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How to Save Money on Landscaping

When embarking on a new landscaping project or investing in landscaping improvements to your DFW home, it’s easy to see the cost skyrocket. Whether you have a small landscape project or looking to do a complete overhaul, we can help show you how to save money on landscaping. Here are 5 tips that will save you thousands off the bottom line and help when landscaping on a budget.

Hire a Landscape Designer

Similar to building a home, creating a new landscape means making a lot of decisions. Which plants are best suited to the area? Which materials will hold up over time? Hire a professional landscape designer to make those choices for you. A qualified landscape designer will know the right plants and materials to recommend for your area, environment and purpose. Save yourself hours of internet searching, trips to the nursery and local landscaping yards by relying on a designer. A good landscape design will cost you on average between $500-$1,000 depending on the size and scope of the project. That might seem like an added cost, but what you invest up front for the design will save you time and money in the end when your plants live and materials endure.

Use Composite Edging

Landscaping costs will always be higher when the work is custom. Masonry stonework is often used to create landscape borders and requires an experienced stone mason. Consider using composite edging instead. High-quality composite edging is widely available, easy to install and holds up longer than traditional metal edging. Not only is composite edging less expensive to install, it can easily be repaired or replaced if you experience ground shifting as opposed to stonework which almost always demands a complete overhaul by a mason.

Don’t Split Landscaping Projects

If you’ve got a large landscaping project in mind, it’s tempting to split the job up to stay below your landscaping budget. However, you will always pay more in the end when approaching your project this way. Having the work done all at once allows your landscaper to combine deliveries, disposal fees and oftentimes, save on the overall labor.

Use Decomposed Granite and Gravel

If your landscaping project involves creating pathways or patio spaces, you might be tempted to install concrete or pavers. These are the more expensive options and require specialized labor to install properly. Consider landscaping with decomposed granite or gravel instead. Both are highly compactable and will mimic the same function and qualities of a solid surface. Furthermore, the installation does not require specialized labor.

Choose Smaller Plants

One of the easiest ways to save money on your landscaping installation will be to choose smaller plants. Not only are they more widely available, but they adapt better to planting. The cost of landscaping with a 3g shrub and a 7g shrub is usually half. Most plants grow at least one inch every year until maturity. You could save hundreds with a bit of patience. You also won’t feel the same regret replacing a smaller, less expensive plant if you have to replace it.

To summarize, you can save money on landscaping by hiring a professional to create a landscape design and plan the job. Have all the work done at once. Consider using alternate materials and smaller plants.