Spring is in the air and these sunny days here in Visalia make us all want to go outside and start working in the dirt. We’ve been saving our list of landscaping project wishes and now that winter is behind us, it’s time to get started! Landscaping projects can have a big impact on our homes and curb appeal, but they also can have quite the price tag. How do we take those landscaping daydreams and make them a reality without the sticker shock? Here is how to stretch your landscaping budget
Plan ahead
It all starts with a plan. You may not be a professional expert, but you have a pretty good idea how you would like to use your space. Think carefully how you would like to use your outdoor space or how you can improve the way you already use it. What is missing? Do you need a better path to the front door? An outdoor living room or sitting area? How about some shade trees or adding some privacy with some hedging?
Take the time to count the cost. Once you know how much everything is you can start to take a realistic look at your plans and eliminate anything that just doesn’t fit your budget.
Plan for plant growth
Planning your landscaping based upon the growth rate of your plants can help you to ultimately save money. You need to look ahead and make sure that you won’t eventually have overcrowding. Pay attention to spacing guidelines and that way you won’t end up wasting any plants down the road.
Plant young plants
Yes, patience is hard, but it will save you money. Garden centers price plants according to the size of the planter pot, aka the size of the plant. Yes, older plants will make an immediate impact on your landscape, but they will also make an immediate impact on your wallet and is a great way to stretch your landscaping budget! If you can be patient young Jedi and buy smaller versions of the same plant, you will save money.
Plant native plants
Native plants that grow commonly in your region are going to be hardier than ones that have been imported. Native plants are accustomed to the local soil and climate and are easier to grow. In the Visalia and San Joaquin Valley we tend to experience yearly drought and having drought tolerant plants will reduce plant loss.
Look for freebies
If you’re taking the time to do some projects, chances are your neighbors are too. Check community and neighborhood listings for freebies. Sometimes people will uproot landscaping and give it away.
To mulch or not to mulch?
Mulch can get spendy, is it worth it? You can sometimes find professional companies have some excess mulch or wood chips they are willing to part with either free or at low cost. Networking can reduce or eliminate your costs. If you feel you can do without mulch, you can try river rock instead.
Skip the DIY
DIY always seems like the most attractive and cost-effective solution, except when it’s not. If you don’t want to take the time, or simply don’t have the time to investigate the most cost-effective solutions, or perhaps you’re wanting everything to look great NOW for that summer BBQ party, you can skip the DIY and hire a professional company. Professional landscaping companies, such as Rainscape can help you take the guesswork out and find the most attractive look at a price that you can afford. Give us a call today.