5 Steps You Should Never Skip When Creating a Landscaping Budget

Creating a Landscaping Budget - 5 Steps You Should Never Skip

A landscaping project can be one of the most complex projects you take on as a homeowner. Although it might seem simple at first, you’ll quickly realize just how many options are available for shrubbery, flowering plants, and hardscaping.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of revitalizing your yard. However, it’s important to make a budget when planning out your project. A Santa Rosa landscaping contractor will be able to take your budget and craft a plan that expertly suits your needs.

Keep reading to learn a few tips and tricks to planning your landscaping budget.

Take Inventory

Your yard may already have some hidden or not-so-hidden gems that can kick start a landscaping project. For example, a flowering pear tree, towering oak, or even an old birdbath can be great starting points for a project.

For example, an existing cherry tree would be the perfect focal point for a bed of perennials, such as hyacinths, tulips, or lilies. Or, instead of removing trees that may take up a lot of space, you could turn their shade into an outdoor sitting area with stone benches and shrubbery that thrives in the shade.

Once you’ve taken stock of what you already have to work with, then it’ll be time to focus on what your yard is missing.

Call a Pro

A professional landscaper will be your best resource for understanding which plants thrive in your area, which options fall within your budget, and how your existing resources can be maximized. A landscape design team can also draw up a master plan to give you a detailed image of what you should expect from your finished project.

A detailed plan will also show you how your budget will be allocated. For example, tree removal can be pretty costly, especially if the stump needs to be ground. In some cases, you may have to add in water lines or drainage. Although these are things that may not be visible once the project is complete, they’ll still eat into your budget quite a bit.

Be Firm

The best way to make sure your budget is reasonable is by getting estimates from at least three contractors. If, once you’ve acquired those estimates, you think you may need to increase or decrease your budget, then you can do so.

Most importantly, be clear on what you want to spend. A set budget will let the landscaper know what options to include in your plan and which to rule out entirely. If you don’t provide a budget, you could end up wasting a lot of time going back and forth with the contractor. 

Know When to Splurge

With any home improvement project, there will be areas where you can, and often should, splurge, as well as areas where you can cut back. Landscaping is no exception.

Perhaps you want to convert your deck to a patio, install a firepit, or remove several large trees. Those are all areas that you should consider splurging for two reasons.

First, you want to make sure those things are done correctly. A professional landscaper will be able to create a beautiful patio that lasts for years to come and adds value to your home. 

Second, you want these things to be done safely, especially when removing large trees. Proper tree removal involves trained professionals, heavy machinery, and insurance. Safety is one area where you simply can’t cut corners.

Ask Yourself What You Want From Your Project

A well-designed landscape project can add significant value to your home. However, many also come with maintenance costs, which you should be prepared to take on. In addition, some tasks can be done over time to spread out costs, so if expediency isn’t an issue, you could break your project up a bit to maximize your funds.

Once you’re ready to start your project, reach out to Canepa Landscaping for an estimate. A landscape professional will be on hand to give you a detailed estimate as soon as possible.