How to Design a Backyard in Utah County

Understanding the Utah County Climate

When learning how to design a backyard in Utah County, your first consideration should always be the local climate. The region experiences dry, hot summers and cold, snowy winters, so your design must accommodate wide seasonal changes.

This means selecting hardscape materials and plants that can withstand both intense heat and sub-freezing temperatures. Abc4 says, “Utah is no exception to extreme temperatures.”

Using drought-tolerant plants and permeable materials is key to longevity and sustainability. 

Utah County's elevation also affects sun exposure and water retention. Homes in places like Alpine or Highland may have different requirements compared to lower-elevation cities like Provo or Springville.

Knowing how to design a backyard that performs well in this environment helps you avoid costly replacements or failed landscaping efforts down the line.

A backyard in Utah County can be both beautiful and resilient—but only if the design acknowledges and adapts to the local conditions.

Setting Clear Goals for Your Outdoor Space

Before diving into layout and plant selections, decide how you want to use your yard. Understanding how to design a backyard starts with identifying its primary purpose: entertaining, relaxing, gardening, or play.

Do you want a fire pit and lounge area for weekend gatherings? Or maybe raised beds for growing veggies? Are pets or children part of the equation?

Each use case will influence the types of surfaces, structures, and zones you should include. For example, playgrounds benefit from soft turf, while outdoor kitchens need durable, grease-resistant flooring.

When you clearly define how to design a backyard that meets your lifestyle, every decision—down to the type of mulch or lighting—becomes easier and more intentional.

A backyard that supports your routines will get more use and provide a greater return on investment.

Taking Inventory of the Existing Space

One essential step in how to design a backyard is assessing what you already have. Take note of sunlight patterns, existing slopes, mature trees, drainage issues, and more.

You’ll also want to check soil quality. Utah County has a mix of clay-heavy soils that may require amending before planting or laying new grass.

If your backyard already has a patio or retaining wall, determine whether to keep, modify, or remove it. Sometimes, reworking existing features saves money and speeds up the project timeline.

Mapping out the space—even with simple sketches—can help visualize your layout and guide material selection.

Understanding how to design a backyard by working with, not against, what’s already in place often leads to a more efficient and cohesive result.

Creating Functional Zones

Zoning is a top strategy when learning how to design a backyard. It’s all about dividing your outdoor space into areas that serve specific purposes—like dining, lounging, gardening, or recreation.

You don’t need a huge lot to do this effectively. Even small backyards benefit from clearly defined zones using furniture, planters, or pathways as natural boundaries.

For example, you can separate a fire pit from a vegetable garden with a crushed stone walkway. Or create a cozy reading nook under a pergola away from high-traffic areas.

Learning how to design a backyard with zones adds organization and visual flow, making the space feel larger and more intentional.

Strategically placed features also help with maintenance—keeping grassy areas protected and high-use zones easy to clean and manage.

Choosing the Right Plants for Utah County

A major component of how to design a backyard in Utah County is choosing plants that thrive in this semi-arid region. Native and drought-tolerant options are your best bet.

Look for plants like Russian sage, blue grama grass, yarrow, and lavender. These species require little water and are well adapted to Utah’s soil and sun.

Check out this list of plants that thrive in Utah County. 

Incorporate evergreens for winter interest and seasonal bloomers for year-round color. Low-maintenance ground covers like creeping thyme are also ideal for reducing water use and weed control.

Avoid plants that need excessive irrigation or are prone to frost damage—especially if you live in higher elevations like Eagle Mountain or Woodland Hills.

How to design a backyard that’s both beautiful and eco-friendly starts with working in harmony with the local ecosystem.

Balancing Hardscape and Softscape

One of the secrets to mastering how to design a backyard is getting the balance right between hardscape (man-made features like patios and walls) and softscape (plants, grass, and mulch).

Too much hardscape can make the yard feel sterile or overly hot—especially during Utah’s summer months. On the other hand, too much softscape can increase maintenance and water needs.

Try combining stone walkways with planting beds, or add raised wooden planters around a gravel courtyard. This blend adds texture, interest, and functionality.

Choosing locally sourced rock, decomposed granite, or concrete pavers can also help your design blend naturally into the surrounding Utah County environment.

How to design a backyard that feels cohesive and polished often hinges on blending both elements in proportion to your space and goals.

Incorporating Shade and Shelter

Given the intense Utah sun, shade is essential. Knowing how to design a backyard means accounting for summer heat with pergolas, shade sails, or well-placed trees.

Without shade, seating areas become unusable in peak hours, and sensitive plants can struggle. Structures like awnings or trellises offer immediate relief and visual interest.

If you’re designing from scratch, consider the orientation of your yard. South- and west-facing areas receive the most sun, so shade should be prioritized there.

You can also plant deciduous trees that offer summer shade and allow winter sunlight to pass through, naturally balancing your yard’s temperature.

How to design a backyard that’s usable year-round means thinking ahead about sun, wind, and temperature control.

Lighting for Function and Ambiance

Outdoor lighting is often overlooked, but it’s key in how to design a backyard that can be enjoyed after dark. It extends your usable hours and improves safety.

Start by illuminating pathways and steps with solar or low-voltage fixtures. Then, add ambiance with string lights, uplighting on trees, or lanterns near seating areas.

Motion lights by doors or garages improve security, while LED garden spikes can highlight focal points like sculptures or water features.

