65 cheap ways to make your backyard look so much nicer with almost no effort

Keeping your bushes neat and tidy with this shrubbery trimmer can completely change (and elevate) the look of your backyard. And when it’s this easy, you have no excuse not to. The device is completely cordless and equipped with sharp blades. There’s also a safety button to help avoid accidents.

This wooden curved garden pathway is crafted from four feet of weatherproof wood and rubber spacers that connect each plank. The wood can easily be cleaned with a simple hose rinse and conveniently rolls up so you can store it away in the off-season. But, it’s not just good for outdoor decor. As one five-star reviewer raved, “My two dogs like to run in the yard and they ran a path into the ground on that part of the yard that tends to get quite muddy, especially after a rain. They now run on the pathway which helps to keep their paws cleaner and also protect the ground!”

This pack of solar string lights features 33 feet of 100 LED lights that are totally waterproof. Whether you’re decorating your patio or deck, these lights are a great and affordable way to bring whimsical elements to your home. They even have eight different modes, so you can set a new light pattern every night. Choose from 12 different colors, ranging from a gorgeous pink to a festive green.

These solar-powered lights are easy to attach to railings and the sides of your deck to illuminate the area without any maintenance. This pack of 16 lights can also be used as stairway lights, if that’s better for your outdoor space. it’s no wonder reviewers love them.

Give your patio and shed a quick refresh with this high-pressure washer attachment that is also great for at-home car washes. The durable stainless steel design includes five spray nozzle tips, so you can choose from an array of different spray patterns. It’s worth noting this is not suited for a garden hose, but for a pressure washer hose that has the proper fittings.

Thousands of shoppers love this grass seed that helps their lawns grow greener, quicker, and thicker with just a minimum of two hours of sunlight. The bag can cover up to 750 square feet and the brand recommends watering daily for two weeks for the best results.

Neatly find a home for your garden hose with this sleek hose holder. Crafted from rust-resistant metal, this stand is a gorgeous way to store your hose to avoid tripping over it. The durable design is 42 inches high, just over five pounds, and has the best reviews. “Finally, a hose holder that’s as sturdy as it is attractive!” exclaimed one reviewer. “I set one up in our front yard and one in the back. It’s got a three-pronged base that really grips tight when pushed into the soil. No wobbling or tipping over when you wrap or unwrap the hose from it.”

We love our pets, but the mess in the backyard? Not so much. Make cleaning up a whole lot easier with this dog pooper scooper that comes with a stainless steel rack and tray. The handle extends over 36 inches so you don’t have to bend down, making it extra convenient. Thousands of reviewers have given it a 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon, which is pretty telling.

Putting your potted plants at different heights can add a more curated look to your yard, and this stand set includes five tiered pieces for plenty of variety. Available in your choice of black or bronze, the stands are made with sturdy iron that’s been treated to be rust-resistant. And they feature an ornate design that will add a pretty touch to your space.

This decorative watering can is a super unique way to incorporate solar lights into your garden. Crafted from copper wire and 90 LED lights, this anti-rust design is waterproof and has an easy on-and-off switch. Available in multiple colors, the solar lights illuminate for eight to 10 hours long, helping showcase your outdoor flowers even more.

Instantly elevate your backyard with this outdoor solar decoration that will add a touch of color and light to your space. It’s available in four different mosaic patterns that reflect and recharge from the sunlight. Whether you sit it next to your flower garden or as the centerpiece on your picnic table, you can’t go wrong.

• Available styles: 4

Bring dimension to your backyard with these hanging planters with six strong pockets. Use the metal eyelets to hang on the side of your home, the shed, or the deck. It’s a great way to make use of every inch of space that you have.

Got potted outdoor plants that don’t get enough water on their own? These self-watering bulbs will ensure they get a continuous supply of water, without you having to struggle with a watering can. They’re available in multiple sizes (and even a mushroom shape), and they can provide water to plants for up to 10 to 14 days (depending on the size you get) before needing to be refilled.

Thousands of shoppers love this bamboo water fountain for creating a zen environment in their backyard. It comes with an electric pump that has three speed settings and everything else you need to set it up in less than five minutes. The handcrafted design is a great accent to add to any yard, home office, or bathroom. As one five-star reviewer explained, “The pump motor sits securely on the bottom held by suction cups. The sound of the running water and the added humidity to my plants are an added benefit! Great value and I’m contemplating getting another!”

Instantly warm up your space with this outdoor patio rug that comes in five different sizes, ranging from five to nine feet wide. It’s crafted from a waterproof and stain-resistant material that won’t get ruined in bad weather. Shoppers love this rug for its anti-slip bottom and because it easily folds up for neat storage.

