10 Cheap Ways To Cover Dirt In Backyard: Transform Your Space on a Budget
Tired of looking at unsightly bare dirt patches in your backyard? You don’t need to spend thousands on professional landscaping to create a beautiful outdoor space. This comprehensive guide reveals 10 proven, budget-friendly methods to transform dirt areas into attractive, functional landscape features. Each solution costs under $100 for typical backyard areas and can be completed in a single weekend with basic tools and materials.
From temporary quick fixes to permanent landscape solutions, these methods work in any climate and complement any home style. Whether you’re dealing with high-traffic worn areas, poor soil conditions, or simply want to upgrade your outdoor aesthetic, you’ll find the perfect solution that fits your budget and timeline.
Why Covering Bare Dirt Is Essential
Bare dirt creates multiple problems beyond just appearance. Exposed soil erodes during rain, creating muddy runoff that damages surrounding areas and potentially affects your home’s foundation. Dust from dry dirt gets tracked indoors, increasing cleaning demands and potentially affecting air quality.
Uncovered dirt also provides ideal conditions for weeds to establish and spread throughout your landscape. These unwanted plants compete with desirable vegetation for nutrients and water while creating ongoing maintenance headaches that consume time and money.
Additionally, bare dirt areas reflect poorly on your home’s overall appearance and can negatively impact property values. Potential buyers often view unmaintained landscapes as indicators of deferred maintenance throughout the property.
Solution 1: Grass Seed – The Classic Approach ($15-30)
Best For: Areas with decent soil and regular watering capability Coverage: 1,000 square feet per bag Installation Time: 2-3 hours
Grass seed remains the most popular and cost-effective solution for covering large dirt areas. Choose seed varieties suited to your climate and sun exposure conditions. Cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass work well in northern regions, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in southern climates.
Implementation Steps: Prepare the soil by raking smooth and removing debris. Spread seed evenly using a broadcast spreader or by hand, following package rates carefully. Lightly rake to cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil, then water gently daily until germination occurs.
Success Tips: Apply starter fertilizer with the seed for faster establishment. Cover seeded areas with straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent erosion. Expect visible results in 7-14 days with full coverage in 6-8 weeks.
Long-term Benefits: Once established, grass provides permanent coverage that increases property value while offering recreational space for families and pets.
Solution 2: Wood Chips – Natural and Renewable ($20-40)
Best For: Around trees, shrub beds, and decorative areas Coverage: 2-3 cubic yards covers 300 square feet Installation Time: 1-2 hours
Wood chips offer excellent coverage while improving soil health over time as they decompose. Contact local tree service companies or utility crews for free chips from their operations. Many municipalities also offer free wood chips from their brush collection programs.
Implementation Process: Clear the area of weeds and debris, then spread chips 2-3 inches deep. Avoid placing chips directly against tree trunks or building foundations to prevent pest issues and moisture problems.
Color and Style Options: Fresh chips provide bright, uniform appearance while aged chips offer darker, more natural coloring. Mix different chip sizes for varied texture and visual interest.
Maintenance Requirements: Add fresh chips annually to maintain depth and appearance. Wood chips gradually break down, enriching soil with organic matter and improving drainage and fertility.
Solution 3: Gravel – Permanent and Professional ($25-50)
Best For: High-traffic areas, modern landscapes, and xeriscaping Coverage: 1 ton covers approximately 100 square feet Installation Time: 3-4 hours
Gravel provides instant, permanent coverage that requires minimal maintenance while offering excellent drainage. Choose from pea gravel for comfortable walking surfaces, crushed stone for formal appearance, or decorative aggregates for color variety.
Installation Essentials: Install landscape fabric beneath gravel to prevent weed growth while allowing water drainage. Edge the area with metal or plastic restraints to prevent gravel migration and maintain clean lines.
Design Considerations: Light-colored gravels reflect heat and stay cooler in summer, while darker options provide dramatic contrast against plantings. Combine different gravel types for patterns and visual zones.
Professional Results: Proper installation with adequate depth (2-3 inches) and quality edging creates permanent coverage that rivals expensive professional work while costing a fraction of the price.
