Utah County: Top 7 Backyard Landscape Ideas

Utah County’s stunning natural backdrop makes outdoor spaces a key asset for any property. However, designing a functional and beautiful backyard in Utah’s climate requires thoughtful planning. Whether you own a home or manage a commercial property, exploring the right backyard landscape ideas can help you create an inviting, resilient outdoor oasis.

In fact, Utah is the second-driest state in the nation - averaging just 8–12 inches of annual rainfall. This arid climate means the best backyard landscape ideas for Utah County often emphasize water-wise designs, durable materials, and plants that thrive in extreme summer heat and cold, wet winters.

By embracing Utah-friendly landscaping principles, you can achieve a gorgeous yard that remains sustainable year-round.

From water-conserving gardens to inviting entertainment features, the following sections break down seven of the top backyard landscape ideas for Utah County properties. Each idea is actionable and inspiring, ensuring your landscape is both attractive and suited to Utah’s environment. Let’s dive into these innovative landscaping approaches that can enhance any residential or commercial outdoor space.

Xeriscaping with Native Plants for Low-Water Landscaping

For Utah County property owners, xeriscaping is one of the smartest backyard landscape ideas to conserve water and reduce maintenance. Xeriscape design focuses on replacing thirsty lawns with drought-tolerant plants, efficient drip irrigation, and strategic use of soil cover. A well-designed xeriscape can cut outdoor water use by 50–75%, a huge benefit in Utah’s dry climate.

Among the backyard landscape ideas best suited to this region, xeriscaping stands out because it utilizes Utah’s hardy native plants that naturally thrive with minimal watering.

Utah is known for a large selection of native shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers that flourish in the dry climate. 

These deep-rooted plants are adapted to the extreme heat and freezing winters, so they provide color and life without constant care. And despite what some may think, xeriscaping isn’t just a yard of rocks and cacti – you can incorporate lush ornamental grasses, blooming perennials, and even succulents for variety.

To successfully implement this backyard landscape idea, group plants by their water needs and use plenty of mulch or decorative gravel to retain soil moisture. Replace traditional spray sprinklers with drip emitters to deliver water right to the roots. 

Many local governments even offer rebates to encourage water-efficient landscaping - Utah residents can get up to $1.25 per square foot for converting lawn to xeriscape. By xeriscaping your yard, you’ll save water, lower your bills, and enjoy a beautiful landscape that survives on what nature provides.

Hardscape Patios and Pathways for Outdoor Living

Another impactful concept to consider from your list of backyard landscape ideas is incorporating hardscape patios and pathways to extend your living space. Instead of maintaining large lawns, creating a patio area with pavers, flagstone, or concrete provides a durable, usable surface for relaxing and entertaining.

Patios and walkways also come with the perk of zero watering or mowing needs, which is ideal in a desert environment where conserving water and reducing upkeep is a priority.

Design your patio to suit your lifestyle, it could be a cozy stone courtyard for family gatherings or a spacious concrete terrace for outdoor events at a commercial venue.

Use materials that complement Utah’s natural scenery, such as locally sourced flagstone or textured pavers that can withstand the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Pathways can connect key areas of your yard (like the garden, fire pit, or parking) and make the landscape more accessible and inviting.

Consider enhancing the patio with features like built-in seating walls, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen, and even a pergola for shade (more on pergolas later). Hardscapes blend well with other backyard landscape ideas - for instance, you might edge a patio with native plants or accent a walkway with landscape lighting.

By replacing unused lawn space with attractive patios and paths, you create a functional outdoor living area that boosts your property’s value and usability.

Decorative Rock Gardens and Mulch Beds

In the realm of backyard landscape ideas, installing a rock garden is a creative option that thrives in Utah’s climate. There’s something serene about artfully arranged boulders, stone groupings, and gravel beds reminiscent of a desert vista.

You can add a few low-water plants among the rocks, like yucca or sedum, for pops of green, but even a pure rock garden has visual appeal. Best of all, a well-planned rock garden requires virtually no watering or mowing, yet still brings natural beauty to your yard.

Beyond formal rock gardens, consider replacing hard-to-water areas of the yard with decorative gravel or bark mulch. Gravel pathways or pea gravel “patios” are inexpensive and drain well, preventing puddles during Utah’s occasional downpours. 

