Do It Yourself Landscape Ideas for Beginners

For homeowners in Utah County and Salt Lake County, tackling your own yard makeover can be fun and rewarding. DIY landscaping projects save money and let you personalize your outdoor space.

Utah’s climate does pose challenges – with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, but with the right approach you can still succeed.

In this guide, we share 15 do it yourself landscape ideas perfect for beginners, prioritizing Utah-friendly methods to create a yard that thrives.

Plan Your Do it Yourself Landscape Ideas

One important aspect of do it yourself landscape ideas is to start with a plan.

Map out your yard’s features (house, trees, slopes, sun vs. shade) before you plan.

Decide how you want to use each area and sketch zones for those purposes (garden, play space, patio). Group plants with similar water needs together for efficiency. 

Include a bit of hardscape (like a path or patio) to reduce the area that needs watering and mowing. Start with a simple design and you can always add more details later as your confidence grows.

Before you jump in, check local guidelines or HOA rules. Careful planning will ensure your do it yourself landscape ideas come together smoothly and suit your Utah home.

Know Your Soil and Prep It

Utah’s native soil is often alkaline clay (around pH 8.0 on average), which can be tough on some plants. A smart do it yourself landscape idea is to test your soil and improve it before planting anything.

Use a soil test kit or the extension service to learn your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Then mix in plenty of compost or other organic matter to loosen the clay and add nutrients.

Compost is “black gold” that greatly benefits Utah soils by improving structure and fertility.

If your ground is very hard, you might consider raised beds (discussed later) so you can fill them with ideal soil. Otherwise, breaking up the soil and blending in compost will give new plants a much better start.

Good soil prep is the foundation for a healthy landscape. It means your plants can root deeply and thrive, making all your do it yourself landscape ideas more successful in the long run.

Choose Native and Adapted Plants

Choosing native and climate-adapted plants is an easy do it yourself landscape idea that sets you up for success. According to LawnStarter, “Plants native to Utah are used to the local climate, so they can survive in your landscape with little help from you.”

Look for plants that thrive naturally here. For example, Great Basin sagebrush, Utah lilac, or silvery lupine are beautiful natives that tolerate local conditions.

They won’t struggle in summer heat or winter cold like some imported plants might.

You can also use well-adapted non-natives that are drought-tolerant (such as Russian sage or lavender).

The key is to pick hardy plants that won’t require constant pampering. Local nurseries and extension lists are great resources for Utah-friendly choices.

By filling your yard with natives or water-wise plants, you’ll create a landscape that practically takes care of itself. Your yard will stay lush with minimal maintenance and irrigation for your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Embrace Water-Wise Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a perfect do it yourself landscape idea for Utah’s dry climate. It focuses on using very little supplemental water while still keeping your yard attractive.

Swap out thirsty lawn or delicate flowers for drought-tolerant plants that thrive on minimal moisture. Many natives and desert-friendly plants (like agave, yucca, and penstemon) do well with little water. Once established, these plants can often survive on just rainfall alone.

Use gravel, rocks, or mulch to cover exposed soil and retain moisture. Hardscape elements like pathways and patios also reduce the area that needs irrigation. Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water plants efficiently right at the roots.

Xeriscaping not only conserves water but also reduces yard work. Many Utah communities even encourage it with rebate programs for lawn removal. By embracing this approach, you’ll have a unique, low-water landscape that’s easy to care for, even as part of your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Use Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control

Using mulch is one of the simplest do it yourself landscape ideas, yet it yields big benefits. A layer of mulch over your soil helps the ground retain moisture by reducing evaporation in our arid climate.

Mulch also blocks sunlight to weed seeds, dramatically cutting down on unwanted weeds. You’ll do much less weeding with a nice layer of mulch in place.

Spread about 2–3 inches of mulch (bark, wood chips, compost, or gravel) around your plants, keeping it a couple of inches away from stems to prevent rot. Organic mulches will break down over time and enrich your soil as they decompose, while inorganic mulches like rock last longer.

By mulching your garden beds and tree bases, you’ll conserve water and suppress weeds in one go. It’s an easy win that makes your do it yourself landscape ideas much more low-maintenance.

Rethink Your Lawn: Alternatives and Groundcovers

A sprawling lawn can be high-maintenance and water-hungry. A useful do it yourself landscape idea is to reduce traditional lawn areas and use some low-water alternatives.

Consider planting groundcover plants in place of turfgrass in parts of your yard. For instance, creeping thyme or certain sedums can form a green carpet that never needs mowing and uses very little water. They provide color and texture with a fraction of the upkeep of a lawn.

Another option is installing artificial turf in spots where you want a green look without the work. Modern artificial grass looks realistic and stays green year-round without watering or mowing. It’s an investment, but for a small yard or play area it can be a great solution.

You can also convert sections of lawn into expanded flower beds, a vegetable garden, or a gravel xeriscape with a few shrubs. Shrinking your lawn saves a lot of watering and weekly mowing, yet you can still have an inviting, livable yard.

