DIY landscaping projects are getting more popular as time goes by, and while it can be a fun activity to do, embarking on it without the proper knowledge can make it more expensive and time-consuming than it should be. Luckily, there are cheap simple front yard landscaping ideas you can try. There’s a lot more to know about landscaping than you might expect, so we’ve rounded up experts from top landscaping companies to empower you with everything you need to know to get your garden, either outside or inside of the house, as perfect as you always wanted. Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about landscaping!
What are the most important things to consider when working a budget for landscaping?
The most important thing to consider when working on your landscaping budget it’s not necessarily how cheaply you want the project done, but overall what you would like to accomplish with respect to your landscaping project over the course of phases. Most homeowners don’t know this but you can actually phase a landscaping project over two, three, or even more years.
You could just put the foundational plants in key areas around your home and then for phase 2 you can fill in with smaller more ornamental plants. Maybe you would like some ornamental rock or hardscapes with your landscaping project, well that can be phase 3 or 4.
The good news is that you can work with a reliable landscape designer to create multiple phases for your project to achieve your dream landscape around your home and without breaking the bank upfront.
— GreenPal
What are the benefits of low maintenance grass?
For many homeowners who wish to save time and money, low maintenance grass is the best option. Because this form of turf requires less regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering, you may devote more time to other pursuits.
Additionally, because of its resilience and durability, it is less expensive in the long term to replace than standard grass kinds. Low maintenance grass allows you to maintain a beautiful lawn with little price and work.
Most important tips for planting in landscape rock.
Landscape rock has long been the preferred decorative finish for foundation planting beds. But plants, in general, do not like to grow surrounded by landscape fabric and rock, it can constrict the natural growth pattern. Perennials especially have difficulty pushing up through and growing in rock. Rock will also heat up in the sun and retain the heat, which some plants will not appreciate. The rock and the fabric should be kept clear away from plants and the openings will need to be expanded as the plant base expands with growth.
When selecting plants, keep in mind that most shrubs, evergreens, and ornamental trees will perform fairly well in rock with landscape fabric. Delicate and heat-sensitive shrubs and perennials may struggle and fail. If you would like to include perennials try to select sturdy or native plants that thrive when neglected and search out specific rock garden plants. To more easily care for perennials, or even annuals, consider creating a mulched section with an edging strip to keep rock and mulch separated.
And finally, even with a filtering fabric, the soil underneath may not receive as much moisture as exposed soil. Leave your planting openings large enough for water to reach the soil and be extra attentive to soil drying out where roof overhangs prevent rain from reaching your plants.
What are the best tips for landscaping a front yard?
Factor in the Environment & Ecosystem: Start with what zone you are located in as well as the weather patterns for your specific location. Also, take some time to analyze the little eco-system on your property (sun exposure, soil condition, compaction, water issues. etc). This will give you the groundwork as to what types of plants would be suitable for your property’s environment best and survive the longest.
Don’t sacrifice Aesthetics for Functionality: We understand that the costs of landscaping a home properly can be surprising to someone without any knowledge of what goes into the work. We have seen homeowners do some amazing work but unfortunately many times miss one or two very vital steps in their project that can really deteriorate their hard work (i.e no drains behind a wall).
Be Safe & Have Fun! If you are not a licensed professional and decide to take on a landscaping project be sure you are checking with Miss Utility prior to digging, wear all proper eye & ear protection, have a spotter when using power tools or ladders, Long pants, and long sleeves are recommended to protect from poisonous plants and stinging insects.
What is your best advice for stunning front yard landscaping on a budget?
Replace a high-maintenance lawn with rocks, gravel, and pebbles. You can save money on maintenance expenses like watering and sodding by removing your front yard and replacing it with a mixture of pebbles, gravel, and rocks. Imagine having no grass to mow each week! You may easily construct a landscape to give your garden a decorative quality and brighten up the area without having to fill the entire area with gravel or pebbles.
— Alejandro Guerrero, Kukun
Tips and tricks for landscaping around a house?
