18 Side Yard Landscaping Ideas for Your Outdoors

You might not think about your home’s side yard very often. But that doesn’t change the impact it can have on your property’s value and functionality.

A well-designed side yard can be just as helpful and aesthetically pleasing as your backyard — even if it is much smaller. If you have any space along the sides of your home, the last thing you should do is leave it neglected.

Check out these side yard ideas to learn how to create a stylish, space-efficient outdoor space that truly adds to your home’s curb appeal.

1. Brick-Like Pavers with Gravel

Use brick-like pavers lined with gravel to create a durable and visually appealing walkway. This combination provides excellent drainage and reduces weed growth. The gravel’s natural color complements the brick, offering a timeless look.

Side walkway with potted plants and a hanging decoration on a light green house, bordered by a wooden fence and paved with bricks — Source: @alexvanness via Instagram

Side yard with raised garden beds, gravel path with stepping stones, black cat walking, and a neatly coiled garden hose on the wall — Source: @emibremi via Instagram

2. Install Flagstone Pavers for Rustic Charm

Flagstone pavers offer a rugged, natural appearance for your side yard. Their irregular shapes and varying colors create a unique, organic pathway. They are ideal for a rustic garden look and are durable under various weather conditions.

Stone path with plants on both sides, leading to a wooden gate, blue house wall on the right, wooden fence on the left — Source: @freshvision.home_ via Instagram

Stone pathway beside a house with a wooden fence on the right and green plants along the edge of the path — Source: @uprootedgardens via Instagram

Cozy side yard with a stone pathway, potted plants, lush greenery, a red maple tree, and a rustic wooden fence with hanging decor — Source: @hnotgrass via Instagram

Side yard with a stone pathway, wooden fence, cozy wicker seating with blue cushions, lush greenery, and rustic barrel tables — Source: @rerehabber via Instagram

3. Design a Pebble Pathway

A pebble pathway is a low-maintenance option that adds texture to your side yard. Select pebbles in shades that match your home’s exterior for a cohesive look. This pathway is easy to install and provides a permeable surface for rainwater.

Narrow garden path with gravel, bordered by a house and a wooden fence adorned with pink flowers and green plants — Source: @living_rhooms via Instagram

4. Lay Paving Stones with Pebble Accents

Combine paving stones with surrounding pebbles to create a charming walkway. This design balances the solidity of the stones with the softness of the pebbles, creating a harmonious path that complements any garden style.

Modern narrow garden with stepping stones, white gravel, potted plants, and a wooden panel decorated with small planters — Source: @mrs.caragay via Instagram

A neatly arranged gravel path with concrete stepping stones leads to a wooden gate between two brick walls — Source: @turfrocks via Instagram

Narrow sidewalk between houses with a wooden fence, lush garden, and sunflowers under a clear sky — Source: @morelupinesplease via Instagram

Garden path with large stone slabs and gravel, bordered by black mulch flower beds and a wooden and white fence — Source: @craftedinnature via Instagram

5. Decking Along Side Yard

Installing decking in your side yard can transform it into a functional outdoor living space. Choose materials that withstand weather and wear, and consider a color that matches your home’s exterior for a unified look.

Side yard with a wooden deck, potted succulents, stone pathway, turquoise chair, and a black patio umbrella, enclosed by a wooden fence — Source: @persimmonstreet via Instagram

6. Place Garden Stepping Stones

Garden stepping stones offer a simple way to create a path through your side yard. These stones can be placed directly on grass or soil, and you can choose from various shapes and designs to suit your landscape theme.

Narrow side yard with a dirt path, stepping stones, lush greenery, a wooden fence, and a garden hose near the house — Source: @backyardediblegarden via Instagram

Side yard with a wooden fence, brick house, stepping stone path, green grass, outdoor seating, and a planter with flowers under the window — Source: @mariashomaker via Instagram

7. Use Artificial Grass with Pavers

Placing artificial grass between pavers creates a low-maintenance, green space in your side yard. This approach is ideal for areas where natural grass struggles to grow and provides a year-round lush appearance.

Narrow side yard with a green artificial lawn, stepping stones, and bordered by flower beds, leading to a sunny archway — Source: @turfrocks via Instagram

Side yard with artificial grass, a curved stepping stone path, a brick house with large windows, potted plants, and a tree — Source: @turfrocks via Instagram

8. Install an Artificial Grass Side Yard

Fully covering your side yard with artificial grass is an excellent solution for a green space without the hassle of regular lawn maintenance. It’s perfect for areas with limited sunlight or for homeowners who prefer not to deal with mowing and watering.

