A beautifully designed yard doesn’t just enhance your home’s curb appeal—it creates an inviting outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy year-round. But here’s a secret: stunning landscaping doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With the right approach, you can create a gorgeous yard without overspending. Learning how to landscape on a budget is all about being resourceful, choosing the right plants, and planning thoughtfully.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips and creative ideas to transform your yard into a stunning oasis while keeping costs low. Whether it’s selecting low-maintenance plants, using repurposed materials, or focusing on impactful design elements, you’ll discover that a little strategy goes a long way.
For homeowners seeking expert advice and services, Mile High Lifescape is the trusted partner to help bring your vision to life. Ready to explore fresh, budget-friendly ways to elevate your outdoor space? Let’s dig in!
Benefits of Learning How To Landscape On a Budget
Saves Time and Money
A low-maintenance landscape can save you money by using fewer resources like water, fertilizer, and lawn care tools. This can help lower your utility bills and landscaping costs. Plus, with less work to do, you’ll have more time to enjoy your yard and do other fun activities!
Adding things like mulch, ground cover, and native grasses can help keep weeds in check. These simple additions reduce the need for weeding and chemical herbicides. So, if you’re wondering how to landscape on a budget, these smart choices can save you money and time!
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Low-maintenance landscaping is all about using native plants that are already well-suited to your local weather and soil. These plants have adapted to thrive in your area without needing extra care like fertilizers or pesticides. This not only saves you money but also helps keep chemicals out of the environment.
When you choose native plants, you can also use organic methods like composting and mulching to provide nutrients, control weeds, and reduce pests naturally. This creates a healthier environment for both wildlife and people. If you’re wondering how to landscape on a budget, using native plants and organic methods is a cost-effective way to go!
Boosts Property Value
A low-maintenance landscape is a smart and budget-friendly choice that can also help reduce the cost of keeping your yard looking nice. With a well-planned design, it can make your property look more attractive and inviting.
A simple, easy-to-care-for yard can boost your home’s curb appeal, creating a positive first impression for anyone who sees it. By choosing low-maintenance landscaping, you’ll have more time to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space without all the extra work!
Drought-Resistant Solution
Drought-resistant plants are a great choice for creating a low-maintenance garden that can handle hot weather. These plants need less water, which saves water and reduces the risk of plants dying during dry spells.
Native plants, in particular, are well-suited to your local climate and soil, so they need even less water. They also resist pests and diseases better than non-native plants, which means you won’t need harmful chemicals to keep them healthy. This makes your garden not only easier to care for but also better for the environment!
Promotes Health and Well-Being
Spending time in nature is great for your mental health and overall well-being. With a low-maintenance landscape, you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about constant upkeep.
Plus, these types of gardens can help reduce allergens like pollen and mold that can trigger allergies or breathing problems. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen, which makes the air cleaner and fresher.
Learning how to landscape on a budget with low-maintenance plants can help you create a beautiful, healthy space that’s good for both you and the environment!
Tips and Tricks for Landscaping on a Budget
These tips will show you how to landscape on a budget while still creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard you can enjoy all year long!
- Create a Plan: Before you start working on your yard, take some time to plan things out. Draw a sketch, measure your space, and research affordable plants and materials that fit both your budget and your design ideas. Having a solid plan will help you avoid wasting money and make sure everything comes together nicely.
- Start with Hardscaping: Hardscaping elements like patios, paths, and walls can get pricey, but you can save by using cheaper materials like gravel, wood chips, or reclaimed bricks. These materials still look great and work well, but they won’t break the bank.
- Use Native Plants: Native plants are a great choice for landscaping on a budget. They’re already used to your area’s climate, so they need less water, fertilizer, and care. Plus, they help local wildlife and ecosystems thrive, making your garden both beautiful and beneficial!
- Shop Smart: When buying plants or materials, be a careful shopper. Compare prices at different garden stores, and don’t be afraid to haggle. Smaller plants often cost less, and they’ll grow big over time. Also, keep an eye out for end-of-season sales and discounts to score great deals.
- Repurpose and Upcycle: Get creative by reusing items for your garden. Old pallets can become vertical gardens, and used tires can turn into cool planters. Look for cheap or free items at yard sales, flea markets, or online groups to add unique touches to your space.
