We know that landscaping can be a daunting process. Sun, shade, height, width - there are so many things to consider when doing your landscaping.
Then comes the price! Prices for landscape projects can go anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on the size of your yard and your preferences. Regardless of your budget, planning ahead is key. Here are the best ways to get the biggest bang for your landscaping buck.
1.) Have a Landscape Plan.
Having a professionally designed landscape takes the guesswork out of the whole process. You
won't end up buying too much for your space. Our team of landscape designers will help you design your landscape to your preferences and within your budget. Best of all, we'll do it for free!
To learn more about our free landscape design check out:
2.) Determine your needs.
Do you really need that "retaining wall" or is it all just for show? Retaining walls are exactly what they sound like. They are meant to retain soil from washing away on sloped beds. If your ground is level (like most people's), you really don't need to spend all that money on a stone "retaining wall". You can spend hundreds of dollars on the retaining wall alone. In many cases you could have purchased all of the plants you'd need for that price!
Budget tip: hand spade your edging and fill in with mulch. Assuming you have a flat shovel, this option costs nothing more than a little time and can save you hundreds.
3.) Do some of the work yourself.
Simple jobs like planting trees, shrubs, and perennials are easy tasks that anyone can do. Save the tougher jobs for the pros like laying pavers, building a retaining wall (if you really need one), and removing established trees and shrubs.
If the work is too hard for you, consider hiring neighborhood teenagers to help!
4.) Improve your soil.
This is one of those things that costs a little bit to save a lot. Starting off with good soil is key in helping your plants establish themselves. Spend the few extra dollars up front on good soil and amendments and you'll save later when your plants don't die and you don't have to re-do things.
5.) Buy in phases
If you're doing a large area and it doesn't quite fit in your budget now, consider installing in stages. Plant your larger "anchor" plants first. These are the ones that you'll notice the most. Then, the following year, fill in with smaller shrubs and flowers.