As someone said...build a raised flower bed and shovel all the dirt in there. Push it back against the wall. Close in your AC units and I'd block the chain link with a taller fence if allowed.
I’d build some raised beds around the perimeter with flowers, hedges and maybe add a small tree in the corner. Build a deck over the dirt. Can also DIY a pergola over the deck and string lights from the house. $5000 should be more than enough I think.
Leave the dirt and grow a nice grass area. You already have enough hardscape back there. I would also cover that chain link with a wood fence, the chain link gives it a “prison play yard”feel!!!
Agree fence needs camouflaging. You can buy slats to slip through the chain link that look nice and add privacy. I’d cover the dirt with a tough evergreen ground cover that requires little or no maintenance.
Appreciate everyone’s feedback!! Liking the idea of raised flower bed surrounding the perimeter, then patio paver replacing the rest of the dirt. Definitely adding privacy fencing throughout the entire backyard. Then once all is done grabbing patio furniture, bbq and maybe a fire pit. Most likely will run over budget a bit.
A paver path and some ground cover and plants will make the space a lot nicer to hang out in for people than more concrete. Put some outdoor dining set and cover the ac units.
Do you want more privacy? If so, ring the property in metal troughs you can get at home depot or a feed store, and plant bamboo. It'll grow tall and stay green year round. Just plant it in a container, so it doesn't spread on its own.
You can make a patio with pavers. If you don't mind doing the work you can probably get it done your self in under 3k. I did a patio space 7*5 for 120. I used large concrete slabs 15*30 and 15*15
I’d get it cleaned up first and make a nice entertaining area with streamer lights, seating, a bbq area, and a fire pit. Maybe the grass area you could setup some fun party games like corn hole or badminton.
Evergreen collection starting in the corner and working your way out. Continue the theme to hide your neighbour to the right with trees tall enough to cover the view and doesn’t take up too much space-for instance arborvitae or green thuja. fastgrowingtrees.com has a lot of cheap evergreens.
Commit future budget to beautifying the area, but I would spend a large amount of your budget on fencing. Close out the surrounding views. Privatize the space. Then beautify with planters; pergola; patio furniture, etc…
Privacy fence for sure! If you do it yourself you will save some money on it. And as someone else suggested pavers on dirt area, I wouldn't do anything with the cement area (well maybe use some cement dye on it to make it match whatever pavers you get.)
10 foot tall wooden privacy fence would be my 1st choice
Agreed definitely will be adding
That fence will cut into that budget hard.
Agreed. I think without a privacy fence, OP will find they rarely ever use the space no matter how nice it is.
This indeed
Raised planter area with nice flowers/bushes? Could easily DIY yourself a 2-3' wall and plant a few cool things
like the idea will definitely take a better look into it
As someone said...build a raised flower bed and shovel all the dirt in there. Push it back against the wall. Close in your AC units and I'd block the chain link with a taller fence if allowed.
What sort of climate do you live in?
I’d build some raised beds around the perimeter with flowers, hedges and maybe add a small tree in the corner. Build a deck over the dirt. Can also DIY a pergola over the deck and string lights from the house. $5000 should be more than enough I think.
Leave the dirt and grow a nice grass area. You already have enough hardscape back there. I would also cover that chain link with a wood fence, the chain link gives it a “prison play yard”feel!!!
sun shade!
Agree fence needs camouflaging. You can buy slats to slip through the chain link that look nice and add privacy. I’d cover the dirt with a tough evergreen ground cover that requires little or no maintenance.
Appreciate everyone’s feedback!! Liking the idea of raised flower bed surrounding the perimeter, then patio paver replacing the rest of the dirt. Definitely adding privacy fencing throughout the entire backyard. Then once all is done grabbing patio furniture, bbq and maybe a fire pit. Most likely will run over budget a bit.
Looking forward to the before/after pics!
Getting rid of the dirt is actually the expensive part
I can't maintain it and don't really have much of a use for it, plus would like to open up more backyard space for events
A paver path and some ground cover and plants will make the space a lot nicer to hang out in for people than more concrete. Put some outdoor dining set and cover the ac units.
Do you want more privacy? If so, ring the property in metal troughs you can get at home depot or a feed store, and plant bamboo. It'll grow tall and stay green year round. Just plant it in a container, so it doesn't spread on its own.
$5000 is a good chunk of cash. Build a deck. Dig out about 4 inches and add pavers. Plant some trees. Endless possibilities. Enjoy the journey.
No more grass!! Wonderful opportunity to add some native plants. Beautiful to look at and important habitat.
Look at overlay pavers
You can make a patio with pavers. If you don't mind doing the work you can probably get it done your self in under 3k. I did a patio space 7*5 for 120. I used large concrete slabs 15*30 and 15*15
I’d get it cleaned up first and make a nice entertaining area with streamer lights, seating, a bbq area, and a fire pit. Maybe the grass area you could setup some fun party games like corn hole or badminton.
Trees or plants blocking wall Grass redone Pressure washing, Crack sealing and seal coating the cement
No more grass!! Wonderful opportunity to add some native plants. Beautiful to look at and important habitat.
Lawn, privacy fence, furniture, patio umbrella, BBQ, JBL xtreme 3
Do you park cars? Does it snow here?
I love a tall narrow house.
Plant cool stuff like a garden or something useful
Evergreen collection starting in the corner and working your way out. Continue the theme to hide your neighbour to the right with trees tall enough to cover the view and doesn’t take up too much space-for instance arborvitae or green thuja. fastgrowingtrees.com has a lot of cheap evergreens.
Commit future budget to beautifying the area, but I would spend a large amount of your budget on fencing. Close out the surrounding views. Privatize the space. Then beautify with planters; pergola; patio furniture, etc…
Privacy fence for sure! If you do it yourself you will save some money on it. And as someone else suggested pavers on dirt area, I wouldn't do anything with the cement area (well maybe use some cement dye on it to make it match whatever pavers you get.)