Low Budget Landscaping Basics

Any homeowner can tell you how quickly expenses add up when it comes to landscaping. A beautiful yard doesn't have to cost a fortune. Knowing a simple few tricks can help reduce the funds you need to create a relaxing oasis when you step outside your own door. The key is using a bit of creativity mixed with plenty of hard work.

The first step in any landscaping job is to consider the location of the project. Different soil types and drainage can have an impact on which plants will do well. Also key is the amount of sunlight an area receives. Local extension offices and often nurseries are able to perform soil tests for a minimal charge. The results will help you determine which plants will do well and whether a soil additive might be necessary.

Once you have determined the conditions your plants will need to endure you can work on a layout plan. Flexibility is key with this step. Consider your plan a guide rather than a blueprint and be willing to adapt based on the plants you are able to obtain. Use this time to think about where you might prefer to have flowers, bushes or groundcover instead of grass.

Landscape areas are often set apart from the lawn with the use of rock or mulch. In terms of initial cost, rock will generally be more expensive but once purchased it is long lasting. Replacement is necessary only when too many have been taken home by children tempted to add to their personal rock collections. With rock you will also need to place a layer of ground cloth under the rock to prevent weeds and grass from growing through. Mulch is generally cheaper to start but will have to be reapplied yearly.

While both rock and mulch can be expensive there are ways to get them without spending a lot. With rock you will certainly need to purchase the cloth ground cover. The most expensive way to purchase landscape rock is by the bag at the hardware store. You can save significantly by purchasing a truck load from a local landscape company or nursery. If you have a truck or trailer you can get it yourself but otherwise the charge for delivery is usually minimal. If you really want to save money check your local craigslist.com or freecycle.com. People planning a change in their landscaping offer rock free to anyone willing to dig it out.

Like rock, mulch can be purchased by the bag or by the truckload. Mulch quality varies greatly. More expensive mulch will generally last longer and have fewer undesirable things mixed with the wood. If you are sticking to your landscaping budget by keeping start-up expenses low, mulch will be your best bet. Many cities offer mulch for a low cost or even free to residents. This mulch is a mix of trees the city has ground up so it is not considered high quality and is not uniform in chip size but it will work fine as a base for your landscape area. Tree trimming companies may also be willing to drop a load of their wood chips at a minimal charge. The quality of this mulch will again not be great but it will work.

The cost of trees, shrubs and plants can also be reduced or eliminated. State conservation departments and local governments sometimes give away free plants and trees, especially in early spring. These plants are always well suited to the specific climate and should do very well.

Friends, neighbors and family members are the next best source for live goods for your yard. Many landscape plants grow best when separated once every couple of years. This includes staples such as tulips, iris, daylilies and hostas. Lilac bushes are also easy to separate and transplant. Mention to everyone that you are looking for plants and are willing to handle the digging and division in exchange for some of the plants.

While not as common, you may also be able to find someone willing to pass along a small tree sapling. Our yard has a large oak tree and each year the fallen acorns produce little saplings that dot our yard. For us they are an aggravation but to my brother-in-law they are a great source for saplings that he transplants onto his property.

Low cost landscaping is not impossible but will require time and energy. The results will improve your home for years to come.