8 Ways to Fix or Hide The Ugly Parts of Your Yard

Is there an eyesore in your yard? Something you wish you could change? There is hope! Here are some tips to help fix (or hide) those imperfections.

#1: Put Up A Privacy Screen

Do you have a not so nice view? Maybe the neighbours yard is a bit of a junkyard, or your yard overlooks a busy street. A privacy screen can make all the difference. A row of screening plants can also help obstruct the view. Arborvitae and cypress provide rapid and tall growth.

#2: Conquer Runaway Plants

Shrubs out of control? A tree that needs pruning? Your yard may be in need of just some good upkeep. The City of Calgary has a great list of YardSmart plants. YardSmart plants are beautiful, able to grow well in Calgary and good for the environment. And one final note: always avoid overwatering!  

#3: Paint That Fence

It might simply be time to just paint your fence. A fresh coat of paint can make a fence look brand new. Wood, metal or vinyl are the most common types of outdoor fences. The product you will choose to paint or stain depends on the type of material your fence is crafted from. Benjamin Moore has a great how to paint your fence article. 

#4: Cover Some Ground

Grass may wear away where there is a lot of food traffic, creating a bare patch, dirt or brown spots. Use a different material in these areas, such a mulch that won't wear away. You could also put in turf or gravel in that spot. We recently shared an article with grass alternatives that you may find of interest! 

#5: Overhaul Your Driveway

I recently had my driveway done and it makes such a huge difference. There are a couple things you can do to overhaul your driveway. First, you can fix the cracks. Cracks in a driveway are not only unappealing to the eye, they can cause damage. Moisture can get in and weeds can pop up. There are sealants you can buy at any home hardware store. Another option may just simply be a power wash. A good power wash can clean up any crime and dirt and have your driveway looking brand new. If these don't seem to do it, a new driveway may be your best bet. Bob Vila has a great article on options for materials! 

#6: Curb The Junk

Piles of wood in the corner? Old kids playhouses taking up space? Maybe a BBQ that doesn't even work any more. Simply getting rid of old clutter may be your best bet. Make a pile and call 1-800-Got-Junk and they will take care of it for you.

#7: Spruce Up Your Tree

Is your tree on its last legs? You might want to read this article to figure out if it's dead or can be saved! If it's a goner, it might be time to get rid of the tree. You could leave the stump as a bit of a feature piece and add plants around it. Or, if the tree is dead but not unappealing, keep it as a shelter for squirrels, birds and other creatures. Add a whimsical bird house to brighten it up!

#8: Redo Pathway Pavers

If your stone or paver path is too uneven to walk on, it may be time to set it right. Your only hard cost will be replacing broken pieces. This Old House has a great video on Repairing a Paver Walkway.

Some of the content for this article was curated from Bob Vila's blog.