Backyard hacks that are borderline genius - and won't break the bank!

Backyards have a tendency to look a bit rough around the edges and it's often one of the most ''neglected'' parts of the home. Landscaping can cost an arm and a leg, but the good news is that you can get your Pinterest-inspired backyard with just a few genius DIY hacks and it won't make too big of a dent in your pocket. An extra bonus is that it will boost your home's market value when and if you decide to sell - it's a win-win!

Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate explains that the importance of having a purposeful and well-manicured backyard is not just for entertaining your guests, but it's a futuristic move when it comes to one day selling your home. ''Buyers are looking for more than just a house. They are looking for a place to make memories with family and friends. By paying special attention to your backyard, it immediately gives your home a sense of character and lets potential buyers know that there is a lot more to this property than meets the eye."

Below are a few ingenious hacks that will make your backyard the epitome of outdoor living.

1. Go vertical!

If you have a green thumb and would love to showcase your talents but you don't have the space, time or money to nurture an elaborate garden, why not try your hand at a vertical garden? A vertical garden is essentially using your limited space vertically to grow your plants. Not only do they make the most of your space, but it's inexpensive too - especially if you're using plastic bottle plant holders or other kinds of nifty, re-usable materials. 

DIY Vertical Garden Ideas

• Use a wooden ladder, terracotta pots and some wire for a rustic-like look.
• Wash out old paint cans, fill them with soil and hang them up to hold your plants and/or herbs.
• Repurpose a picture frame to create a vertical succulent garden.
• Turn your wooden fence into a vertical garden by using a few pot hangers and wood screws.

2. Light it up!

Affordable, outdoor string lights/fairy lights are a staple of budget backyard landscaping. Their soft, ambient glow can turn any backyard into the ideal entertainment spot. White twinkle lights, the easiest go-to, will give you a warm and cozy feel, but if you want a more modern look, opt for a strand of clear, globe lights.  

Backyard lighting ideas

• Wrap strands around outdoor pillars to create columns of light.
• Run lights from house to tree using an insulated cable to tie onto the branch.
• Edge your flowerbeds with rope lights so you can see your blooms, even at night.
• Drape your trees in lights for a charming, glowing backyard grove.

3. No lawn? No problem!

Everyone wants a lush front lawn, but it's not the most financially savvy choice you can make - particularly if you live in an arid climate or struggle to keep your grass green and weed-free. Many homeowners deal with patchy and weeded lawns simply by re-sodding the yard, but this can cost more money that what it's worth. Grass also requires a hefty amount of water, and may need fertilizer and weed treatments as well, all of which impact your budget.

But there is a solution! An easy-maintenance ground cover is an excellent and cost-effective alternative to grass. When choosing an alternative, make sure that it can survive any climate and that it can spread quickly on the necessary areas.

Examples of alternatives:

• Thyme
• Bishops weed
• Lamium

4. The ultimate braai spot!

An outdoor braai area serves more than just one purpose making it the ideal addition to any backyard. While its primary purpose is cooking, it is also an area to entertain guests outside. A braai is a quintessential South African past-time. Why not let your South African heritage add value to your home in the process?

Braai area tips:

• Make sure the area is suitable for all seasons.
• The braai area should feature a natural or artificial covering that is rain and UV ray resistant.
• There should be adequate seating available and effective windbreaks. These can either be fixed features or portable.

5. Be waterwise!

Having a landscaped garden is great, but having a landscaped, waterwise garden is even better. Saving water is of the utmost importance, now more than ever, so ensuring that your garden is ''water-friendly'' already sets you apart from the rest. Having a waterwise, Zen garden will undoubtedly raise the market value and aesthetic appeal of your property instantly in the eyes of potential buyers.

Consider the following waterwise plants for your backyard:

• Shrubs
• Bulbs and corms
• Succulents

The best backyard budget landscaping tip of all is to re-use and recycle items whenever possible. Visit your local thrift stores and flea markets for the best bargains. By purchasing used planters, furniture and even gardening tools to spruce up your backyard, you can save hundreds of Rands! Ultimately, to keep your backyard landscaping costs low, all you need is time and a little creativity.

The correct choice of additions or alterations to your backyard could make all the difference between your home being hot property or languishing in the listings for months. It also has the ability to ultimately raise the intrinsic value as well as the monetary value of your home and that is always a bonus!