Our team has designed for just about every kind of backyard, but one of the most common design requests we deal with is homeowners needing to maximize a small backyard. While small yard landscaping and lacking in square-footage may seem like a hindrance to some, trust us, we love working with small yards.
One of our founding principles is to bring great landscape design to a wider range of homeowners and that includes those small backyards, side yards, or funny-shaped, quirky, and unique plots of land! Planning a small backyard design comes with its own set of challenges, but maximizing a small backyard can change how you use and enjoy your entire property.
We asked our talented team to pull together some design ideas and Bower & Branch plans that bring a small backyard to the next level. Check it out!
A rectangular backyard offers great potential for creative landscaping. With some thoughtful planning and design a rectangular space can be transformed into a beautiful functional outdoor oasis. Here are some great ideas to inspire your rectangular backyard makeover.
Take Stock of Your Backyard’s Assets
Before diving into a landscape design take time to analyze the features and conditions of your rectangular yard. Consider the following
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Sunlight – Note which areas get full sun versus shade. This will inform your plant choices.
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Soil – Test the soil to understand the drainage and pH level. This determines what will thrive.
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Slope – A sloped yard may require terracing or retaining walls for flat spaces
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Existing structures – Make use of permanent elements like sheds, trees, and fences in your design.
Create Zones and Focal Points
Divide your rectangular space into separate “rooms” or activity zones. This segmentation creates a sense of dimension. Some ideas:
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A paved dining area
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A fire pit corner with seating
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A lush garden plot
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A kids’ playground
Anchor each zone with a focal point – like a water feature, accent tree, fire pit, or piece of yard art. Focal points draw the eye and make spaces more inviting.
Use Hardscaping Creatively
Hardscaping like patios, walkways, and fences provides structure. Consider:
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A paved patio for entertaining
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Curving gravel or stone pathways
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A pergola or trellis to define spaces
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Contrasting materials, like pavers and gravel
Mixing materials lends visual interest while guiding traffic flow.
Choose Plants Strategically
Gardens soften hard edges and bring color. Strategize plant placement:
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Cluster taller plants/trees toward the back
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Use medium-height plants to divide spaces
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Add visual interest with different textures and colors
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Spotlight specimen trees or vivid flower beds
Go Vertical
Make the most of vertical real estate. Options include:
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Vines climbing fences or trellises
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Hanging flower pots on pergolas
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Wall-mounted planter boxes
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A living wall with cascading greenery
Vertical gardens maximize greenery without sacrificing floor space.
Include Multipurpose Elements
Look for lawn features that serve double duty:
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A fire table to use as patio furniture by day
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A bistro set that folds up when not in use
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Storage benches that double as extra seating
Multifunctional pieces maximize utility in a compact yard.
Use Decor Strategically
Decor defines spaces and brings personality. Ideas:
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Outdoor rugs to mark lounge areas or dining zones
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Fun cushions and pillows on patio furniture
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Stylish container gardens scattered about
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Twinkling string lights lining fences and rooflines
Play with Shape and Layout
The rectangular footprint provides versatility:
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Angle a walking path on the diagonal
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Softens corners with curved planting beds
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Use rectangular pavers to match the yard’s shape
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Place linear beds or rows of pots along the edges
Playing with angles and lines makes rectangles more dynamic.
Zone for Kids and Pets
Don’t forget your furry family members!
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Carve out a patch of lawn for play
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Add a mini playhouse or sandbox
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Designate an area for pets to roam
Separate kid/pet zones allow them to play safely.
Illuminate for Nighttime Use
Lighting extends time spent outdoors after dark:
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Line pathways with solar stakes
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Spotlight trees and architectural elements
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Hang string lights or lanterns
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Add flameless candles for ambiance
Lighting creates a magical, inviting atmosphere at night.
Pick Furniture Strategically
Choose patio furniture suited to small spaces:
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Nested tables to take up less room when not in use
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Barstools that tuck under counters and islands
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Furniture with built-in storage for hiding clutter
Compact, multi-use furniture maximizes room.
Don’t Overlook Maintenance
A beautiful yard requires upkeep. Strategize for simplicity:
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Drip irrigation systems for water efficiency
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Native, drought-tolerant plants that need less care
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Gravel, pavers, or artificial turf instead of high-maintenance grass
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Storage for yard tools and supplies
Low-maintenance choices reduce work while maximizing enjoyment.
Add Personal Touches
Infuse personality into your rectangular oasis:
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Favorite colors and patterns on cushions or rugs
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Painted planter boxes or handmade pottery
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Custom art, like a mosaic mural or painted patio
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Meaningful garden accessories and accents
Personal details make the space distinctly yours.
The linear layout of a rectangular yard allows for segmented zones and strategic landscaping possibilities. With smart design choices and creative touches, you can transform a plain rectangular plot into a beautiful backyard showcase tailored exactly to your needs. The only limit is your imagination! Start sketching ideas to plan your perfect rectilinear outdoor living space.
#4 // Use Visual Tricks to Enhance Space
Visual tricks can help tie a space together. For example, sometimes a railing around a deck can cut a space in half and make it feel smaller. Simply remove the railing and your sight lines may extend and not feel confined.
Another idea is to edge your garden beds. Just the small act of having clean lines between your garden and grass can help delineate areas in your yard and physically feel more organized and purposeful.
#12 // Choose Sustainable Design Practices
While we like this tip for any space, incorporating sustainable design practices is always a great small backyard idea. By embracing concepts like xeriscaping, selecting native plants, removing your grass and using artificial turf or incorporating more gardens and trees, you are keeping your yard low maintenance, therefore allowing yourself to enjoy it more.
Rectangle Backyard Landscaping Ideas and Tips
FAQ
How to landscape a rectangular backyard?
Consider splitting a rectangle yard into separate zones, such as a dining or play area, while landscaping it. To provide visual interest and separate these spaces, hedges or planting beds can be used. Vertical components such as trellises or pergolas can add height and depth to the yard.
What is the rule of 3 in landscaping?
The rule of three suggests that elements arranged in threes are inherently more appealing and memorable to the human eye than those arranged in other quantities.
What is the least expensive backyard landscaping?
- Use Mulch Alternatives. …
- Repurpose Old Tires. …
- Go Vertical With Your Gardening. …
- Add a Splash of Color. …
- Plant a Functional Garden. …
- Opt for Natural Perennial Ground Covers. …
- Build an Outdoor Fire Pit. …
- Plant a Tree.
How to plan a rectangular garden?
In a narrow garden, layers made of different heights and textures tend to add dynamism. Plant tall, medium-height, and low-growing plants side by side. This could also make the garden area appear bigger with this layering effect. You can also add in raised beds or vertical gardens to make the most out of the space.