Adding some polished edging to your yard doesn’t need to be a huge, expensive project — at least, not with this kit. This Adirondack-style edging has a flexible design that allows it to fit around curved garden beds as needed, and it comes with anchoring spikes that let you to set it up quickly and easily. Plus, the wood-looking design is available in four colors.

Create more backyard privacy with this gorgeous faux ivy fence. It measures 47 inches long and 11.8 inches high and comes in a range of different styles. Whether you opt for sunflowers, or apple leaves or stick with simple greenery, this expandable fence is a great way to block the sun and protect your privacy while simultaneously adding extra decor to your backyard.

It’s common to put out flameless candles inside your house, but they also work great in your backyard, and don’t require any nearby outlet to operate. These have an included remote that allows you to set timers, adjust the brightness, and turn them on and off remotely. They’re also waterproof, which makes them great for outside use.

This genius invention gives you an easy place to keep your hose, and has a hole in the side where you can access the hose if you need it in a hurry. The durable plastic exterior is weatherproof, but also looks like a chic woven basket. It looks so nice in any backyard.

This mosquito-repellent candle works to keep bugs away, especially when it comes to backyard barbecues. It burns for up to 25 hours and is made with refreshing scents such as pine and s’mores. Your guests may not even realize the candle’s prime purpose isn’t just to provide a little ambiance.

The globes in this wind chime change colors at night, shifting slowly from one color to another. You won’t be able to look away from it when it’s hanging from a tree or a window in your backyard. They’re also waterproof and charge via the sun, so you can leave them up year-round.

These solar lanterns add a cozy, glowing touch to any outdoor space with zero fuss. Just hang or set them on your table, and let the solar panels do their thing — charging by day, illuminating your garden or patio by night. The upgraded LED beads give off a warm, inviting glow, while the durable, waterproof design ensures they’ll shine through all weather conditions. Perfect for creating that relaxed vibe during evening hangs or backyard dinners.

Got pipes or other unattractive features in your backyard you’d rather not see every day? This faux landscaping rock is the perfect disguise. It has a lightweight, hollow construction and it comes with two stakes so you can secure it in the ground. “I bought this with two smaller hollow ‘rocks’ to hide outlets after the addition of a water feature,” one fan noted. “All look real from just a few feet away. Perfect!”

“Look more expensive then what I paid for them. Gives the perfect amount of lighting for my steps,” says one Amazon reviewer of these solar-powered stair lights. These are easy to install and draw power from the sun, so you can set them down and forget them. They’ll illuminate after dark, making your entire backyard stair set up safer and more beautiful.

Whether your patio table has seen better days or you just like to mix up the aesthetic, this waterproof tablecloth will give it a whole new look. It’s made of durable PVC that repels water, and it comes in seven patterns and five sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your setup.

A number-one best-seller with over 65,000 reviews, this magnetic door screen is a brilliant investment for people who have kids, own pets, or love to entertain. Like most screens, it’s made from mesh to allow fresh air to flow through while stopping bugs. Unlike most screens, it has a seam of strong magnets in the center, so you can walk right through it while your hands are full and it’ll automatically close behind you. Each order includes metal thumbtacks and adhesive hook-and-loop strips for installation.

This porch and patio floor paint is loved for its durable and long-lasting acrylic formula. The gallon-size container covers up to 400 square feet on smooth surfaces and can be used to restore anything from your porches, basement floors, patio, and furniture around your home. This brand of paint will also stand up again fading and peeling.

Create an ethereal (and bug free) nook in your yard by adding this pretty canopy. It’s made of super-fine mesh that can keep even small bugs like mosquitos out, according to the brand. And it comes with the hooks, plugs, and rope needed to hang it without hassle.

Kick it up a notch with this yard pong game that thousands of shoppers can’t get enough of. “I ordered several yard games for a family gathering I had this summer. Lots of family, lots of games! This helped keep people engaged,” one five-star reviewer raved. This ultra-fun game is perfect for every age. It comes with four balls and 12 buckets as well as a carrying bag that makes it easy to transport from home to the beach. Since the buckets stack, it’s also easy to store.

Because these serving carafes are made from durable glass and have matching airtight lids, they’re surprisingly versatile while entertaining. Infuse water or alcohol with fruit, chill your drinks in the fridge while keeping them fresh, display and serve them on your outdoor table while keeping bugs out, and allow for easy pouring with the drip-resistant, narrow-necked design. Each one holds 1 liter of liquid.

Keeping your grill in top condition is easier with this grill scraper. On one end, you’ll find a variety of notches designed to scrape food and debris off grill grates of all sizes and shapes, while the other end is outfitted with a bottle opener (perfect for popping open a cold beverage while you work). The sturdy leather-wrapped handle only upgrades the feel of the tool.