Solution 4: Pine Needles – Acidic Soil Solution ($10-25)
Best For: Areas under pine trees, acid-loving plants, and natural woodland settings Coverage: 10-15 bags cover 200 square feet Installation Time: 1 hour
Pine needles (pine straw) provide attractive, natural coverage while gradually acidifying soil for plants that prefer lower pH conditions. This organic mulch works exceptionally well under existing pine trees where grass struggles to grow.
Sourcing Options: Collect needles from your own trees or purchase bales from garden centers. Many pine tree owners are happy to let others collect their fallen needles for free.
Application Method: Spread needles 2-3 inches deep, allowing some irregularity for natural appearance. Pine needles interlock naturally, resisting wind displacement better than many other organic mulches.
Ecological Benefits: Pine needle mulch supports beneficial soil microorganisms while providing habitat for beneficial insects. The gradual decomposition improves soil structure and fertility over time.
Solution 5: Creeping Ground Cover Plants ($30-60)
Best For: Slopes, shaded areas, and permanent landscaping solutions Coverage: 50-100 plants cover 100 square feet depending on variety Installation Time: 2-4 hours
Ground cover plants provide living coverage that spreads naturally to fill dirt areas while offering year-round beauty and ecosystem benefits. Choose varieties suited to your specific conditions for best results and lowest maintenance.
Top Performing Varieties:
- Pachysandra: Excellent for deep shade, dense coverage
- Creeping Thyme: Fragrant, drought-tolerant, handles light foot traffic
- Vinca: Colorful flowers, spreads quickly in most conditions
- Ajuga: Purple flowers, tolerates various light conditions
Planting Strategy: Space plants according to their mature spread to achieve full coverage within one growing season. Provide adequate water during establishment, then most varieties become low-maintenance.
Long-term Investment: While initial cost is higher than mulches, established ground covers provide permanent, living coverage that increases in value and beauty over time.
Solution 6: Artificial Turf – Modern Convenience ($40-80)
Best For: High-traffic areas, pet runs, and low-maintenance solutions Coverage: 200-400 square feet depending on quality Installation Time: 4-6 hours
Modern artificial turf looks remarkably realistic while providing instant, permanent coverage that requires no watering, fertilizing, or mowing. Quality has improved dramatically while costs have decreased significantly in recent years.
Installation Requirements: Prepare a smooth, level base using sand or decomposed granite. Secure turf edges with landscape staples and brush against the grain to maintain upright appearance.
Selection Criteria: Choose turf with realistic color variation and appropriate pile height for your intended use. Higher-quality options include UV protection for longer life and better appearance retention.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: While initial cost is higher than other options, artificial turf eliminates ongoing maintenance costs and provides immediate, year-round coverage regardless of weather conditions.
Solution 7: Decomposed Granite – Southwestern Style ($30-50)
Best For: Modern landscapes, drought-prone areas, and formal pathways Coverage: 1 ton covers 80-100 square feet at 2-inch depth Installation Time: 3-4 hours
Decomposed granite compacts into a firm, almost concrete-like surface while maintaining natural stone appearance. This material works exceptionally well in contemporary landscape designs and areas requiring firm footing.
Preparation Process: Excavate 2-3 inches deep and install landscape fabric. Add decomposed granite in lifts, compacting each layer with a hand tamper or plate compactor for professional results.
Color Options: Available in various tones from buff and tan to reddish-brown and gray. Choose colors that complement your home’s exterior and existing hardscape materials.
Weather Performance: Decomposed granite handles freeze-thaw cycles well and provides excellent drainage while remaining stable in heavy rain conditions.
Solution 8: Cardboard and Mulch – Organic Sheet Mulching ($15-35)
Best For: Large areas, future garden beds, and weed suppression Coverage: Materials for 500 square feet Installation Time: 2-3 hours
This permaculture technique uses cardboard as a biodegradable weed barrier topped with organic mulch. The method kills existing weeds while building soil fertility for future plantings.
Material Sourcing: Collect large cardboard pieces from appliance stores or moving companies. Remove all tape and staples, then overlap pieces by 6 inches to prevent weed breakthrough.
