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By Nature's Way Landscapes

Most of our projects at Nature's Way Landscapes are full backyard transformations — patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, the works. But every now and then, a homeowner comes to us with a different kind of question.

"Can you even do anything with this space?"

They're usually pointing at that narrow strip between their house and the fence. The one with river rock, a few random stepping stones, and weeds pushing through. The pass-through zone nobody uses.

The answer is yes. And honestly, the results can surprise even us.

The "Dead Zone" Problem

If you own a home in Lafayette — especially in neighborhoods like Indian Peaks, near the golf course, or some of the older established areas — you probably know exactly what we're talking about. Maybe it's a side yard. Maybe it's an awkward corner where the lot line angles in. Maybe it's that strip between your deck and your property line that you've been ignoring for years.

These spaces tend to share a few things in common:

• Too narrow for a traditional patio layout

• Usually neglected (loose rock, patchy grass, utility boxes)

• Feel like wasted square footage

• Most homeowners assume nothing can be done

That last one is the real issue. People don't even ask about these spaces because they've already written them off.

What's Actually Possible

Here's the thing — a well-designed small space can become a real outdoor room. Not just a place to squeeze in a single chair. We're talking about space you'll actually use.

We've built all of this into narrow side yards and tight corners:

• Dining areas — A 6-person table fits in less space than you'd think

• Fire pits — Built-in options work better than freestanding when square footage is tight

• Seat walls — They define zones, add seating without extra furniture, and can double as planter edges

• String lights — Mounted to existing fences for that evening glow

• Paver patios — With borders and details that make small spaces feel intentional, not cramped

The trick is treating it like a real room — not just filling the space. That means thinking through how you'll actually move through it, where you'll sit, and what the sight lines look like from inside the house.

A Real Example: Beauprez Avenue, Lafayette

One of our clients had exactly this situation. Their side yard — about 16 to 20 feet wide — ran along the fence between their house and the neighbor's property.

Before: Loose river rock, scattered flagstone steppers, weeds coming through everywhere, and a clear view of the utility equipment. It was a pass-through at best. Nobody hung out there.

What they wanted: Somewhere to actually be outside. Specifically, a place to eat dinner and a spot to enjoy the afternoon shade — which, once you think about it, is actually a feature in Colorado summers.

What we built:

• Full paver patio with a decorative border

• A retaining wall

• Stone seat wall with a flagstone cap

• Built-in fire pit

• Room for a 6-seat dining table

• Lounge area for Adirondack chairs

• String lights along the fence

The result: They use it all the time now. What used to be dead square footage became their go-to spot for dinner and evening hangouts around the fire.

Investment: $55,000 – $65,000

This wasn't a quick fix. It was a full transformation — excavation, base prep, drainage, utilities, and precision installation. The narrow footprint actually made some parts harder, not easier. When every inch counts, there's no room for shortcuts.

Why Small Doesn't Mean Cheap

We get this question a lot: "It's a smaller area, so it should cost less, right?"

Not exactly. Here's the reality:

Some costs don't shrink with the space. Getting the crew and equipment to your property, pulling permits, managing the project — that takes similar effort whether we're building 200 square feet or 800.

Tight spaces demand more precision. Cutting pavers to fit an angled fence line takes longer than laying them in an open rectangle. A seat wall that follows a curved property boundary requires more planning than a straight run.

Details show more in small spaces. In a big backyard, a simple paver pattern does the job. In a compact area, every border, inlay, and transition is a focal point. You notice everything.

Access can be tricky. Side yards often mean hand-carrying materials instead of rolling equipment through. That's more time.

For context, our projects in Boulder County typically range from $30,000 to $200,000+, depending on scope. A side yard transformation like this one lands right in the middle — because it's a complete outdoor room, just in a smaller footprint.

If you're curious about what goes into landscape project planning and timing, we cover that here: The Best Time to Plan a Landscape Project in Boulder County.

Is Your Side Yard Worth It?

Honestly, not every narrow space makes sense for this kind of investment. Here's how we'd think about it:

It's probably worth exploring if:

• You have a clear idea of how you'd use it (dining, fire pit, quiet morning coffee spot)

• The space gets decent sun or shade when you'd actually be outside

• You're already planning a backyard project and want to extend the living area

• That "dead zone" bugs you every time you walk past it

It might not be the right fit if:

• The space is purely functional (trash cans, AC units, dog run) and you're okay with that

• Access is really limited — no way to get materials in without major hassle

• You're hoping for a low-cost starter project

If you're not sure, the best next step is a conversation. Some spaces have more potential than they look. Others have hidden challenges — drainage issues, buried utilities, grade changes — that affect what's realistic.

The Bigger Picture

Side yards aren't our main focus. Full backyard transformations are what we do most. But when a homeowner has a vision for a tricky space and wants to make it happen, we're glad to figure it out together.

The Beauprez project is a good reminder that the best outdoor room might be the one you didn't know you had. That narrow strip? It's now where the homeowners eat dinner on summer evenings and gather around the fire when the sun goes down.

Not bad for a "dead zone."

Wondering what's possible with your space?

Whether it's a full backyard retreat or an overlooked corner that deserves some attention, we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Book a consultation and let's figure it out together.

Nature's Way Landscapes serves Lafayette, Boulder, Louisville, Erie, Broomfield, and surrounding communities in Boulder County. We design and build outdoor living spaces — patios, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and complete backyard transformations.