By being strategic about where you really need grass and where you don’t, you’ll save time and water. This simple shift in thinking makes your yard more sustainable for our dry region and for your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Create DIY Pathways and Garden Edging

Adding a few paths and edging is an approachable do it yourself landscape idea that instantly tidies up your yard.

Think about where people naturally walk in your yard, and consider laying a simple pathway there.

You can use stepping stones placed a stride apart, or pour a ribbon of gravel or decomposed granite to form a path. Even a basic stone or gravel path keeps feet (and mud) off your grass and invites people to explore your garden.

Next, add edging along your garden beds. Edging creates a clear line between the lawn and the beds, which looks neat and also helps keep grass from invading your mulched areas.

You can edge with bricks, stones, or metal strips, or even just cut a clean trench line with a spade.

These small improvements serve both form and function. You’ll have neater lines, easier mowing along edges, and a yard that feels organized. Pathways and edging tie together your do it yourself landscape ideas and give your yard a polished appearance as part of your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Build Raised Beds for Gardens

Building a raised garden bed is an excellent do it yourself landscape idea for beginners who want to grow veggies or flowers.

A raised bed is basically a large container or box filled with great soil – perfect for planting.

You can buy a kit or make a simple frame from wood (common sizes are 4 ft x 4 ft or 4 ft x 8 ft). Place the frame on your chosen spot (pick a sunny area for vegetables), then fill it with a mix of quality topsoil and compost. Now you have an instant garden, no tough digging required.

Raised beds have lots of benefits: better drainage, less soil compaction, and they warm up faster in spring.

When you control the soil, plants often grow very well. They also reduce bending – you can sit on the edge while gardening, which is easier on your back.

Whether you grow tomatoes and lettuce or a cutting flower garden, raised beds make it easier. The soil stays loose, weeds are fewer, and everything is nicely contained.

It’s a rewarding do it yourself landscape idea to jump-start gardening success in your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Try Container Gardening for Flexibility

Container gardening is a flexible do it yourself landscape idea that lets you add color and life to any space – big yard or small porch – with minimal effort. By using pots and planters, you can garden anywhere without digging up the ground.

Plant a few containers with your favorite flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs. Use good potting mix (not heavy yard soil) so plants get the drainage and nutrients they need. Then set the pots wherever you want a pop of greenery – along the front steps, on the patio, or by the entryway.

One big perk of containers is mobility. If a plant isn’t happy in one spot, you can move the pot to another. When Utah’s winter comes, you can even bring pots of tender plants indoors to protect them from freezing. This means you can grow things like citrus or tropical flowers by moving them inside during cold months.

Containers also allow for creativity. You can rearrange them anytime for a new look, and experiment with plant combinations. (Combine a tall thriller plant with filler flowers and a trailing vine in one pot for an eye-catching display.)

Maintenance is straightforward: regular watering (potted plants dry out faster) and occasional feeding since nutrients wash out of pots. Consider using self-watering pots or adding a simple drip line to a cluster of containers to make care even easier.

Overall, container gardening gives you instant results and lots of control. It’s a wonderful way to add greenery to small spaces or to supplement your main garden. Plus, it’s a great do it yourself landscape idea for beginners to practice on a small scale – a great do it yourself landscape idea for beginners.

Incorporate Hardscape Elements

Including some hardscape features is a great do it yourself landscape idea to make your yard more livable. Hardscape refers to solid features like patios, walkways, walls, or arbors that add structure and function to your landscape.

For example, you could create a small patio or seating area by laying down pavers or gravel in a corner of your yard.

Add a couple of chairs and you suddenly have a cozy outdoor room to enjoy your garden.

Similarly, a DIY fire pit kit can become a fun gathering spot for family and friends on cool evenings.

Hardscapes like paths and patios also cut down on maintenance. You won’t need to water or mow a walkway or a deck, which means more time to relax.

They also enhance your yard’s functionality – a path prevents trampling on grass, and a patio offers a place to dine or lounge outside.

Use materials that complement your home and the local style (natural stone, brick, wood, etc.). Even a simple stepping-stone path or a prefabricated arbor can make a big difference in how your yard looks and feels.

By incorporating some hardscape, you’ll balance the soft plants with useful permanent elements. It truly elevates your outdoor space from just a yard to an extension of your home – a worthwhile do it yourself landscape idea.

Add Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is the finishing touch that can make your landscape feel magical at night. Installing a few lights is an illuminating do it yourself landscape idea that improves safety and ambiance.

Start with some solar-powered path lights along walkways or driveways. They’re hassle-free – just stick them in the ground, and they charge by day and glow at night. These will guide visitors and prevent trips, while also softly highlighting your garden features.

For more dramatic effect, consider a low-voltage landscape lighting kit. It comes with a small transformer and light fixtures that you can easily set up yourself. Use spotlights to uplight a beautiful tree or wash your house facade in gentle light. String lights on a patio or under a pergola can add a charming, cozy glow for evening gatherings.