Mulch Options: Top cardboard with 4-6 inches of organic mulch such as straw, leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips. The combination creates rich growing medium as materials decompose.
Timeline Benefits: Provides immediate coverage while creating improved planting conditions for future landscape additions. Most gardeners see dramatic soil improvement within one growing season.
Solution 9: Recycled Rubber Mulch – Long-Lasting Alternative ($35-70)
Best For: Playgrounds, high-traffic areas, and low-maintenance landscapes Coverage: 40-80 bags cover 200 square feet Installation Time: 2-3 hours
Recycled rubber mulch provides permanent coverage that won’t decompose, blow away, or attract pests. Made from recycled tires, this option offers environmental benefits while solving coverage needs.
Installation Advantages: Simply spread to desired depth without landscape fabric or special preparation. Rubber mulch stays in place during storms and doesn’t require annual replacement like organic alternatives.
Color Variety: Available in natural brown, red, and black colors that maintain their appearance indefinitely. Some manufacturers offer custom colors for specific design requirements.
Safety Considerations: Excellent choice around play equipment as it provides cushioning while maintaining cleanliness. Non-toxic formulations ensure safety for children and pets.
Solution 10: Newspaper and Straw – Ultra-Budget Solution ($5-15)
Best For: Temporary coverage, vegetable gardens, and emergency solutions Coverage: Materials for 300 square feet Installation Time: 1 hour
This ultra-low-cost method uses newspaper as a biodegradable weed barrier topped with straw or grass clippings. Perfect for renters or those needing temporary solutions while planning permanent improvements.
Application Method: Layer newspaper 6-8 sheets thick, overlapping edges to prevent weed breakthrough. Wet thoroughly, then cover with 3-4 inches of straw or organic mulch.
Seasonal Strategy: Install in spring for full growing season coverage. Materials decompose naturally, enriching soil for future plantings while providing immediate dirt coverage.
Environmental Benefits: Uses recycled materials while improving soil health. This method costs less than $20 for large areas while providing effective coverage and weed control.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Situation
Consider your budget, timeline, and long-term goals when selecting coverage methods. Temporary solutions like newspaper and straw work well for renters or those planning future renovations, while permanent options like gravel or ground covers better suit homeowners making long-term improvements.
Evaluate your site conditions including sun exposure, drainage, and intended use. High-traffic areas need durable solutions like artificial turf or gravel, while decorative areas can use attractive organic mulches or ground cover plants.
Climate Considerations: Desert regions benefit from gravel and decomposed granite, while humid climates favor organic mulches and ground covers. Consider seasonal changes and maintenance requirements when making your selection.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Success
Organic Materials: Refresh annually by adding new mulch over existing materials. Remove any weeds promptly to prevent establishment and spreading.
Permanent Solutions: Edge maintenance keeps gravel and artificial turf looking professional. Occasional cleaning with leaf blowers or gentle washing maintains appearance.
Living Covers: Established ground covers require minimal care but benefit from occasional fertilizing and divided overcrowded areas to maintain healthy growth.
Budget-Stretching Strategies
Free Material Sources: Contact landscaping companies, tree services, and municipalities for free organic materials. Many businesses are happy to provide wood chips, leaves, or grass clippings at no cost.
Seasonal Timing: Purchase materials during off-season when demand is lower. Many suppliers offer significant discounts during winter months.
Community Resources: Join gardening groups and online communities where members often share excess materials and coordinate group purchases for better pricing.
Conclusion: Transform Your Backyard Today
Covering bare dirt doesn’t require expensive professional services or complex installations. These 10 proven methods provide attractive, functional solutions for any budget and timeline. Start with the option that best fits your immediate needs and budget, knowing you can always upgrade or modify your choice as circumstances change.
Remember that even the simplest solution dramatically improves your backyard’s appearance while solving practical problems like erosion and dust. Choose quality materials and take time with proper installation for results that look professional and last for years.
Your transformed backyard awaits – select your preferred method and begin creating the outdoor space you’ve always wanted. With these budget-friendly solutions, there’s no reason to continue living with unsightly bare dirt areas when beautiful alternatives are so accessible and affordable.
