After moving into our new home, we faced the challenge of managing a large backyard and front yard filled with trees that constantly made the place messy. In December, we decided to remove the trees to create a cleaner environment, but now the yard feels a bit barren. We’re considering several ideas to enhance our outdoor spaces:

  • Increase shaded areas for comfort during late mornings and afternoons.
  • Install heating for enjoyable late afternoons and evenings.
  • Create a social gathering space suitable for large groups.
  • Reduce water usage to lower the cost of maintaining a large grass cover.
  • Maintain curb appeal as we reduce maintenance costs.

Backyard Ideas

Concrete Gazebo Palm Trees Fire Pit + Umbrella
Pro reduces grass cover shade provides shade provides heat & shade
Pro ideal for gatherings great for gatherings california aesthatic looks great
Con no shade, reflects heat makes area feel smaller requires more water not permanent
Cost $12000 $11000 $500 $5000

Frontyard Ideas

Dichondra Repens Xeriscape Turf
Pro water once a week no watering no watering
Pro green cover looks nice beautiful
Con can look quite different less usable area 10-15 year life
Cost $2000 $5000 $15000

Sidewalk Ideas

Stone Let it dry out
Pro curb appeal ugly
Con no real use trees can die too
Cost $3000 -

So, what do we choose? My suggestions:

  1. Go with concrete, firepit, umbrella, and furniture for the backyard
  2. Go with dichondra repens for frontyard
  3. Go with stones for sidewalk