10 Tips to Match your New Landscape to your Budget
At Landscape East & West, we always applaud you for dreaming of a beautiful new outdoor space for your home. Spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental well-being, and who doesn’t like some fresh air no matter what time of year? But before your dreams get too big, we recommend creating a budget to ensure your finances match your new landscape desires.
- Before you crunch numbers, define your goals and vision.
How do you plan to use your yard? Do you want plenty of space for kicking soccer balls or envision an area for cooking and eating al fresco? Do you like the idea of cozy nights by a fire pit or lazy days listening to a bubbling fountain? What about a vegetable garden? Consider all the possibilities then start prioritizing. Take a look at our online portfolio to spark ideas. - Look at your existing yard.
How much space do you have and what is the terrain like? Are there slopes or valleys? Does rainwater pool? Problems such as poor soil quality or drainage, and the need for items such as retaining walls that can prevent soil erosion and level a yard can certainly be addressed by our experts but will add to your costs. Be realistic about what you’re starting with. And don’t worry if you aren’t sure what you have. At Landscape East & West, our first step in working with you is always to undertake a complete site visit to spot problems and potential.
- Prioritize.
If you are planning to renovate both your front and back yard, consider which area you’d like done first. If you want a beautiful front yard for great first impressions but you need to haul heavy equipment through the front yard to landscape your back you defeat the plan of a beautiful front yard. Sometimes the best bet is to start in a corner and work a project outward. Landscape East & West can help you execute on your plan in the manner that makes the most sense. - With goals and a basic vision in place, determine up front how much you are willing to spend on your landscape project.
Consider both the short-term expense of the installation and also factor in long-term maintenance. How much will you be willing to spend each year to keep the yard of your dreams looking great? - Do a bit of research upfront to find the plants, materials, appliances, and structures that you like best.
Determine your top few choices so that when it’s time to talk to your contractor about costs, you can find what you love that fits within your budget. At Landscape East & West we are very familiar with what’s available and the quality and costs. We are happy to provide you quotes and discuss those hidden costs like permitting that might play into your plans. The last thing we want to see is your dream yard plan stopped in its tracks because of a budget shortfall. - If your plans for a revived landscape exceed your finances, you might consider breaking up a project into phases.
Start with the essentials and add on in future seasons. Drainage grading, irrigation, and even a patio are not the sexiest items, but a solid foundation is what gives your landscape longevity. You can also save costs, by going small on your plants and giving them a chance to grow into the space. Give your yard good bones. Good things will come to those who wait…and budget!
- We mentioned this before, but make sure your budget adds in ongoing landscape maintenance costs.
That beautiful row of hedges, cascade of rose bushes, and thriving trees need year-round attention to keep them looking their best. Irrigation systems may need winterization, lawns, and plants will need periodic fertilizer, annual mulch application, and control of pests are all considerations for a healthy landscape. The last thing you want to do is spend money to make your yard beautiful, only to have it wilt and fade in subsequent years. - If long-term maintenance costs seem harrowing, consider sustainable landscaping practices, such as xeriscaping or using native plants, which require less irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, and are also less prone to environmental damage. This will save you money on maintenance.
- Determine if there are areas of your landscape project that you can do yourself.
We can work with you on an overall plan, and if you have a green thumb digging up old growth and adding new plants might be a perfect DIY job that will save you labor costs. We can do the basic groundwork and you can add in what you want down the road. Don’t forget to factor in the time you’ll need to spend doing the work. - When getting quotes from landscapers, ensure you see an itemized list of costs for different elements of your landscape renovation.
At Landscape East & West, we are ready to provide you with a quote upfront, and ensure our customers receive a firm and comprehensive budget of costs before we get to work so there are no surprises.
Take a look at this before and after to see how a well-planned landscape can easily come together beautifully.
By following this budgeting guide for your landscape projects, you can create a realistic plan that aligns with your goals and financial capabilities while ensuring the beautiful and functional outdoor space of your dreams.
We’d love to talk with you about applying our landscaping experience and expertise to your landscape design and build. Let’s bring that dream to life!
