6 Budget Friendly Landscaping Ideas

Putting time and energy into the outside of your home is just as important as upgrading the interior. The right landscaping can boost a home’s curb appeal and provide a wonderful space for your family to enjoy the outdoors. While some landscaping upgrades are costly, there are plenty of options to beautify your yard without breaking the bank. Check out these six budget-friendly ideas to create a gorgeous yard. 

1. Use Native Plants 

Adding native plants to your landscaping is a great way to save time and money. Native plants are accustomed to your climate and easy to find in most nurseries. Their abundance means they usually don’t cost as much as nonnative options. And you won’t have to replace them or water them very often because they’re already tailored to the environment. You can also save money by asking friends or neighbors for plant cuttings. Healthy and mature plants usually spread well, and cuttings can be a great way to add a beautiful plant to the garden without having to buy it. 

2. Encourage Local Pollinators 

Adding pollinator plants to the garden allows you to watch nature in action. Native pollinator plants that provide blossoms for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies can create a lot of buzz in your garden. Placing those plants near windows or outdoor living areas makes it easy to view your visitors. Add a hummingbird feeder or two to the garden to watch the quick movements of these birds. 

3. Spread Organic Mulch 

Budget-conscious homeowners know mulch is beneficial for healthy plant growth. It also saves you time and money by cutting down on weeding and watering. You don’t have to spend a lot on loads of shredded bark. You’ll find free organic mulching options in your own yard! Bag your lawn clippings and spread them around your landscaping for an easier and cheaper way to feed the grass and plants. The green clippings will eventually die and turn a golden-brown color that looks great. If you want to mulch your yard all at once, ask neighbors for their lawn clippings to fill in the empty spots of the lawn. 

4. Build a Firepit 

Nothing brings people together better than snuggling around a cozy fire. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a contractor to build a firepit. A few cinder blocks or bricks and a DIY guide, and you should be able to build one in a day. You can usually get bricks on sale at the end of the season. 

5. Trim It Yourself 

Mowing the lawn is a big chore, but crucial to keeping your yard looking great. Mowing the grass yourself (or having a child do it) is an excellent way to cut down on expenses. Create a regular mowing schedule, and teach others in your family how to mow, edge, and feed the lawn. Check for weather conditions to make sure you don’t end up going too long between mows when rain is in the forecast. 

6. Invest in Solar Lighting 

There are plenty of solar lights available on the market that help illuminate your landscaping. Solar pathway lights are very reasonably priced and often used to line a walkway. Other solar lighting options include string lights, which won’t add to your electric bill and will make your backyard more inviting. Solar spotlights near a favorite plant will showcase your garden by drawing attention to plants after dark. 

Landscaping your home is a great way to upgrade its overall look. Healthy lawns and gardens can draw attention to your home and create an outdoor living space that is both beautiful and peaceful to enjoy. Consider these six budget-friendly landscaping ideas for your yard to create an outdoor oasis you and your family can enjoy. 

Rachael Baihn is an avid gardener, both indoors and in her backyard sanctuary. She can often be found exploring nature off the beaten track or enjoying the company of local neighborhood dogs.@LawnStarter