These solar lights are a safe alternative when you don’t want to use real flames. Available in a pack of six or 12, these lights are a chic way to brighten up the patio or garden — plus, they also make for fun party decor. They’re also frost-resistant and waterproof, so you can leave them up all year round. All you have to do is stick the lights into the ground under direct sunlight and voila.

This stain remover spray is specifically designed to address pest-related messes, like those that come from neighborhood birds or spiders. These are safe to use on surfaces with polishes or waxes, and won’t do any damage to your furniture or wood outdoor surfaces.

“I bought this cordless light to illuminate my patio table. It is an excellent choice since I don't have outdoor electrical outlets. Installation was simple,” says one Amazon reviewer. This light is easy to put up under your umbrella, and has 28 small LED lights that will illuminate your outdoor space. You can also adjust the brightness to one of three settings.

This tabletop fire pit is worth so much more than its price tag. It uses a bioethanol fuel that’s easy to source and replace when it runs out, and features two wind guards, one on either side, to keep your fire lit. The maximum burn time given the size of the fuel chamber is one hour, which is plenty of time to light a few s’mores or enjoy the atmosphere, without worrying about leaving it lit overnight.

Available in a pack of three, these gorgeous crystal suncatchers create an instant vibe of positivity. Whether you hang them on your windows, in your car, or in your yard, you’ll discover a perfect rainbow every time the crystal catches the light, helping add a welcoming glow to any space. This set would also make for a creative housewarming gift. Each piece is eight inches long, and three come per set.

This wooden bat house is the ultimate way to attract bats and give them a safe environment. It’s crafted from weatherproof cedar wood and features two double chambers inside. You can easily mount it to a tree or the side of your house with the included screws. Bonus: It also doubles as a natural way to repel mosquitos.

This solar-powered frog figurine is one part lawn ornament, one part ambient light source, and 100 percent adorable. By day, it’s a quirky garden guest; by night, it glows gently thanks to its built-in solar panel (no cords, no stress). It’s weather-resistant, made from sturdy resin, and gives “tiny frog drinking coffee at dusk” energy — which is honestly the backyard vibe of the summer.

Made of a nonwoven fabric, these grow bags do not retain excess water so that your roots can breathe. With that increased air circulation, they’ll actually grow faster than if you had them potted elsewhere. Each can hold five gallons and is completely tear resistant and reusable.

Instead of letting your hose and gardening tools lay messily on your grass and walkway, use these storage straps to keep them organized and easily accessible. Each of the six can hold up to 50 pounds and has a stainless steel grommet that won’t rust when left out in the rain. Your backyard will feel bigger once you clear up some space.

Give your patio pillows a low-effort upgrade with these water-resistant covers that look way more expensive than they are. Made from durable polyester with a hidden zipper (because details matter), they’re designed to survive surprise summer storms, sunscreen spills, and maybe even a rogue cannonball or two. Just pop them over your existing cushions and boom — your outdoor setup is suddenly way more pulled together.

This hanging planter basically waters your plants for you. A hidden wick system pulls moisture up from a built-in reservoir, keeping your green babies hydrated for up to two weeks — no frantic watering before a weekend trip required. The transparent outer layer lets you see exactly when it needs a refill, and the removable chain means it works just as well sitting pretty on a windowsill or desk. Low effort, high reward.

You won’t have to guess when your steak is ready anymore. Just keep this magnetic digital meat thermometer on your grill to ensure that it always comes out exactly how you want it. No burned smell will fill the air. It takes just two seconds to provide an accurate reading.

You can transform your wood-burning firepit into a colorful show with these “Magical Flames.” Simply add the package (unopened) to your fire, and you’ll be treated to an hour of vibrant colors. You can also add up to three packets at a time for even more of an effect.

These color-changing LED lights might be small, but they know how to make a scene. Just pop in some AAA batteries, use the remote to pick your vibe (there are 16 colors and 4 dynamic modes), and drop them into anything water-filled — pool, hot tub, ice bucket. They're waterproof, reusable, and weirdly addictive once you start using them. Backyard party lighting = solved.

These sneaky little lights are designed to blend right into your landscaping — they look like rocks but glow like pathway spotlights once the sun goes down. No installation needed (literally just switch them on and place them outside), and they’ll auto-charge during the day via a built-in solar panel. You can toggle between warm or cool light depending on your vibe, and they’re tough enough to handle rain, snow, and everything in between.