Around flowerbeds and trees, spread a layer of mulch to lock in soil moisture and discourage weeds from sprouting. Mulch also enriches the soil as it breaks down and gives your landscape a neat, finished look.

Combining stone and mulch elements can yield a striking, low-maintenance design. For example, you might create a dry creek bed of river rocks to channel rain runoff, or use crushed granite around a fire pit area. 

These backyard landscape ideas are perfectly suited for Utah County’s environment, they drastically cut water usage while adding textural interest. Whether for a home or a commercial property, rock and mulch features deliver a polished look that is both practical and visually appealing.

Tranquil Water Features and Ponds

It may seem counterintuitive in a desert, but adding a water feature is one of the most enchanting backyard landscape ideas for Utah County. A pond, waterfall, or fountain introduces a soothing ambiance and a cool, refreshing element to an otherwise dry landscape. 

The gentle sound of trickling water can turn your backyard into a peaceful retreat and even help mask traffic or neighborhood noise.

Importantly, modern water features recycle their water with efficient pumps, so you can enjoy the sight of water without wasting resources.

There are many options to consider. You could install a classic tiered fountain as a focal point on a patio, or create a small rock waterfall that cascades into a pond lined with native water plants. Koi ponds are popular too, bringing color and life with fish and aquatic lilies. 

If space is limited, a bubbling urn or wall-mounted fountain can provide the same tranquil effect. In commercial settings like hotel courtyards or office entrances, a well-designed water feature impresses visitors and offers a calming spot to pause.

When incorporating water features in Utah, plan for proper maintenance and seasonal changes. 

In summer, a pond or birdbath can attract local birds and butterflies looking for water, enhancing your backyard ecosystem. In winter, features need to be winterized, for instance, draining or covering fountains and using frost-resistant materials to prevent freeze damage.

With the right design and care, a water feature becomes a standout attraction in your landscape, offering year-round enjoyment and a touch of luxury in any design. 

Additionally, water features integrate well with other backyard landscape ideas - for instance, a fountain can be the focal point of a xeriscaped garden, or a pond can border a paver patio to enhance a seating area.

Cozy Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

A fire feature adds warmth and year-round appeal to your landscape, making it one of the most popular backyard landscape ideas in Utah County. Imagine gathering with family or friends on a cool autumn evening around a crackling fire pit, it creates an inviting atmosphere that extends your outdoor enjoyment into the night. 

Given Utah’s high elevation and brisk night air, an outdoor fireplace or fire pit provides both heat and a mesmerizing focal point for any backyard or patio.

There are various ways to incorporate fire into your design. You might build a permanent stone fire pit with a seating area, install a gas-fed fire bowl for instant flames at the flip of a switch, or even construct a full outdoor fireplace as a grand centerpiece on a patio. 

Homeowners often use materials like natural stone or pavers to match the fire feature to the rest of the landscape. In commercial applications - for example, a restaurant patio or a hotel lounge - a built-in fire pit can encourage guests to linger and enjoy the ambiance.

When implementing this backyard landscape idea, always prioritize safety: choose an appropriate location with clearance from structures and trees, and use proper fire-rated materials. You’ll also want to check local regulations in Utah County for any burn restrictions or guidelines. 

With a well-designed fire feature, your outdoor space becomes a cozy retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows in the summer and gathering for warmth in the winter, making your backyard a year-round destination, and a glowing centerpiece among your backyard landscape ideas.

Pergolas, Gazebos, and Shade Structures

Given Utah’s plentiful sunshine, creating some shade is both practical and pleasurable - which is why pergolas and gazebos are standout backyard landscape ideas for local yards.

A pergola (an open-air lattice structure) over your patio or a charming gazebo in the corner of the garden provides a cool, shaded retreat during hot summer days. 

These structures not only offer relief from intense UV rays but also add architectural character to your landscape, making your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home.

Pergolas can be customized in style and size, from rustic wood beams that complement a mountainous backdrop to modern aluminum designs that require little upkeep.

You can train vines like trumpet vine or clematis to grow along the pergola for added greenery and natural shade. 

Gazebos, on the other hand, come with a solid roof and are perfect as a focal point in larger yards or parks, offering 360-degree views of the surroundings. Even simple shade sails or trellises can be effective for sun protection over a deck or play area.