1. Decide how much space you want to landscape vs how much landscape maintenance you want to have
2. Decide on the appropriate plants for the location by considering sun and shade
3. Decide on how to space the plants by considering how large they will eventually grow.
4. Plant in groups of three or five if you are making small groupings of similar plants
5. Decide on your landscape bed materials. Mulch & Decorative Gravel are common options.
6. If you use gravel put down fabric first.. avoid pea-size gravels they often wash out or make a mess in traffic areas
7. If you use mulch then its best not to use any fabric so you don’t block the nutrients from the organic material (mulch)
8. Re mulch every year in the spring and/or use a pre-emergent to cut back on weeding for the year.
9. Define the landscape with a border, for decorative gravel metal edging is common, for mulch you can often simply use a shovel to edge the bed.
10. Make it unique, Add a few larger rocks or accents to the landscape in some manner.
What to take into consideration when drawing a landscape plan to scale?
Starting your landscape with a plan, drawn to scale, will save you a lot of headaches. For accurate measurements, start with Google Earth then double-check with a tape measure. Map out all the existing features in your yard. Draw your landscape plan on large paper, which will be easier to read. Consider using 24×36″ paper drawn at 1 inch equals 10 feet (1″=10′). Once you have a good base drawing, let the creative juices flow!
How to prepare a flower bed?
Make sure the area has proper drainage. Check the soil, amend if needed with a good compost mix. Check sun exposure to the area. For full sun options, you will need a minimum of 3 hours of sun exposure. Less than 3 hours will limit you to shade-tolerant plants. Create a design or layout with the plant, edging, and cover options. Install edging 1st, then layout and install plants, then cover-bed with mulch.
How To Use Succulents For Landscaping
Succulents are beautiful, easy-to-grow plants that look great in any garden. They’re perfect for beginners because they require little maintenance and are relatively inexpensive. Succulents are also known for their ability to withstand drought conditions, so they’re ideal for landscapes that experience seasonal changes. Here are some tips for growing succulents successfully:
- Choose a sunny spot in full sun.
- Water regularly during dry spells.
- Prune off dead leaves periodically.
- Feed twice per year with a fertilizer designed specifically for succulents.
- Don’t let water pool near roots.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage growth.
- Cut back plants occasionally to maintain shape.
- Propagate via cuttings or seeds.
- Provide protection from frost.
- Consider planting in containers.
- Give plants plenty of room to spread.
- Be patient! Succulents take time to mature.
— Janie Low, Succulent Alley
How to best utilize space in a large backyard?
A large backyard gives you space to do anything you might want. However, it’s not always feasible to landscape a very large area. So best is to put maximum effort and money into designing the areas you use the most. Outdoor kitchen, seating, hot tub, and enough space for your entertainment needs. The next amenity is a sports court and play area for kids. The space left over can be used for drought tolerant planting, fruit orchard, vegetable garden, or creating your own natural oasis to walk through.
What are the best techniques to landscape around trees?
When landscaping around a recently planted tree, lay wood mulch about four inches deep at the base of the tree. The mulch will help control weeds and help the soil retain moisture. However, do not mound dirt at the highest point. This is a common mistake and can result in water running away from the tree.
Before laying mulch, it is best to install an edging to separate the mulch from the lawn. A paver or stone edging, at least four inches wide, is an attractive option. When installed correctly, the edging will help separate the mulch from the lawn and provide a path for a mower wheel when mowing the lawn. This also will help eliminate weed whipping. Also, keep in mind how large the root structure of your tree will become. Anticipating and accommodating this growth will help prevent future repairs to your edging.
What are the important steps to design a garden?
We believe the most important steps in designing a garden are to (1) fully understand the site and (2) fully understand the owner. Site considerations range from the obvious, such as patterns of sun and shade, to the subtle, such as soil composition, adjacent conditions, and the watershed environment. Beyond these, each property owner will have unique wishes and needs, from aesthetic preferences and functional requirements to deadlines and budget. The expert landscape designer can effectively prioritize and reconcile these varied, and often competing, factors to realize a garden that provides enduring joy and beauty.
— Verdance Landscape Architecture
With the necessary information and tools landscaping can be a really fun activity so take these expert’s advice and start your own landscaping project. However, if needed, hiring a professional landscaper can save you time and provide even better results.