- Divide and Conquer: If your neighbors or friends have established gardens, ask if they’d be willing to share some of their plants. Many perennials like hostas and daylilies can be divided and grown again, so you can get new plants without spending money.
- Use Mulch to Save Money: Mulch is an affordable way to keep weeds down, hold moisture, and add a nice touch to your yard. You can use cheap materials like wood chips, pine needles, or straw. Over time, mulch will break down and help your soil become healthier.
- Do It Yourself: Doing the work yourself can save a lot of money. From planting to building simple garden structures like raised beds, there are lots of projects you can tackle with basic tools and a little time. There are plenty of helpful tutorials online for DIY landscaping.
- Invest in Key Elements: While it’s important to save money, think about spending a little on a few big-impact pieces that will really improve your space, like a standout tree, a cool sculpture, or a cozy seating area. These elements can make your garden feel special.
- Collaborate with Professionals: If you don’t have a lot of money but want some expert advice, consider hiring a landscaping professional for a consultation. They can help you make smart choices, avoid costly mistakes, and even assist with specific tasks like planting or pruning to keep your landscape healthy.
How To Landscape On a Budget: 7 Ideas To Try
Landscaping on a budget doesn’t mean your yard has to look boring or unkempt! You can still have a beautiful outdoor space by choosing the right plants, adding some fun garden features, and using creative ideas to make your yard shine.
Before you spend a lot of money on expensive plants or hire a landscaping company, think about these cost-effective ways to design a gorgeous yard. You’ll learn how to landscape on a budget and still create a space you’ll love to enjoy!
Incorporate Mixed Planting Beds
Creating your own planting beds in the yard is a fun and easy way to improve your landscape, but it does take some planning, hard work, and knowing which materials will work best for your space. You can use landscaping fabric to help create neat planting areas and keep weeds away, or even build your own raised beds with containers.
For a budget-friendly option, try using recycled materials like free pallets and landscape timbers (which are different from railroad ties because they aren’t treated with chemicals). This is a great way to learn how to landscape on a budget while adding some charm to your yard!
Use Groundcover for Low Maintenance
Groundcover plants are a great choice if you’re looking to save money on landscaping. You don’t need to plant many of them because they spread out on their own. The best groundcovers don’t need as much water or fertilizer as grass does, so by replacing some of your lawn with groundcovers around trees and shrubs, you’ll spend less on maintenance. It’s an easy way to make your yard look good while saving money!
Select Easy-to-Grow Perennials
Perennial flowers and filler plants are a smart choice for your garden because they come back every year, saving you money on new plants each spring. You can choose colorful, deer-resistant plants like Russian sage, bleeding hearts, and yellow alyssum. Many perennials, like hostas, also do well in shady areas, making them perfect for all parts of your garden.
Choose Budget-Friendly Hardscaping
When you’re figuring out how to landscape on a budget, there are several affordable hardscaping materials to choose from, like mulch, shredded leaves, pea gravel, bark, rocks, brick chips, and sand. Buying these materials in bulk is much cheaper than getting them in small bags from a store. You can often find good deals at local landscape supply shops or even find free options nearby.
If you’re looking to add a stone walkway or a brick patio, you can save even more by laying the bricks in sand instead of concrete. With some careful planning, you can even avoid cutting any bricks, making your project easier and more affordable!
Add DIY Water Features for Charm
If you’re wondering how to landscape on a budget, adding a water feature to your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. Professional installation of things like waterfalls can cost thousands, but you can easily create your own water feature with affordable materials like modern pumps and pond liners.
With a little creativity, you can build a small stone fountain, a simple waterfall, or even a small pond to make your yard more beautiful and peaceful. It’s a fun DIY project that adds a stunning focal point to your space without the high cost!
Plant Native Species for Sustainability
To save time, money, and effort, choose plants that are native to your area. Native plants are naturally suited to your local soil and climate, so they don’t need as much water or fertilizer. They’re also more resistant to pests and diseases, making them easy to take care of.
Plus, native plants are great for the environment! They help prevent soil erosion and provide food and shelter for local wildlife and pollinators. Each region has its own special native plants, so find the best ones for your garden!
Buy Affordable Plants to Save Money
To stay on budget, look for affordable plants, and keep an eye out for sales, like the ones nurseries have for annuals in July and August. While grocery stores may sell plants at lower prices, they might not be as high-quality as those from local nurseries.
