Make over your yard for less than $500

Whether you're a frugal homeowner, or just want to spend your money elsewhere, here are tips to inexpensively revamp your yard this summer. 

1. Greenery

Focus first on your bushes and shrubs. Overgrown greenery can make your yard look sloppy, so be sure to trim anything growing in the front yard. Fill the area around your bushes with mulch or rock for a clean look – consider putting down landscape fabric or another barrier so you don’t have to worry about weeds cropping up.

2. Paint that door!

Yahoo estimates that front doors only require a coat of paint, so there’s simply no reason to have the original boring door color. Red is a popular front door color, and bold colors can offer a pop to an otherwise neutral house. If you’re not sure what would look best, consider the landscape surrounding your home. Dark green looks great in areas with lots of mature trees, while blues and corals look great near the water.

3. Outdoor seating and lounging

This is where Craigslist and rummage sales come in handy. When you come across chairs and tables that have seen better days, consider what a bit of sanding and water-resistant spray paint could do to them. Once purchased, sand and them down, and be sure to add a layer of primer before you paint.

If you already own a basic patio set, spruce it up with new chair pads, table cloths and a matching umbrella. Don’t forget tiki torches or other devices to keep the bugs at bay. Small pots with inexpensive plants will also add appeal to your patio or deck.

4. Save water, save money

Yahoo estimates that the average homeowner spends up to 30 percent of their water bill on outdoor irrigation. To save money, add a basic rain barrel to the end of your downspout, then reuse the water for your plants and lawn. Be sure to cover or seal the top to ensure the safety of children – and to minimize the amount of mosquitoes that will want to use your barrel for breeding!