5 Budget-Friendly Landscaping Ideas

During chilly winter months, it’s common for exterior landscaping projects and design ideas to be shifted to the backburner. As you cozy up indoors, why not get a head start on planning and research for any potential projects? That way, you won’t waste any time getting started on sprucing up your landscape come springtime.

Read on for some of our favorite budget-friendly landscaping tips to improve your yard’s look and feel without breaking the bank.

Get Creative with Mulch

Adding mulch to your landscape is an easy way to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your landscape. It locks in moisture and protects your plants from weeds while adding texture and a pop of rich color for a finished look.

Mulch can be expensive, but many areas have free mulch and composting sites which are definitely worth taking advantage of. You can even try your hand at making your own mulch out of grass clippings, leaves, compost, pine needles, newspaper, sawdust, and more.

Get creative with your mulching materials and placement around your trees and flower beds for a personalized touch.

Look for Affordable Plants

No landscape is complete without its fair share of softscape. Fortunately, you don’t need to purchase the most exotic, expensive plants in order to grow a gorgeous garden.

Seeds tend to be more affordable than full-grown plants, so why not start your plants indoors now so they’re ready to be transplanted in the spring? Get the most out of your purchase by growing perennials, which return to bloom every growing season so you don’t need to replace them each year. Or, you could even try “cloning” your plants by propagating succulents!

You can even cut grocery costs by growing an edible garden with leafy vegetables such as lettuce and arugula. Plus, they tend to fill more space than smaller plants, meaning you don’t need to worry too much about quantity.

Repurpose Items as Planters

While we’re on the topic, let’s discuss some fun ways to cut down on the cost of planters so you can spend more on the actual plants.

Instead of tossing jars and cans, tires, and wheelbarrows, try turning them into flower pots and garden beds. Before you throw away indoor objects, take a second look—you might be surprised at what could be reused as a planter.

If limited space is a concern, you can also get in on the vertical gardening trend by making use of objects that are already part of your landscape. For example, use an old ladder as a garden trellis, or place hanging pots and vines on an existing fence.

Implement Practical Walkways

Walkways are a great way to allow for exploration in your yard; if you want to keep visitors off of certain areas of your lawn, walkways are also a useful way to provide clear direction.

Stepping stones and pavers are great materials to use for walkways, but they’re not your only options. If you want to go for a more rustic feel, you may want to consider a wooden walkway or even gravel.

Regardless of the material you use for your walkway, there are many creative ways to make it both functional and visually pleasing, especially when balanced with plenty of greenery.

Be Strategic with Landscape Lighting

Once the sun goes down, the right lighting can make a world of difference when it comes to the mood and functionality of your landscape.

Lighting, while rarely the focal point of any design, can completely transform the overall look and feel of your space. Hang string lights or Edison bulbs for accent lighting, illuminate a walking path for task lighting or install a hanging overhead light for overall lighting.

Try solar lighting for added energy efficiency. For all-natural lighting, consider installing a fire pit for warm, cozy entertainment.

Whether you’re full of ideas or lacking inspiration, our landscaping professionals are happy to provide creativity and expertise from concept to completion. Learn more about our process at https://garrettchurchill.com/process-overview