However, with a little care, you can help them grow strong! Another great option for affordable trees and seedlings is the National Arbor Day Foundation, which often has special deals.
How To Landscape On a Budget: 7-Steps Guide
A beautiful landscape design not only makes your home look better but also adds value and creates a welcoming space for relaxing and entertaining. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends starting with a budget of 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value when planning your yard.
Here’s how to landscape on a budget and get the most out of your money:
Step 1: Find Inspiration
If you don’t already have a Pinterest board filled with ideas for your dream outdoor space, no worries! You can start by looking through design magazines or browsing online to save pictures of things that catch your eye. Even if you can’t copy the exact designs, these images will help you figure out what you like and guide you in creating your own unique style.
Talk to neighbors who have beautiful yards. Ask them which plants have worked well for them in your climate and soil. A professional landscaper can also give you great tips, especially about choosing native plants that will thrive in your area.
Think about what you want most from your outdoor space—whether it’s beauty, peace and quiet, security, or a place to play. These ideas will help you create a plan that suits your needs.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Property
Walk around your yard and make a list of what needs to be done. Look for areas that need new plants, places where you can add hardscaping (like paths or walls), and see if there are any existing plants that just need a little trimming or moving to another spot. If your list is long, prioritize the most important tasks first.
Repurposing things you already have is a great way to save money. For example, you can refresh flower beds and other areas with a little creativity and some extra care.
Be flexible with your plan. While you might want to spend most of your budget on fun things like plants and features, don’t forget to set aside some money for things like pruning or fixing your irrigation system. It’s smart to also add an extra 5 to 10 percent to your budget for unexpected costs. This way, you’re ready for anything that comes up during the project.
Step 3: Create a Wish List
Now that you’ve made a list of things that need fixing, think about adding a few key features that will make your yard more enjoyable. This could be a cozy sitting area with a beautiful flower garden, a BBQ space for outdoor meals, or even a patio for hosting pool parties.
When it comes to landscaping, less can be more, especially if you have a small yard. Pick one or two standout features to focus on, so your yard doesn’t feel crowded, and each feature gets the attention it deserves.
Step 4: Double Check Your List
Your landscaping plan may seem complete, but it’s always good to double-check that you haven’t missed anything. Make sure to account for:
- Regular lawn care and maintenance
- Installing irrigation systems
- Tree trimming and removal of branches
- Excavating or grading the yard
- Adding new plants, shrubs, and trees
- Mulch or dirt
- Water features like a pool or pond
- Hardscaping (like paths or patios)
- Retaining walls or fences
- Vegetable or flower gardens
- Outdoor lighting
- Built-in seating
- Fire pits or outdoor kitchens
Step 5: Make a Timeline
When deciding how much to spend on landscaping, think about how long you plan to stay in your home. If you’re planning to live there for a while, you can create a plan that lets you upgrade your yard in phases. If you’re on a tight budget, you can still create the landscape you want by making small improvements each year.
This way, you can make steady progress without feeling rushed or overspending. This is a smart way to learn how to landscape on a budget.
Step 6: Think About the Value
When planning your landscaping, consider how much upkeep it will need compared to the beauty and value it will add to your property. For example, if you want a pond, remember it can be high-maintenance, and you’ll need to include those costs in your budget.
As a general rule, you should spend about 65% of your budget on the backyard and 35% on the front yard. According to the ASLA, a well-planned outdoor makeover can increase your home’s value by up to 15%, and House Logic estimates it could be as much as 28%.
Step 7: Get Expert Help
Once you have a rough idea of what you want, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional landscaper. They can help you choose plants that will grow well together, create a full plan for your yard, and guide you through the whole process. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call at (303) 877-9091 for your free estimate!
Conclusion
Learning how to landscape on a budget allows you to create a beautiful and inviting yard without overspending. By using native plants, repurposing materials, and planning thoughtfully, you can save money while designing a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor space. Small DIY projects, like building raised beds or adding groundcover, can make a big impact without breaking the bank.
For expert advice, collaborating with professionals like Mile High Lifescape ensures a polished finish. Start small, stay resourceful, and enjoy transforming your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that fits your budget and lifestyle!
