sparkling clean

This high-pressure washer gun is a true multitasker; it comes with five interchangeable nozzle heads to clean a variety of spots. “With 3000 PSI of maximum pressure, it makes quick work of even the toughest grime and dirt. I've used it on my car, patio, and even some outdoor furniture, and the results have been outstanding,” wrote one commenter.

Make your stairs brightly lit for safety

The stairs in your backyard can be dangerous when not properly illuminated. These solar-powered lights will do the trick — and they look nice, too. Each one has 13 LED beads for optimal brightness, and they can run for up to 10 hours straight once the sun sets. The lights are waterproof to last season after season, and six come in a pack.

Add decorative items that look good day & night

Too many decorative items in your yard can turn tacky. But this sun stake is pretty to look at, plus the built-in solar panel charges during the day for illumination at night — for up to eight hours, in fact. It stands over 3 feet tall with a sturdy stake at the bottom to keep it upright.

Ensure guests have a convenient spot for drinks

Guests will enjoy hanging out in your yard even more when you give them one of these beverage holders for their drink. Made from heavy-duty steel, each of the four holders sticks into the ground, and they can accommodate a can, cup, or bottle up to 3.5 inches in diameter.

Make your cornhole board playable at night

Install these LED lights in your cornhole board holes to enjoy a round or two, even after the sun sets. The pair of lights can be set to different color options or a color-changing mode for a show. The lights are waterproof, so you don’t have to head inside just because it’s sprinkling.

Tidy up cords, rope & other rogue items

If ropes, hoses, extension cords, and other similar items end up in a jumbled mess in your yard, grab these six storage straps to wrap them up. They’re heavy-duty by design — in fact, they can hold up to 25 pounds — and each one has a hook-and-loop closure to stay shut. Use the stainless steel grommet at the top for hanging.

Add surfaces for people to eat or drink at

Whenever you have visitors in your backyard, pop open this side table so everyone has a spot to place their drink or food — this way, they don’t have to balance it on their lap awkwardly. The wooden table locks in the open position, and then folds flat for storage. It weighs just over four pounds, so you can relocate it easily.

Use accent lighting for a subtle yet stylish touch

These solar-powered lights fit on the posts of your fence or deck to provide subtle accent lighting all night long. “So pretty, not tall or intrusive, just the perfect soft ambient lighting for the backyard fence,” wrote one shopper who adds that they particularly like the square design of this pick. The lights are made from weather-resistant plastic. They come in a two-pack.

Create a focal point for a big impact

Hang this curtain light to create a big-time focal point in your yard — it’s over 6 feet wide and nearly 10 feet tall. The strand boasts 300 LEDs that can be set to eight lighting modes, including a whimsical twinkle setting or steady-on. This is the cooler white option, but other white shades and even a colorful pick are available in the listing.

Bring a musical element to the space

Rather than sitting in silence, listen to the gentle sounds of this wind chime. The wind chime is adorned with hummingbirds, bells, and tassels, plus there are built-in lights that rotate through seven colors at night. It’s solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about another power source.

Beautify plain gravel or dirt

Dirt, rocks, grass, or gravel look fine as-is in your yard, but placing these stepping stones on top of these areas will beautify them. The trio of stones is made from rubber, which is flexible to lay flat (even on uneven terrain) and durable to last for years.

Utilize motion-sensor technology for safety & convenience

These two motion-sensor light bulbs serve as an extra safety measure. They’ll fit into any fixture with an E26 base, then they’ll conveniently flip on at night when movement is sensed within 24 feet. The LED flood lights will last a long time (they’re weather resistant) and save energy.

Trim grass & other greenery so it looks neat

The two-in-one design of this cordless trimmer means you can use it to mow the grass or trim up bushes and other greenery; two sharp blades are included for each of these tasks. The tool weighs under a pound and features an easy-grip handle — you could even operate it one-handed if you wanted.

Optimize your outdoor watering situation

Install this Y-shaped connector on your spigot to connect a pair of hoses at the same time. This way, you can have access to water in two spots, like in your garden and flower beds — and you don’t have to drag a bulky hose around to do so. The connector is made from heavy-duty brass that’s leakproof.

Eliminate leaves & debris from the ground

“These are SUCH a help! Easy to use and allows you to pick up so many leaves and transfer them to a trash can or bag without them falling out,” wrote one shopper about these hand rakes, which can be used to scoop up debris as well. They’re lightweight and built-in wrist guards minimize the strain on your body compared to a regular rake.

Add dynamic decor in plainer spots

This wind spinner adds an extra level of visual interest wherever you choose to place it. The whole thing smoothly spins as the wind blows (it can go in opposite directions), the solar-powered glass ball light glows at night, and the colorful gems are a vibrant touch. It stands over 6 feet tall.

Swap out tired light fixtures with fresh ones

If the wall-mounted fixtures on your house have seen better days, swap them out with these lantern ones for a refresh — they cost less than $20 for the pair. The lanterns charge via the sun during the day, and then flip on automatically at night, shining bright for up to eight hours. This means no wiring is necessary.

Feed wildlife to ensure birdsong

Keep the cute creatures flying and fluttering through your yard by enticing them with this bird feeder. It comes ready to hang from a tree or shepherd’s hook, and it can hold more than two pounds of seeds. The twist-lock cover ensures squirrels don’t sneak in and steal all of the food.

Create handy hanging space anywhere

You can hang many different items from these shepherd’s hooks, including planters, bird feeders, and more — they’re an ideal choice when you’re lacking trees for hanging. Each hook (two come in the set) has five claws on the bottom, so they won’t budge once you stick them into the soil. They stand 48 inches tall with the ability to support up to 14 pounds each.

Utilize colorful accent pieces

Don’t shy away from color in your backyard: This coir doormat is filled with vibrant flowers to stand out. It’s made from natural coir fibers to trap debris so it doesn’t get dragged through your home, and the PVC backing is nonslip to stay in place.

Make your picnic table look nicer & easier to clean

Break out this three-piece set to cover the table and benches of your picnic table — each piece is stretchy for a snug, secure fit. “This tablecloth is great. No worrying about it flying away and wipes clean so easily,” wrote one commenter. There are tons of patterns and sizes to choose from in the listing.

Add interest with water features

A swimming pool, pond, or bird bath are easy to overlook when it comes to sprucing up your backyard. However, this solar fountain is ideal for these areas. It shoots water through the air (there are seven nozzles that spray at different heights and shapes), plus the LED lights display a range of colors for a show. It’s solar powered, so you don’t have to worry about charging a battery to enjoy it.

Make your trampoline next-level fun

Trampolines are already fun, but this trampoline sprinkler takes it to a new level. It’s 39 feet long to cover the whole surface with water, and the thick, kink-free material that it’s made from will last year after year. Attach it to the trampoline net using the included zip ties.

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