Beyond comfort, shade structures protect your outdoor furniture and plants from sun damage, helping cushions and décor last longer under Utah’s high-altitude sun. They also encourage more outdoor living - with a pergola or covered patio, you can enjoy lunches outside or host gatherings without worrying about the midday heat. 

It’s no surprise that adding a pergola or gazebo is considered one of the top backyard landscape ideas in Utah County, benefiting both homes and businesses (think outdoor café seating or a covered office break area). By integrating a well-designed shade structure, you enhance the beauty and functionality of your landscape.

Landscape Lighting and Smart Tech

No landscaping project is complete until you’ve considered lighting. Installing landscape lighting is one of the most effective additions to your list of backyard landscape ideas to extend the usability and ambiance of your Utah County yard after dark. 

Low-voltage LED path lights, spotlights highlighting trees or architectural features, and string lights under a pergola all create a warm, inviting glow. By illuminating walkways and gathering areas, you also improve safety for nighttime enjoyment - an important factor for both residential gardens and commercial properties that welcome visitors in the evening.

Modern landscape lighting can be very energy-efficient. Many homeowners opt for solar-powered or LED fixtures that provide beautiful illumination without adding much to electricity bills. 

Additionally, smart technology is becoming a big part of landscaping. You can install Wi-Fi enabled lighting systems to control brightness and schedules from your phone, or use timers and motion sensors for convenience. 

Likewise, smart irrigation controllers can adjust your sprinklers based on weather and soil moisture, ensuring your lawn and plants get exactly what they need without waste. These tech upgrades take the guesswork out of landscape maintenance and are great for busy families or commercial groundskeepers.

Thoughtfully placed lighting also accentuates the investment you’ve made in your yard. Uplights can dramatize a beautiful pine or aspen tree, and underwater lights can make a nighttime fountain sparkle. For security, lighting entryways and dark corners deters intruders while welcoming guests.

In short, integrating lighting (and other smart features) into your design ties all your backyard landscape ideas together, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your Utah landscape day and night, efficiently and effortlessly.

By combining these top backyard landscape ideas, you can transform any Utah County property into a stunning yet practical outdoor haven. Each idea - from water-wise planting to luxury amenities - is designed to meet the challenges of Utah’s climate while elevating your yard’s appeal. The result is a landscape that not only looks beautiful but also functions beautifully, conserving resources and inviting people to enjoy the outdoors.

Remember that successful landscaping is about balance. A commercial office park might emphasize low-maintenance xeriscaping and lighting for security, while a private residence may focus on creating a lush garden retreat with a patio, pergola, and fire pit. 

In both cases, the principles are the same: use climate-appropriate plants, incorporate functional spaces, and build with quality materials. With a bit of creativity and the right approach, Utah’s challenging environment can be an opportunity to get creative and showcase unique designs.

We’ve covered a range of ideas to inspire your next project. Turning these backyard landscape ideas into reality is much easier with the help of experienced professionals who know the local conditions. The final step is bringing it all to life. 

While DIY projects are possible, partnering with experienced professionals ensures your vision is executed to perfection. In the next section, we’ll provide a call to action on how you can get expert help to design and build your dream landscape, turning these backyard ideas into a reality.

Transform Your Backyard with Sable Hills Utah

Ready to create your own Utah County outdoor oasis? Sable Hills Utah is here to help. As a premier landscaping and excavation company based in Utah County, we have the local expertise to implement all of these backyard landscape ideas and more. 

Our team brings decades of experience in crafting beautiful, functional landscapes, from custom xeriscapes and native plant installations to building patios, retaining walls, water features, and outdoor living structures.

At Sable Hills, we pride ourselves on quality workmanship and personalized service. We take the time to understand your vision and then bring it to life with attention to detail and integrity.

Whether you’re looking to redesign a home backyard or revamp a commercial property’s landscape, we approach every project with creativity and professionalism.

Our experts know how to overcome Utah’s soil and climate challenges to ensure your new landscape not only looks amazing but stands the test of time.

Don’t wait to turn your backyard landscape ideas into action. Contact Sable Hills Utah today for a consultation or quote on your landscaping project. Let our skilled team transform your Utah County backyard into the outdoor sanctuary you’ve been dreaming of. 

From initial design to final touches, we’ll work with you every step of the way, so you can relax and enjoy the results. Your ideal landscape is within reach, and Sable Hills Utah is ready to make it happen.