A neatly maintained yard with bright green artificial grass and a wooden fence, featuring trees and a pergola in the background — Source: @srtargetcedarfencepanels via Instagram

Cozy patio with green artificial grass, potted plants, a white bench, and a small table with a cup and saucer on a colorful cloth — Source: @rachmi927 via Instagram

Narrow side yard with artificial green grass, bordered by a brick house and a wooden fence, leading to a gate — Source: @turfrocks via Instagram

Narrow garden with lush green lawn, tall trees, white flowers, and a seating area with a bench and umbrella in the back — Source: @fashionsixty via Instagram

9. Build Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds in the side yard allow for better soil control and easier maintenance. They can be built in various heights and sizes, making them perfect for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables in limited spaces.

A small backyard garden with raised wooden beds, surrounded by a wooden fence, lush greenery, and a black compost bin — Source: @makers_daughter via Instagram

Wooden raised garden beds alongside a house and fence on a grassy path, ready for planting

Side yard with raised garden beds, desert landscaping, a gravel pathway, wall-mounted planters, and lush greenery along a brick wall — Source: @theburnsco via Instagram

10. Add a Charming Side Yard Gate

A well-designed gate can serve as a charming entrance to your side yard. Choose a style and material that complements your home’s architecture. A gate also adds security and can be combined with climbing plants for added beauty.

Wooden side yard gate with a decorative black metal monogram, surrounded by lush greenery and a gravel pathway — Source: @chadbecksons via Instagram

Gravel path lined with stones and lush plants leads to a lattice gate in a garden setting — Source: @josephkonradhomefurnishings via Instagram

Wooden gate with diagonal slats and geometric pattern, framed by wood posts, leading to a tree-lined area — Source: @solkor.ca_ via Instagram

11. Install a Privacy Fence in the Side Yard

Adding a privacy fence to your side yard creates a secluded retreat. It’s ideal for creating a private garden or outdoor dining area. Consider fences made of wood or composite materials for durability and aesthetics.

A narrow garden path with potted plants and wooden fencing on both sides leads to a closed gate — Source: @scs_facilityservices via Instagram

Narrow gravel pathway between a gray wooden house wall and a wooden fence, leading to a wooden gate at the end

Garden path with stepping stones surrounded by plants, wooden fence, and a large green rain barrel against a house wall — Source: @backyardediblegarden via Instagram

Modern house with large windows, lush green lawn, trees, and wooden fence under a blue sky

Side yard with square patches of artificial grass and concrete paths, next to a wooden fence and brick wall — Source: @turfrocks via Instagram

12. Construct a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall in the side yard can help manage slopes and prevent soil erosion. It also adds a structural element to your landscape. Materials like stone or concrete blocks can be used for a sturdy and attractive wall.

Sunny garden with white picket fence, white table and chairs, potted flowers, and small trees

A small backyard with artificial grass, bordered by a stone wall and red brick walkway; enclosed by a white fence — Source: @artificialturfsupply via Instagram

13. Beautify with Side Yard Landscaping

Effective side yard landscaping utilizes vertical space with trellises or climbing plants and features a mix of perennials and shrubs for year-round interest. This approach can turn a narrow space into a vibrant garden area.

A garden scene with a metal table and two chairs on a stone patio, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and a wooden trellis

Cacti and shrubs in a sunlit garden beside a house with a window

Side yard with a lush green lawn, stepping stone pathway, trimmed hedges, and a tree, next to a modern white house with large windows

Side yard with a curved stamped concrete pathway, vibrant greenery, a manicured lawn, and a navy blue house with large windows

A vibrant garden with lush greenery and pink flowers lines a narrow path leading to a red house, bordered by a rustic metal gate — Source: @paper.garden.workshop via Instagram

14. Grass Garden Path With Side Landscape

A grass garden path, bordered with flowering plants or shrubs, offers a natural and inviting route through your side yard. This setup is particularly effective in wider side yards, providing a lush, garden-like feel.

