An attractive, well-maintained lawn can increase your property value by up to 20 percent. When you care for your yard, you’ll boost curb appeal and take pride in a beautiful property. Yard maintenance takes time and money. If you’re short on funds, here are some great ideas for landscaping on a budget.
Mulch Options
Mulch is helpful for your flower beds and young trees. It stunts the growth of weeds and helps the soil retain moisture. Hardwood mulch is pricey, but there are other more affordable options for mulch.
If you live in an area with pine trees, gather the needles and use them to mulch your plant beds. Other options are hay or straw, grass clippings, and leaves.
Install a Rain Barrel
Keeping the lawn green and the garden and flower beds watered can certainly increase your water bill. Install a rain barrel to collect water from your gutter’s downspouts. You’ll have a free water supply to keep the grass, garden, and flowers healthy.
Purchase Supplies for Landscaping on a Budget
Just like swimwear and sandals go on sale at the end of the season, so will landscaping supplies. As fall approaches, look for discounts on pots and planters, flower bed borders, gardening tools, and fertilizers. You’ll be able to get a head-start on next year’s landscaping projects and save money by planning ahead.
Attend a Plant Swap
If the hostas you planted two years ago are starting to crowd the garden bed, carefully dig up some of the plants to move elsewhere or take them to a plant swap. Some local farmer’s markets organize swaps in the spring and fall where you can get new plants for your landscaping.
You can also arrange a trade with family and friends. Some plants, like daylilies, hostas, and vinca spread quickly, and you might have a relative, coworker, or friend who would love to share plants with you.
Choose Perennials if You’re Landscaping on a Budget
While annuals offer bright, bold colors, they only last one season. When shopping for plants, choose perennials. These plants come back year after year to add color to your garden beds. Buy perennials that are native to your area. Once established, they’ll need little attention to thrive.
Appalachian Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Western North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an appointment.