By Ted Maro
Determining a realistic budget for a landscape project can be a difficult challenge. Getting the most out of your project will require careful planning. It is important to get it done right for several reasons, not only for enjoyment and pride in your property but also to control and minimize costs. Winter is a perfect time to develop your landscape budget for the upcoming season. Thinking about your landscape and the summer months just might warm you up inside, at least for a few moments.
Undertaking your landscape project in stages or phases can allow for easier budgeting and also let you spread the project costs over a longer time period if necessary. Dividing the yard into front yard, side yard, and back yard is an effective way to layout the budget. Think of the front yard as a public space, the back yard as a family or more private space, and the side yard being used to connect the front and back yard. Another aspect to consider while preparing a landscape budget is whether the project is a renovation or new construction with no existing landscape.
There are several methods to choose from when developing a landscape budget. Two of the most popular are the percentage method and the square footage method. Typically the percentage method allows for 10% of the current property value be spent on the landscape project. The square footage method allows for a certain dollar amount to spend per square foot. Of course, cost and budget is going to be directly effected by the complexity of the project.
The landscape categories to include in your budget may include: plants, retaining walls, steps, patio, landscape edging, rock or wood mulch and landscape fabric, outdoor kitchen, accent boulders, pottery, garden art, and low voltage lighting. Each of these categories also has different types or styles within them. The budget numbers can vary greatly depending on quantities, types, styles, and how many categories are included in the landscape budget plan. Developing a budget can be a fun exercise and help in eliminating any big surprises.
Landscaping is one of the best home improvements you can make. Trees, shrubs and other landscape aspects often appreciate in value over time. It can also give you a sense of pride and a place to enjoy each and every day. If you have any landscape budget questions, give us a call at 952-431-4345, or send us an email at landscaping@pahls.com.
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