3 Expert Landscaping Tips for Beginners on a Budget


 

Transforming your front lawn or backyard into something you're proud of is hard, and many of us don't have the money to invest in a professional team of landscapers or spend thousands of dollars on tools and materials. The good news is that you can dress up your lawn or yard on your own and learn a thing or two along the way!

Check out these three beginner landscaping tips to unearth your potential. Whether you live in the desert or lush, green suburbs, these tips will help you you come up with a landscaping design that is easy and affordable.

1. Learn About Fertilizer

Many novice landscapers and homeowners make the mistake of over-fertilizing their lawns. In the summer, too much fertilizer can cause your grass to burn and damage the new grass underneath.

Wait until the start of fall to fertilize your lawn, and choose to organic over chemical products if possible. Chemical fertilizers don't do anything but sustain soil; organic fertilizers are packed with natural nutrients and enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth and creating create lush, green lawns at no harmful expense to the environment.

2. Pick a Focal Point

Good landscaping revolves around one strong feature. What space do your eyes naturally gravitate toward when you're looking at your lawn? How could you improve it? A tree, nice shrub or even object such as a bench or bird bath can help you ground your landscaping and develop a distinctive design concept.

Make sure you consider your preferences. You don't have to plant flowers you don't want to maintain just because it's a common landscaping practice. You might want to rely more on stones and furniture to renovate your outdoor space.

When you've chosen your focal point, find a way to frame it. The sides of your yard can be lined with a material such as gravel or sand. Covering up dirt-filled areas with an easy-to-maintain substance can prevent weeds and give your yard a more polished look.

Designating pathways to and from your house that are lined with outdoor lights or accented with shrubbery can create strong lines and a clean, sharp appearance.

3. Choose Local Plants

Gardening isn't as hard as you might think, but it takes some good research and consultation beforehand to avoid stress and save money. When planting a flower bed, consider wildflowers native to your region. These types of flowers will be easier to maintain because they already thrive on their own in your area.

If you don't want to plant flowers, there are other options to consider; investigate different types of trees or native shrubbery that you could plant to spruce up your yard.

For those who live in dry, desert climates, cacti and rocks make excellent accents. Desert landscaping is a challenge for many because so many typically "crucial" elements are missing, but a lack of grass and flowers doesn't mean your lawn has to be boring.

Consider a Southwestern or Asian-inspired design, both of which look fantastic in dry, sandy spaces. Warm colors, fire pits and water features like fountains can all help you create an eye-catching space.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

Proper lawn care is fundamental to good landscaping. Make sure that you invest in the right equipment, research online and consult local professionals. You can even talk to the employees at your local home improvement store if you can't afford to call in experts from a company. Adequate water and maintenance during summer months and protective fertilizer in the fall and winter will help your grass grow thrive and maintain its natural luster.

You don't have to break the bank to keep your yard in tip-top shape.

Recommended Posts:

Back