Lighting serves practical purposes, too. It deters intruders and lights up dark areas around your house for security. Even one motion-activated floodlight above the garage can be very useful. But beyond safety, thoughtful lighting creates mood and character in your yard.

Remember, with landscape lighting, less is more. A few well-placed lights create ambiance without overpowering the night. By adding outdoor lighting, you make your do it yourself landscape ideas shine – literally – and create a welcoming atmosphere around your home.

Introduce Focal Points and Décor

Give your yard some personality by adding a focal point or two – a creative do it yourself landscape idea that adds character to your garden. A focal point is a standout feature that draws the eye and makes your space memorable.

Examples of focal points include a birdbath, fountain, or statue, or even a special tree or shrub that serves as a centerpiece.

For instance, a colorful birdbath at the center of a flower bed becomes a natural eye-catcher (and invites birds to visit!), while a small bubbling fountain near your patio adds soothing sound.

Choose one or two spots in your yard for these special features. It could be at the end of a path, in a quiet corner, or against a plain fence that needs livening up.

Surround the focal point with a few complementary plants or stones to integrate it into the landscape.

Be careful not to overdo the décor. One or two strong focal points are usually enough – the idea is to accent your landscape, not clutter it. A well-placed piece of yard art or an attractive bench can make an ordinary yard feel designed.

By incorporating décor or focal points that reflect your style, you make the space uniquely yours. It’s a fun and satisfying do it yourself landscape idea that turns your yard into a truly memorable part of your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Plan for Year-Round Interest

A great yard isn’t just pretty in spring – it offers something to enjoy in every season. Planning for year-round interest is a smart do it yourself landscape idea that keeps your landscape appealing all year long.

Include some evergreen plants (pines, junipers, spruces, etc.) so that there’s always greenery even in winter. Evergreens provide structure and color when deciduous plants have lost their leaves.

Plant a variety of perennials and shrubs that shine in different seasons. Use spring-blooming bulbs and flowering trees for spring, then summer perennials and roses for the warm months. For autumn, include plants known for fall color (like maples or burning bush) or late blooms (asters, mums) to extend your garden’s interest.

Think about winter touches too: for example, red-twig dogwood has bright red branches against the snow, and some holly or crabapple varieties hold red berries that attract birds. Even ornamental grasses left standing can look beautiful with frost on them.

By having a mix of plants, your yard will always have something going on. When one plant finishes flowering, another will be starting. Many Utah perennials will return each year, giving consistent presence across seasons.

This thoughtful approach ensures your do it yourself landscape ideas aren’t just temporary. With a bit of planning, you’ll have a yard that you can appreciate in every season as part of your do it yourself landscape ideas.

Keep Maintenance Simple and Sustainable

As you bring these ideas to life, remember to keep things easy on yourself. A low-maintenance, sustainable yard is the goal for most busy homeowners. Fortunately, designing with simplicity in mind is a wise do it yourself landscape idea that will pay off with less work for you.

Group plants with similar needs together and give them the right conditions so you can care for each zone efficiently. For example, keep drought-tolerant plants in one area and water-loving plants in another. This way you’re not overwatering some while underwatering others.

Use time-saving tools and techniques. Drip irrigation and sprinkler timers automate watering. Mulching heavily reduces weeds and conserves moisture, meaning less weeding and watering for you. These simple steps make a huge difference.

Practice sustainable habits too. Compost your yard waste and kitchen scraps to create free fertilizer (and reduce landfill waste). Leave grass clippings on the lawn as natural mulch (known as grasscycling). These measures improve your soil and save money on store-bought fertilizers.

Lastly, don’t overwhelm yourself. Tackle small tasks regularly – a quick weed pull or pruning session each week – to prevent big chores later. And if a job is beyond your comfort level (like large tree trimming), it’s perfectly fine to call a professional for help.

The goal is to enjoy your yard, not be burdened by it. By keeping things simple and sustainable, your do it yourself landscape ideas will result in a beautiful outdoor space that practically takes care of itself over time, keeping your do it yourself landscape ideas enjoyable rather than a chore.

Bringing Your DIY Landscape to Life

You’ve now got a wealth of do it yourself landscape ideas to transform your yard. Remember to start small – pick one or two projects that excite you and begin there, because each improvement will make a noticeable difference.

As you gain experience, you can build on your successes and try more ideas.

Learn and adapt as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust plans to fit what works best for you and your Utah landscape.

By prioritizing water-wise, climate-appropriate choices, you’re setting your landscape up to thrive with less effort and resources.

Most of all, enjoy the process. DIY landscaping is rewarding and even fun – you’ll be able to step back and proudly say, “I did this myself.”

Soon you’ll be relaxing in a yard you designed and built, surrounded by the beauty you cultivated.

If you need guidance or a helping hand with bigger tasks, we’re here to help. 

Feel free to contact us at Sable Hills Landscaping for personalized advice or services to complement your DIY work. 

Now roll up your sleeves and let your do it yourself landscape ideas come to life. Happy landscaping!