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Low Cost Home Landscaping Tips
Installing and maintaining landscaping
around your home can be a costly
undertaking. Even the perfect landscape
can end up a source of vexation instead
of pleasure -- if it costs you more than
you can afford to install and keep up.
With these few helpful tips, you can save
money on your landscaping without
sacrificing quality or beauty.
Plan Before You Spend
Plan before you make any purchases.
Without a plan, you may buy things you
don't really need, and that can waste
money.
Begin with a rough sketch of your
landscape design. Next find out exactly
what you need to make it possible. If you
need advice, there are a number of
websites where you can get ideas for
creating your project. Specialty stores
and some home improvement warehouses have
experts on hand who can give you
pointers.
Once you've done your homework, and know
exactly what you need, you can start
spending, without fear of money wasters
intruding.
Purchase In Phases
Your written plan should include a
timetable for when you will install each
portion of your landscape. Most people
can't afford to make all the changes at
once. Planning your landscape project in
phases lets you buy what you need as you
go, and as the money becomes available.
This phased financing lets you avoid the
interest and fees associated with home
improvement loans or putting your
purchases on credit cards.
Don't Sacrifice Quality
It's good to remember that cheaper is not
always better. If there is very little
difference in quality, then buying the
cheaper item is naturally the best
course. However, local stores are often
staffed with seasoned experts who will
share their wisdom for free if you ask
questions while making a purchase.
Specialty stores can give you accurate
information on installing a water
feature, for example. If you are
inexperienced in landscaping, you can
save money in the long run by spending a
little extra for better service,
experienced help and advice.
Check Plants Carefully
If you're making your purchases at a
"big box" store, be sure to
carefully inspect plants for diseases and
insect problems. These stores seldom give
their plants the kind of care that a
nursery would. If the plant you buy is
diseased, you'll have to buy it all over
again when it dies, and that's money down
the drain. Furthermore, the disease or
pest can spread to your other
landscaping. Many nurseries offer
warranties and guarantees free of charge
on their plants.
Buy When Prices Are Low
If you plan your landscaping ahead, you
can determine when each phase needs to be
accomplished. You can buy lumber during
the winter when it is cheaper, and store
it until you are ready to use it. Buy
trees, shrubs, perennials, mulch, and
soil late in the season when the prices
go down. In most places, you can wait
until October to make your maintenance
purchases and still have time to
winterize your landscape. Keep an eye out
for plant sales at local nurseries. You
can find really good quality plants at
low prices this way.
Pursue Other Resources
Explore alternative resources. Stores are
not the only places to get what you need.
You can order through catalogs or online.
Membership in a garden and seed club can
yield very good prices on many items, as
well as useful advice.
Try arranging a plant exchange in your
neighborhood. Some cities offer low-price
or free mulch and compost, and you can
check construction or demolition sites
for free stones and bricks.
Neighborhood Cost Sharing
Approach your neighbors about sharing
costs. If you pool your resources, you
can get some good deals on items bought
in bulk, and everyone benefits. In the
same vein, you can share the rental fees
for machinery such as chippers, tillers,
and aerators. If everyone chips in a few
dollars, you can work out a schedule that
lets each neighbor use the equipment
before it is due back. This is a great
way to reduce the costs of your
landscaping.
By heeding a few of these money-saving
tips, you can hold down your costs and
create a beautiful landscape that you can
afford to maintain.
© Copyright 2005 Ron King.
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