Side yard with a lush green lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, a white wooden fence with a gate, and a stop sign visible in the background — Source: @brynreeve via Instagram

Side of a house with white siding, large windows, a brown storage bench, lush green grass, and tall trees — Source: @landscapecreationsdupage via Instagram

Narrow grassy path between a house and dense greenery, leading to a sunlit area — Source: @jasonosterbergerdesigns via Instagram

15. Set Up a Cozy Side Yard Patio

Converting a portion of your side yard into a patio creates an additional outdoor living space. Use paving stones or concrete to define the area, and add outdoor furniture for a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Narrow outdoor brick pathway with plants, white lattice fence, a black wrought iron chair and lanterns, leading to an arched white gate — Source: @fabfindsbylisa via Instagram

Side yard patio with wooden chairs, a round table, fall-themed decor, a picnic table, string lights, and lush greenery under large trees — Source: @crazychicdesign via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wooden chairs and cushions around a glass table, under a pergola; lush plants and a barbecue grill in the background

Bright backyard patio with string lights, red and teal chairs, a glass table, white house siding, and a wooden fence — Source: @axiombuilderstx via Instagram

Two colorful chairs with striped cushions and a small blue table on a sunny patio, surrounded by plants and wooden fencing — Source: @midmodmarion via Instagram

16. Add a Cover to Your Side Yard

Installing a cover, like a pergola or awning, over part of your side yard can provide shade and protection from the elements. This addition makes the space more usable throughout the year and adds architectural interest.

A backyard with trees and a brown retractable awning, providing shade over a small patio with a chair and plants

A stone walkway beside a white house is covered by a metal trellis with climbing plants

Cozy outdoor nook under a wooden pergola with black chairs, knitted ottomans, lush greenery, brick flooring, and a hidden black-and-white cat

17. Lay a Cobblestone Garden Path

A cobblestone path adds a touch of old-world charm to your side yard. Its uneven surface and varying colors give a timeless and natural feel, making it ideal for traditional or cottage-style homes.

Pathway with gray pavers leads to a pale blue house surrounded by palm trees

Curved brick pathway bordered by mulch and plants, leading past a wooden fence and red brick wall amidst greenery — Source: @bloomlandscape via Instagram

Brick pathway with small plants on the sides, leading to an open gate and a sunny street beyond — Source: @frangipani_house_ via Instagram

A narrow stone pathway between a wooden fence and a brick house, leading to a gated area — Source: @precisionpavers via Instagram

A narrow walkway with stone pavers runs between two walls, bordered by a grassy area and gravel section — Source: @theturfguy via Instagram

Side yard with a paved walkway, trellised grapevines, wooden barrel planters, gravel landscaping, and utility equipment against the walls — Source: @thegardeningpharmacist via Instagram

18. Landscaping Along the Fence

Utilize the space along your side yard fence by planting a mix of flowering plants, shrubs, and climbers. This not only beautifies the fence but also creates a lush, layered look for your side yard.

A narrow garden path with stepping stones, lined with succulents, cactus, and a green metal fence on one side — Source: @fredricksonlandscapeinc via Instagram

A narrow garden path with colorful flowers beside a house and wooden fence — Source: @jtruskot via Instagram

Narrow side yard with a stepping stone path, tall sunflower plants, lush greenery, and a black metal fence alongside a stucco house — Source: @naturengarden via Instagram

A modern garden with bamboo plants, white pebbles, stepping stones, and soft lighting along a glass wall — Source: @our_34_squares via Instagram

A garden path with circular stepping stones, bordered by plants and a white house wall, leads to a yard with greenery — Source: @pixiesplantation via Instagram

What can you use in a side yard instead of grass?

If you can’t or don’t want to grow grass in your side yard, there are plenty of great alternatives. Ground cover plants (like native clover) are eco-friendly and mimic the look of grass. You can also convert your side yard into a rock garden or fill the entire space with flowering perennials.

How do you make a side yard functional?

If your side yard connects to the back of your property, this is the perfect opportunity to design a walkway to your backyard. Frame the area with flower beds or shrubs. Add a gate to keep children and pets where they belong.

If your side yard culminates in a dead-end, transform the space into a personal getaway. Plant vegetables and herbs for an edible garden. Install a miniature patio and create a comfortable nook for reading and relaxing.

Can you put a fire pit in a side yard?

Fire pits should be at least 10 feet away from any structure. This includes your home’s exterior, as well as fences or pergolas. Most side yards are not wide enough to safely accommodate a fire pit.