When it comes to home improvement, curb appeal is everything. A house with an ugly exterior won’t stand a chance in the real estate market. However, what most people don’t know is that landscaping doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know where to look. In addition to saving money on your new outdoor space, you can also invest in a few DIY projects that will pay off in the long run. While spending $400 per month on landscaping may seem like quite the investment, your property value will skyrocket once you see the final result. Read on for some great tips for creating beautiful outdoor spaces on a budget.
Hiring a Professional Landscaper
Landscaping can cost a fortune, but if you hire the right professional, it doesn’t have to. Start your search by narrowing down your price point by finding landscaping companies in your area that offer a variety of services at different prices. Another option is to hire a designer to help you plan your outdoor space from scratch. A designer will help you find the perfect plants for your climate, determine the best layout for your outdoor space, and oversee the installation. If you choose to go the designer route, be sure to choose a company that offers full-service landscaping. Full service means that the designer will handle all aspects of the landscaping process, from installation to maintenance. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs not only add beauty to your landscape, but they also increase the value of your property. If you’re looking to add a new tree or shrub to your yard, the best time to do so is in the spring. You can choose from a variety of plants that will bloom in June or July, giving you a full display in time for the start of the growing season. The cost of a tree or shrub will depend on the size you select, but you can typically find smaller plants for less than $10. If you want to add a bit of height to your yard, consider investing in a climbing vine. Climbing vines can be trained to grow up a trellis, arbor, or other structure in your yard.
Lawn Care
The more you can do yourself, the less you’ll spend on landscaping. If you’re not a gardener, the best approach is to keep your lawn in good condition. This means mowing, cutting the edges, and tending to any weeds that pop up. If you’re looking to inch your way into being a lawn care expert, consider investing in a reel mower. Reel mowers are easy to use and don’t require gas or any oil, making them extremely convenient and budget-friendly. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, purchase a cordless mower. This will save you tons of time if you have a large yard, and it’s much easier to handle than a reel mower.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is the use of stones, concrete, and other materials to create walkways, patios, and other areas in your yard. Hardscaping can add loads of value to your home if you do it right. The most expensive part of hardscaping is concrete, so it’s good to know you can DIY a concrete patio with simple concrete blocks. Concrete blocks are made by combining sand and cement, and they can be used to create a wide variety of DIY projects, including a patio. Concrete blocks are fairly inexpensive, and they come in a variety of colors that you can choose based on your preferred design. If you want a stamped concrete patio, you can purchase premixed concrete blocks that come with patterns already imprinted on them.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a catchall term that includes all other elements of your outdoor space, including plants and hardscaping. If you want to create your own landscaping plan, start by choosing plants that are native to your area. Native plants not only look beautiful, but they’re also much cheaper to maintain. If you’re a beginner, consider starting small with a few easy projects. Use a pallet to create a DIY patio or install a garden using self-watering containers. If you really want a lush and vibrant garden, consider purchasing a container garden. Container gardens are easy to maintain, and they’re a great way to get your foot in the gardening door without much effort.
Conclusion
Landscaping is an excellent way to add value to your home while also improving your life and health. A well-designed landscape provides privacy, prevents soil erosion and water runoff, and gives you an excellent place to relax and unwind with family and friends. The landscape should also look attractive and contribute to the appearance of your property. Landscaping can be expensive, but there are ways to save money while still getting the look you want.