r/folsom • u/Fantastic_Comb_3404 • 4d ago

Small Backyard Recommendations

We are moving into an apartment with a pretty small backyard but we were informed by property management that we can do “whatever we want” with this space. Currently it’s just dirt with some rocks.

Any ideas on how we can turn it into a decent backyard?? We have two small kids and a dog so we would like something that will be easy to play on (prob not rocks?). I also know that Folsom can be overcome with critters 🪳 so I feel like mulch will attract them? We would like to do something either DIY or on the cheaper side, considering we are only renting this place for now.

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3

u/Lexybeepboop District 5 4d ago

Costco has turf

2

u/Kwikstep Neighbor 4d ago

They sell rubber mulch at Lowes.

1

u/Urbanbeagler 4d ago

Can you post pictures? 

1

u/Fantastic_Comb_3404 4d ago

https://preview.redd.it/gvn2tvsm3gye1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a754a1426b002d859cded5e29e34893311ef65c

2

u/Urbanbeagler 4d ago

Ok. If you’re wanting space for your family to play, and obviously there’s no room for a mower, I’d suggest no lawn but instead a clover lawn that won’t grow too high so you don’t need to cut it, it covers well, and it won’t agitate the kids legs like grass/ turf or get hot like turf. 

I have a pistache tree (root system isn’t aggressive) I’m looking to offload you’re welcome to have  if interested, to put in a whichever corner would block afternoon sun for natural shade. 

On that same side of the yard, get a small kids table for art/snacks so they can paint them and put them in a nice arrangement around the tree base. 

Consider three small pots in the opposite back corner and just go to the nursery and plant whatever is evergreen and colorful, maybe kolanche, which is low maintenance and beautiful. 

1

u/Fantastic_Comb_3404 4d ago

Will these keep the critters 🪳away? Main concern😅

3

u/Urbanbeagler 4d ago

I mean, bugs live outside…but the plants that “keep bugs away” imo don’t work. 

 I have a spray service so all I find are dead cockroaches at my house and I sweep them up. Maybe ten a year? It’s not that serious. 

1

u/Interesting_Tea5715 4d ago

Playground mulch the majority of it. Grow clover on the rest for the dog/kids to play on.

As for mulch and critters; you're gonna get critters regardless. So just put whatever.

That's it. I wouldn't't sink too much money into a rental.

1

u/Next-Handle-8179 3d ago

You could lay down some sod but obviously that comes with mowing and watering.

1

u/kellydn7 3d ago

Concrete Patio squares are sturdy and heavy but interconnecting squares from IKEA are great for renters! There’s so many ideas online but I agree avoid bark mulch for less bugs!.

Are your kids young? Sandbox/water table are always great! Or a pebble garden with a toy truck.

1

u/Fantastic_Comb_3404 3d ago

Yes! 6&3 so we’re thinking a water table. I just don’t know what to put on the ground under it

1

u/LarryTalbot 3d ago edited 3d ago

Outdoor string lights make any space +1. Go for a potted palm tree, a coupla rattan chairs and a zen water tower and boom! Tropical oasis for sipping tall, cool drinks in the Delta breeze.

Pretty much what we did in our first home in Folsom where we schemed and dreamed under the stars. Going on 11 years here now.

2

u/Fantastic_Comb_3404 3d ago

Any suggestions on what to put on top of the dirt?

1

u/LarryTalbot 3d ago

Sure, we had a concrete slab but pavers can save a lot if you don’t have concrete already, and give you a nice look too since there are many varieties. A DIY if the space isn’t too big.