In Utah County’s long summer evenings, having multiple lighting zones helps you enjoy the sunset and beyond without relying solely on porch lights.

Learning how to design a backyard with a lighting plan gives you the ability to entertain, relax, or simply navigate your yard with ease after sunset.

Selecting Durable Materials

When considering how to design a backyard in Utah County, material selection can’t be overlooked. The region’s freeze-thaw cycles, dry heat, and occasional snow all take a toll on surfaces.

Wood, concrete, pavers, and stone all behave differently in this climate. For example, untreated wood may warp or crack, while some concrete can flake if not sealed properly.

Opt for pressure-treated lumber or composite decking for structures. Use non-porous pavers or sealed natural stone for patios and paths to prevent water absorption and cracking.

Utah’s sun can also fade colors, so UV-resistant coatings or naturally muted tones often last longer and look better with age.

Knowing how to design a backyard with resilient materials ensures your investment pays off in durability—not just design.

Maximizing Views and Privacy

How to design a backyard that feels both open and private is an art, especially in densely built neighborhoods or sloped Utah lots.

Start by assessing your backyard's sight lines. Can neighbors see your patio? Is there a great view of the mountains you're not taking advantage of?

Use fencing, trellises, and tall shrubs for privacy, but position them in a way that doesn’t block scenic outlooks. Layering vertical elements with trees or climbing plants softens the boundary while enhancing aesthetics.

If you have a great view, design seating or garden elements that face it. Frame views with archways or symmetrical planting beds to draw the eye outward.

Learning how to design a backyard with a mix of openness and seclusion creates a peaceful retreat without sacrificing style.

Designing with All Four Seasons in Mind

Utah County sees all four seasons, so how to design a backyard that stays visually appealing year-round is a smart strategy.

Incorporate evergreens like spruce or boxwood for winter greenery. Add ornamental grasses and seed heads like echinacea for fall interest. Use spring bulbs for early color and drought-hardy blooms like salvia for summer.

Hardscape features—like boulders, dry creek beds, or sculptures—provide structure even when plants are dormant. Lighting can also create a magical winter look when snow falls on your landscape.

Designing with the seasons helps your backyard stay engaging and usable year-round, not just in spring and summer.

A backyard that evolves with the calendar offers lasting beauty and functionality in every weather condition.

Adding Personality with Custom Features

One of the most exciting parts of how to design a backyard is adding unique touches that reflect your style. These custom elements make your yard more than just a template.

Think water features like fountains or pondless waterfalls, fire pits with stone seating, or raised vegetable beds made from reclaimed wood.

You can also incorporate artistic flair with DIY mosaic stepping stones, painted fences, or laser-cut metal screens.

Consider your lifestyle—do you love hosting, meditating, gardening, or cooking? Choose custom features that support those passions.

Designing a backyard around your identity ensures it feels like a true extension of your home and personality.

Planning for Growth and Change

A well-designed backyard in Utah County doesn’t just serve today’s needs—it anticipates tomorrow’s. How to design a backyard that evolves over time means thinking ahead.

Leave room for trees and shrubs to mature without overcrowding other elements. Use flexible features like movable furniture or modular planters.

If you're planning additions like a hot tub or outdoor kitchen down the road, pre-run electrical or water lines where possible.

Design with future upgrades in mind to save on rework. A phased plan helps you stay on budget and on schedule while gradually building your dream yard.

Knowing how to design a backyard with flexibility makes it more sustainable and adaptable for years to come.

Staying Within Budget Without Compromise

Budgeting is one of the trickiest parts of how to design a backyard, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.

Break your project into phases. Start with infrastructure—grading, drainage, irrigation—then move on to patios, plants, and furnishings.

Mix high-end features with budget-friendly elements. For instance, pair custom stone steps with inexpensive gravel pathways or repurpose materials where possible.

Prioritize the areas you’ll use most, and invest where it counts—durability, comfort, and long-term value.

Knowing how to design a backyard that’s budget-wise ensures you get results you love without financial regret.

Working with Utah-Based Experts

The final piece in how to design a backyard successfully? Partnering with local experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of Utah County.

Landscape designers familiar with the area can help you choose region-specific plants, materials, and layouts that thrive in the climate and match your goals.

They’ll also know local zoning laws, water restrictions, and HOA guidelines—saving you time and possible headaches.

Whether it’s a DIY plan review or full-service design-build, Utah professionals can elevate your vision and avoid costly mistakes.

Learning how to design a backyard is easier when you’ve got the right team behind you.

Your Utah Backyard Starts Here

Designing the perfect backyard in Utah County doesn’t happen by chance—it takes planning, knowledge, and a little creativity. From choosing climate-smart plants and materials to mapping zones and incorporating personal touches, each decision plays a role in your outdoor sanctuary.

With the tips in this guide, you now know how to design a backyard that looks beautiful, functions year-round, and fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re going full DIY or working with a professional, your dream yard is within reach.

Trust Sable Hills Utah with Your Backyard Vision

Ready to bring your outdoor dreams to life? Let the expert team at Sable Hills Utah guide you every step of the way. 

With deep experience designing for Utah County’s unique climate and lifestyle, we specialize in building custom, functional, and breathtaking backyard landscapes. Whether you need a full redesign, planting plan, or rock installation, we’ve got you covered. 

Contact Sable Hills Utah today for a consultation and let us help you transform your yard into your new favorite place to be.