Great landscaping can make all the difference in the appearance of your home. It’s not just about looks and excellent curb appeal. Good landscaping can increase the value of your property and, depending on how you do it, can help reduce your carbon footprint.
However, it can be quite costly with charges for materials, labor, maintenance, and other resources that may go into it. Landscape design can cost you between $1,500 to $5,000 or more, and labor charges range from $4 to $9 for every square foot. Thankfully, there are some budget-friendly ways to have an incredible landscape. Here are some of them.
1. Do It Yourself
One of the best ways to keep your landscaping costs low is to do it yourself. There are plenty of available resources online that can help you get started in landscaping. You can even find and use free design apps to help you create a layout.
Start by researching different designs and find one that will work for your space. You can also learn more about the best crops for your area and shop around for discounts when buying items you may need.
Another good way is by trial and error; keep trying different plans and designs until you find the right fit for your home. If you encounter any challenges you cannot handle yourself, ensure you get professional help. This may seem counterproductive, but professionals like Malone’s Landscape can prevent you from making costly mistakes and even show you a few areas where you can save money.
2. Keep It Simple
There are many landscaping ideas available, but with a tight budget, keeping it simple will help you go a long way. Keeping things simple has several benefits. First, it will make the job easier for you to execute if you decide to DIY.
Complex designs may also require special tools you may need to buy, shooting up your costs. Secondly, you’ll require fewer materials and skills and incur fewer expenses with a more straightforward setup than a more complicated one. Thirdly, If you mess things up, you’ll be able to cut your losses easily. Finally, the maintenance costs and demands will also be significantly less, making it easy for you to have a fantastic landscape all year round without much stress.
3. Use What You Already Have
You can landscape your property without needing to spend plenty of money on materials. There are numerous everyday household items that you can recycle or repurpose and incorporate into your landscape.
For instance, concrete or stones from a previous construction project can be added to your landscape as borders. You can hang up old glass as art or set up a greenhouse. Pallets and old buckets can also make good planters. You can even use wine bottles and cracked cups as planters for small plants giving your landscape a unique look.
4. Plant Native Species
Planting native species of plants will save you money and headaches. Most native plants are acclimated to the environment, so they will require little to no care to thrive. They will also be readily available where you live and have low demands for fertilization, watering, and care. It’s also an excellent way to increase biodiversity and save the environment, as they eliminate the need to use pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful. Since they are resilient, they are a great choice in this current era of climate change.
5. Plant Trees
Trees and shrubs are a great addition to any landscape. They look great, are good for the environment, and require little care. If you require help planting them, as is the case for many mature trees, you’ll only incur one-off costs. You need to find the right tree for your space and ensure it won’t cause any future problems. Trees are also effective in reducing runoff and erosion and can be a source of food in the case of fruit trees.
6. Incorporate Rock Designs
While most people think about plants when it comes to landscaping, rocks are some of the best landscaping materials you can utilize. They occur naturally, so they are cheap and, in some cases, may even be free, depending on where you live. Since they are available in a wide variety, you get plenty of room to style them as you’d like, with numerous options to choose from. They also don’t require high levels of expertise, so you can install them, which is more affordable.
7. Create a Functional Landscape
Functional landscapes are the future of landscaping because they have so much to offer. They shift the focus from just the aesthetic aspect to the practicality of landscaping. Functional gardening involves the careful selection of plants to be incorporated based on their usefulness. Some plants produce food that can reduce your grocery expenses.
Others help reduce noise pollution, act as windbreakers, and provide shade, increasing your home’s energy efficiency. They can also provide security and are great for the environment. These benefits make any initial costs incurred worthwhile in the long run.
8. Create a Walkway
The walkway is one of the most noticeable parts of your home’s outdoor area, as it leads to your door. Creating a lovely one is an excellent way to make a good first impression. One way to create an impression is to plant flowers along the sides of your walkway. Gravel and mulch are also affordable options for a walkway. You can incorporate recycled or leftover construction material to make it even more affordable.
9. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Even basic landscaping can look great under the proper lighting. Install lights that bring out the best features of your landscape. Some good places to light up include along pathways, shrubs and trees, and features like sculptures and fountains.
Outdoor solar lights are an excellent way to cut costs as they are energy efficient and durable. Low-wattage bulbs can be just as effective where solar is unavailable without increasing energy consumption and costs.
One of the critical things prospective property buyers look for is a well-maintained property. Nothing screams maintenance like a well-kept landscape. With these tips, you can keep your lawn in top shape all year round without breaking the bank.
With proper planning and shopping around for discounts, you’ll be able to have an incredible landscape. Remember to take your time and learn as much as possible before embarking on a DIY landscaping project, and do not be afraid to ask for help.