In my post titled Save Money on Landscaping, I offered a couple of ideas on, well, how to save on landscaping. One reader commented with several more money saving ideas in this area and I wanted to share his thoughts with all of you. Here goes:
Another good idea to save money on landscaping is a landscape plan. While a plan will generally cost you $200 - $300 it will save you money in the long run. How often have you seen your neighbors sod their new lot right up to the foundation of the house, only to rip out a significant portion of it in the next year or two when they decide to landscape? And how often have you seen someone pick a shrub or tree out plant it in their yard and have to cut it out or down because it grew too large for where they planted it? A landscape plan will save you mistakes such as these.
A well proportioned landscape (plan) will not only save you money on materials, but provide for less maintenance. Why plant more grass than you're going to want to mow? Landscaping only requires infrequent maintenance, requires less water and fertilization, and when done properly will not only enhance the value of your property, but also provide more enjoyment of it.
There are many other ways to save on landscaping as well. Instead of buying larger more expensive plants, buy the smaller ones. They'll generally double in size within the first season. Also, buy from reputable suppliers who will generally offer a guarantee of some sort. You should have every expectation that with a recommendation for the right plant in the right location from a reputable supplier, a plant should thrive and add value to your home.
Grass seed costs a fraction that sod does and is much less work to put down. If you can wait a few weeks for the green to appear you can save some significant money and have a more disease resistant lawn in the long run. Grass seed usually comes as a blend of different varieties of grass specifically bred for disease resistance. Sod does not - it is a monoculture of bluegrass.
Don't automatically assume that you'll have to put down a thick layer of black dirt either. Many soils are quite fertile without the addition of any black dirt. However, be realistic in your assessment of your soil. Many lots get quite compacted with all the construction equipment driving around as the house is built. The best time to address soil fertility and culture is before the lawn is put in. After the lawn is growing, you're always trying to get the fertilizer and any other soil amendments into the root zone. If you think your lawn will need it, add it to the soil before you put your lawn in and you'll have much greater success. Make whatever additions to the soil you will for a specific reason though.
Many independent garden centers are staffed with people with just these types of suggestions and more. Often, if it's not too busy (think late summer, fall, or winter) such horticultural professionals will be happy to discuss you’re landscaping wants and sketch an informal 'plan' (diagram) for free.
Take the money you save on landscaping and put it towards a nice deck, or pay down your mortgage, or put it in your kids college fund, or save it for Christmas, or...
Great stuff!
I need to think more of my landscape "plan" when buying new plants. I've had a couple instances where I bought the wrong plant for the wrong location and it either died or I have to move it. Ooooops!
I've been using one of the deluxe landscape plans available for free (you do have to register) on the Better Homes and Garden website.
The great thing about their deluxe plans is that they have separate plant lists for each region of the country. And, for each plant on the list, they offer a couple of alternatives.
Posted by: red2black | September 09, 2006 at 06:29 AM