Money-Saving Tips for Landscaping

8 Money-Saving Tips for Landscaping

A yard with a beautiful landscape is one of the few home investments with a value that increases over the years. With spring in full swing, you might be wanting to spruce up your lawn & landscape.  Buyers love mature plants and trees, so giving your yard some love even if you’re not planning on selling for a few years is a smart way to go. What’s even smarter? Money-saving tips for landscaping.

1. Free mulch. – Many municipalities recycle the yard waste they pick up curbside throughout the year into mulch, which is then made available to residents for free or a very low price. Surrounding your shrubs and trees with a layer of the stuff not only makes them stand out visually, it also helps conserve moisture and stave off bugs.

2. Community or Interest Groups on Facebook.
In our area, we’ve got a few Facebook groups that are set up as community posts on gardening. I found a FB Group in our area called Grow Gainesville.  Check to see if you can find these FB pages in your area.  It’s a great way to ask questions about gardening or landscape.

3. Go big with your neighbors.
Bedding plants are often less expensive when you buy them in bulk.

4. Compost.
Instead of buying bags of fertilizer, generate your own black gold for gardens by composting your kitchen waste. It’s not as hard or smelly as you’d think.

5. Chat with a master.
Master gardeners often hold free Q&A sessions at garden centers or local libraries. Before investing in new plants, seeds or shrubs, check with an expert to find which options will thrive without expensive maintenance.  We’ve lucky here in the Gainesville area to benefit from the University of Florida  IFAS Extension Office.

6. Rein it in.
Trim back any trees, shrubs or vines that hide or overwhelm your windows, porch or patio. Sometimes the most effective landscaping upgrade can come from removing greenery, not adding it.

7. Pull your weeds.
It’s the outdoor equivalent of de-cluttering your home, an inexpensive way to boost your yard’s visual appeal.

8. Power wash fences, walk-ways & patios.
It can take years off your fence, walk ways & patio in just minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter they’ll look with just a bit of effort that requires little more skill than running a vacuum. Rent a machine at your local home improvement box store for about $30.

Gainesville is a Great Place to Live!