Landscaping On Any Budget

Spring will be here before you know it. So, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about your landscaping projects.

Spruce Up the Yard Without Breaking the Bank

One of the best things you can do for your lawn is to rake and clear away debris. This breaks up thatch that starves the soil of vital nutrients and water. Most of the time, this can be done by hand. But, if the thatch is thick, you’ll want to rent a power rake or hire a pro to take care of the job for you. You’ll spend about $300, but the results will be worth it.

Once you’ve got your yard cleaned, it’s time to apply seed to any bare spots. Doing so now will allow the seed to establish before the temps get too hot. Next, apply fertilizer and herbicide to your lawn. Just be sure to check the packaging for application instructions. The last thing you want to do is over-apply and burn your lawn.

Finally, if you have a sprinkler system and are looking to trim your water bills, you can replace your old sprinkler heads with new, water-efficient heads for about $5 each. Replacing sprinkler heads is a pretty straightforward job that’s doable for even novice DIYers. You can save even more money by checking to see if your water provider is offering rebates.

Mid-Range Projects That Can Have a Major Impact

If you’ve been thinking about laying sod, spring is the time to do it. Spring’s cooler temps and consistent moisture help sod take root much quicker than it would if it were laid in the summer. While it’s a relatively simple job, laying sod correctly requires a good deal of prep work. It is also labor intensive, especially if you have to remove existing turf. Depending on the size of your job, you’ll probably find that it’s a project you’d rather leave to the pros.

So, how much will the job cost you? That depends on whether you’re picking it up and installing it yourself, having it delivered and installing it yourself, or having it delivered and installed. Sod farms charge by the square foot, charging you less when you order more. For small DIY jobs, you can expect to spend about $0.50 a square foot. On average, most homeowners spend about $2,000 to have a full yard professionally sodded.

Another great project to tackle in the spring is the planting of trees and shrubs. As with sod, cooler temps and an abundance of moisture are critical to a tree’s ability to take root. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the temps get hot. Do so, and there’s a good chance your trees won’t make it through summer. What’s more, you’ll find that your options are far more abundant early in the season. Tree prices get more expensive as the size of the tree increases, so be prepared to spend more if you want instant shade.

Big-Budget Projects That Will Transform Your Yard

You might have heard that by spending 5-10 percent of your home’s value on major landscaping improvements you can increase your home’s value between 5 and 15 percent. While that might seem like a lot of money to spend on landscaping, the results are worth it. So, what should you do? Here are a few projects worth considering.

An underground sprinkler system might not be the world’s greatest invention, but we’d argue that it’s one of the most convenient. While a sprinkler system won’t fundamentally change the look of your yard, it will make it easier to maintain. Gone are the days of waking up early to water. What’s more, a sprinkler system takes the guesswork out of watering by adjusting watering times based on weather conditions, saving water and saving you money. The size of your yard will determine installation cost, but on average, you can expect to spend about $2,450 to have a sprinkler system installed.

Last but not least, one of the smartest things you can do if you’re planning major changes to your landscaping is to hire a certified landscape designer. For about $4,300, a professional will carefully design a landscaping plan that complements your home and delivers the look and functionality you’re looking for. Just keep in mind that installation is typically not included in the price. On average, you can expect to spend an additional $4,000 on installation.