Have you often walked out the back door and thought to yourself "I wish I had a bigger yard"? If so, you're one of the millions of Americans in the same boat. With the rise of apartments and the constant expansion of big cities and towns, there's less real estate left for open yards. In the heart of most cities, you're lucky to have any kind of lawn at all! If you have a yard and simply aren't satisfied with the size, there are a few things you can do to make it look and feel larger. Here are five of our favorite eye-tricking tips for growing your backyard space!

Choose the right plants and trees

People love to garden in their yards! Most will plant at least one tree to provide some shade on sunny days. You can still have fun with planting, even in a small yard. All you need to do is be strategic about which plants and trees you get. Try to find species that grow up rather than out. Plants that get wide will give you even less space in your backyard whereas plants that grow vertically will add color and life without taking up valuable space. Some varieties include sunflowers, Delphiniums, Hollyhocks, Sky Pencil Evergreens, and Diana Weeping Lurch. There are countless resources online created specifically for landscaping small yards, so do some research and find plants that you love!

Create a focal point and frame it

A second tip to creating the illusion of a larger yard is to create exactly that; an illusion. Landscapers have discovered that utilizing diagonal boards and pavers can make a space seem much larger. Combine this with a created focal point and you'll never feel trapped again! What can you use for a focal point? Gardens, fountains, patios, a firepit, a sculpture, or a trellis can all be great options! Frame the focal point properly with plants, fencing, or pathways, and your yard will seem larger instantly! Think of the illusions you see on paper; a completely two-dimensional image can look like it has depth just by creating a focal point and strategically framing it. Recreate this with your yard and see what a difference it makes!

Create levels

When cities ran out of property, they built up rather than out. You can do the same in your yard! Most people choose to create a raised platform for their outdoor dining area. Others like to create "steps" and plant their garden vertically. If building up is too much of a challenge in your space, you can always build down! Consider creating a sunken patio area, firepit, or seating area! You can give yourself more space by taking advantage of vertical buildings. Not only is it clever, but it's also unusual and will make your yard more attractive than a larger one that is flat and open. Get creative and use your space wisely!

Divide your yard

This may seem counterintuitive to your goal, but dividing your small yard really can make it seem bigger! This is a technique that comes from Japanese flower gardens. By transforming your yard into multiple little "rooms," you create an element of surprise. You can have your dining furniture right outside the door on a patio, then include a division with flowers or planters, and on the other side is a seating area or a fire pit. This adds privacy to each section of your yard and really makes the most of the space you have. Yards are meant to be enjoyed, and distinctive areas are more likely to be used than a wide-open lawn. 

Opt for iron fencing or fencing with wider spaces.

Lastly, we would suggest choosing iron fencing or fencing with wide spaces between boards. The idea behind this suggestion is to let more light into the yard through the fence, and avoid shrinking the yard by hiding what's beyond it. Tall or tightly-packed privacy fences can make a small yard feel even more cramped. Iron fencing has narrow poles and wide spaces that will provide the protection you're looking for without shrinking your yard even more. While these fences won't give you privacy, they will keep children and pets in while keeping strangers and wild animals out. If you need a new fence in your yard, call Palisade Fence Company! We specialize in iron, wooden, and vinyl fencing for residential properties in the greater Sacramento area. We've worked in yards big and small creating many custom fences for customers. We'd love to do the same for you!

In addition to fences, Palisade Fence Company also works on retaining walls. If you're looking to create layers in your yard, we can help prevent them from sliding or crumbling! Our team of professionals can get most jobs done in one day. If you need an existing fence removed, we'll take care of everything; removal, clean-up, and recycling the materials. Give us a call at (916) 384-0309 to discuss the job and schedule an appointment!