You don’t need much space to set up this 12-inch birdbath. It can be mounted directly on your deck railing so that you have a close-up view of the beautiful birds that will visit. No tools are required to bring some life to your space.

Thoughtful details make a difference and that’s where these pebbles come in. You can use them to fill succulent planters, create walkways, or line cactus garden beds. Besides this jade green, they come in shades like white, pink, and a multicolor mix.

• Available colors: 7

It’s safe to say that these artificial lavender plants will be easy to take care of. They already come in cute planters, have fake dirt, and a vibrant yet realistic color. Keep them on your table or place them between your garden plants for an extra pop of color.

To keep your fingers safe while working with sharp tools, make sure you’re wearing these gardening gloves. They’re made of breathable bamboo fibers and are reinforced with rubber for extra protection and superior grip. You’ll be able to get through your entire garden in one swoop thanks to their comfort.

Think outside the box and add some magical illumination to your outdoor area with these solar lights that look like roses. These small light bouquets stake into the ground and charge up in the sun. At night, they illuminate and change color at a slow, peaceful speed.

If your patio doesn’t have the benefit of leafy shade, you can add your own covering with this sun shade sail. Boasting a sleek, minimalist design, it secures to roof eaves, fences, and other stable objects for a secure fit. It helps block UV rays while still allowing breezes to flow through. Choose from a wide range of colors and sizes.

• Available sizes: 146
• Available colors: 18

These weatherproof garden stakes give the illusion of real butterflies in motion — they sway gently in the breeze, creating the kind of low-key magic that makes a backyard feel extra special. Just pop them into the ground and let the wind do the rest. No batteries, no maintenance, just vibes.

Want to stay on top of cleaning up after your dog in the yard? Make it easier on yourself by keeping this small outdoor trash can in a convenient spot. It has a step-pedal design with a secure lid, and it comes in your choice of two sizes and five finishes, so you can find the perfect fit for your space.

Whoever said your yard needs to be all business? Add a playful touch with this mini statue of a garden fairy house, which features a solar-powered light for a warm glow. Place it anywhere that gets ample direct sun and it will be powered up to give hours of light when the sun goes down.

Want the beauty of flowers without all the work? These artificial bundles are a great option, offering a surprisingly realistic look at a reasonable price. The varied, natural-feeling set can be “planted” in any vessel you like. Choose from an array of shades including this multicolor option.

• Available colors: 15

Garden edging with a modern vibe exists — this flexible corrugated edging comes pre-rusted, offering an aesthetic that feels low key and worn in — in the best way possible. It’s crimped at the bottom and top and can be easily hammered in after creating a small trench with your shovel.

Bring the comfort of the indoors outside by hanging this outdoor curtain on your patio. Besides leveling up the look of your space, it provides shade and is waterproof to stand up to stormy weather. Reviewers love it, having awarded it a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 7,000 reviews.

• Available sizes: 15
• Available colors: 13

These vinyl siding hooks make it easier than ever to hang outdoor lights, wreaths, vertical gardens, or other decorations — all without hassle or drilling. Made from thickened stainless steel, they hold up to 12 pounds each. Just slide them under a panel and you’re good to go.

Adding some illumination is a good way to make your outdoor space cozy, and this light net makes it easy. Perfect for pergolas and covered patios, it creates a warm, festive glow. Like other light nets, you can lay it over bushes for instant decoration, too.

Ever thought about lighting up your fence? It’s an unexpected way to create an upscale feel. These fence lanterns are solar powered, so you can install them with the screws and forget about them. They’ll automatically turn on once the sun sets.

Mosquito protection doesn’t have to be just utilitarian — this color-changing citronella candle actually makes it kind of fun. The candle is set in a glass jar with an LED that gently shifts shades to create some atmosphere while you lounge outside. It offers up to 25 hours of use and has a handle for portability.

An outdoor rug can do a lot to upgrade your patio, but if yours is frequently sliding around — or curling up at the corners — these rug grippers can help. They secure to the underside of your rug, weighting it down and helping to keep it in place. They’re residue free, so they won’t mess up your concrete.

If your outdoor steps tend to get slick (especially after rain), these stair treads can help upgrade safety. They’re made from all-weather, nonslip rubber for a firmer grip. They come in a range of styles, including this one that looks like wrought iron.

Keep your grill in top-notch shape with these pumice cleaning bricks. These commercial-grade bricks effortlessly remove burnt-on food, grease, and other residue, all without the use of brushes or cleaning fluids — just add a little water and scrub. Amazon reviewer Howard Reichel wrote, “I hadn’t cleaned my grill in a couple years - and it was a mess. These blocks of cleaner did an amazing job. [...] Grill hasn’t looked this great in years. Excellent!!”