Spending Less on Summer Landscaping

As summer begins, Americans begin planning more and more activities that take them outdoors to enjoy the weather. And for those who maintain a garden or landscape, it's time to start thinking about summer home improvements. This year, you may finally be ready to invest in some of the major landscaping projects you've been dreaming about.

While the time investment isn't an issue, the financial one could be tricky, especially if you're watching your spending. But don't let frugality hold you back from exploring your lawn and garden ideas. Instead of limiting your creativity or cancelling your project plans because of your budget, consider some budget-friendly summer landscaping ideas like the ones we've suggested here.

Create a Plan

In every situation in which you'll need to make many different purchases towards the same end, it helps to have a budget. Following a plan helps eliminate excess spending, and gives you a reference for everything you need that you can carry with you while you shop. If you already have a good idea about what you'd like to accomplish this season with your lawn or garden, make a list of all the materials you'll need. Include plants, trees, seed or sod, mulch or stone and any additional supplies or decorations.

Think Free

Once you're sure your list is thorough, evaluate if any of those items can be obtained from sources other than your local home improvement store. For example, quarries will generally sell crushed rocks and stones of various sizes in large quantities for low prices, significantly lower than a retail store. In the same way, sawmills may sell wood chips or sawdust for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.

Other items can be obtained for free or for less if you know where to look. Buildings that are being torn down or have been already, especially older ones, can be an excellent source of free stone and brick with a unique aged look, which can bring character to a landscape. If your neighbors or family members also garden, see if they will trade a perennial starter or two from their garden for a couple of yours.

Plant Small

Most garden or landscape enthusiasts envision large, vibrant plants taking an important role in their masterpiece. But sometimes, instant gratification means a much larger investment. At retail home and garden stores, fully blossomed or adult-sized plants can be expensive. To be able to plant this summer while still being mindful of your spending, consider planting small. Purchase smaller, immature perennials so that you can not only save money, but also enjoy watching them reach maturity and bloom. Avoid annuals if possible, as they tend to be on the costly side and only show their true colors once a year.

By keeping an eye out for opportunities to gather free or inexpensive materials, you may only need to make a few minor adjustments to get the lawn or garden that you want while staying within your budget. If you're interested in more home improvement suggestions, Check ‘n Go, a payday loan industry leader, has just added several new topics on frugal living to its new Planning Section.