Landscaping can make your home more beautiful, increase its value, and improve the way you feel about it. But it can also be a costly project.
The cost of your landscaping project will depend on several factors, including the size and scope of your landscaping job. It can range from simple lawn seeding to a high-end design with an irrigation system.
Grass Seeding
Grass seeding is an excellent way to improve the look of your lawn, reduce maintenance costs and increase weed control. It’s also a good option for older, worn out lawns that are not suitable for modern needs or are disease or insect prone.
For best results, reseeding should be done in early fall or late summer when the daytime temperatures are lower and cool air can promote new seed germination. In areas that experience wide fluctuations in winter temperatures, germination success rates may be much lower; for example, a period of warmer weather followed by more cold could cause dormant seeds to germinate, resulting in damage or death.
Whether you want to reseed your own yard or hire a professional, the cost of grass seeding can vary significantly depending on the type of seed you choose, the method you use and the labor required.
Flower Beds
Flower beds are a great way to add color and visual interest to your backyard. They can also help attract pollinators, which are important for boosting the growth and health of fruit trees and other edible gardens.
Flower bed ideas are also a good way to create a unique design that can stand out in your yard. For example, a flower bed that incorporates pavers offers a unique and interesting look that guests will love to see.
Flower bed ideas should be planned and executed with careful attention to detail. For instance, it is crucial to lay out the planting site so that plants will be able to reach sunlight and water without being blocked.
Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are a fundamental part of any well-designed landscape. They can improve the environment, reduce energy costs, enhance curb appeal, and boost home value.
They also reduce stress, anxiety and crime by creating a sense of calmness and security. They are also a great habitat for wildlife, offering nesting and shelter sites as well as food sources in summer, fall, and winter.
When planning a landscape, choose trees and shrubs that fit your goals and the characteristics of your soil, slope and location. Consider whether you want deciduous (lose their leaves in the winter) or evergreen species; some shrubs can be both types.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is a part of the back yard landscaping process that includes built structures, stone walls, walkways, structural accents and water features. They can create a beautiful outdoor space, add a welcoming atmosphere to your yard and increase property values.
Retaining walls and stone steps can help level land and improve drainage. They will also help your grass, flowers and trees get the water they need to grow healthy.
The design of your hardscaping should flow with the rest of your landscape and feel natural. This can be done by including curves and rounded edges in your design to make the landscape appear less rigid.
Hardscaping is a big investment, so take care when selecting and planning your materials. For example, choosing stone or concrete that is a lighter weight option than wood can save you money in the long run.
Maintenance
While landscape design projects can be fun and exciting, they also require ongoing maintenance to ensure they remain looking their best. This includes lawn mowing, pruning flowers and trees, adding mulch to flower beds, and weeding.
Depending on the type of landscaping you have, these services can range in price from $133 to $370 per month nationally. Keeping up with these regular services can help prevent costly repairs or damage down the road.
Another way to save money is to save and repurpose existing materials in your yard instead of replacing them. For example, consider reusing your patio cover rather than purchasing and building a new one. Similarly, keep the mature trees you have in your yard if they’re healthy and not close to a power line.
