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When there's landscaping work to be done, if you're hiring a landscaper, make sure you get one of the best landscapers Boise has to offer (ahem ahem, us). But when you’re looking to do landscaping on a budget, there are actually many ways to keep costs down. From DIYing where you can to recycling materials, here are all the ways you can spare your wallet when giving your outdoor space a makeover. 1. Planning and Design Starting without a plan can result in many additional costs, from buying too much of a material (or buying too little and having to buy more which would cost more than if you had bought a larger quantity in the first place), to having to redo certain installations. Start by getting an idea of what your space can accommodate: Measure your yard’s dimensions Observe and note down sunlight patterns and intensity, including which areas are in the shade Find out what your soil type is by collecting some samples and sending them to be tested for their pH level as well as what type of soil it actually is. Observe the water drainage. Waterlogging can be a serious issue, so make sure that your soil drains well, and if not, you’ll need to consider solutions like raised beds. Then, use free online tools or apps like SketchUp or My Garden from Gardena to create the design. 2. Budgeting Tips The next step is to decide how much you want to spend and where to allocate it to. It’s not as simple as being frugal and only spending where necessary or buying subpar materials to save money. It’s about prioritizing your needs and wants and ensuring your money is spent well and wisely. Setting your budget: Take stock of your finances and consider how much you can realistically spend without stressing your finances too much. Get multiple quotes from different landscaping companies. Of course, you will be trying to DIY where you can. But for installations or tasks you can’t perform, make sure to check out different companies and get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Have some buffer. Never budget just right. Always ensure you set aside 10-20% more money than you estimate you’ll need and be prepared to spend it in case of unexpected costs like soil amendments and drainage issues. If you still find that you don’t have enough to complete the entire project, here are some ways to get around it: Prioritize the needs. Look through the various installations and see which ones are needs and which ones are wants. Needs are going to be things like walkways and essential plants, while wants are going to be things like decorative statues or water features. Consider which features will be most impactful. Certain installations and features are bound to have more of an impact. For example, mulching has significant health benefits for your plants and enhances the aesthetics of your garden. Split your project into phases. If you don’t have the funds to complete all the installations needed, simply work out your budget for the next few months and split the project up accordingly. 3. Cost-Effective Plants When selecting the plants to use, we strongly encourage that you go with native plants, because they require the least watering, fertilizing, and pest control, all of which mean reduced maintenance costs (and less effort too). Regardless of which plants you eventually decide on, it’s always cheaper to start from seeds than to have grown ones installed. You will also want to collect the seeds from existing plants at the end of each season for future use. Growing from cuttings is also another cost-effective alternative. Alternatively, you can also grow plants for cuttings, which are faster and still very cost-effective. You don’t always have to spend money to get the plants you want either. Plant swaps are a great way to obtain new plants by offering the plants you already have in exchange. You can do this through your friends, neighbors, local gardening clubs, and online communities like forums and social media groups that are specifically created for the purpose of plant swaps. 4. DIY Where Possible When you hire a professional, you’re paying for the manpower and labor costs, and even some markup on the materials. As such, DIYing will always be cheaper, which is why it makes sense to DIY where you can. Most installations can actually be done on your own, from paths and walkways to raised garden beds. Here’s our complete guide to DIY landscaping . 5. Recycled and Repurposed Materials Recycled and repurposed materials can also be used for certain installations and features to cut down on material costs. Here are some examples. Garden beds: Unused wood pallets, discarded bricks, and surplus concrete blocks can all be used to make solid raised garden beds. Planters: Old tires can be used as planters. Borders: Leftovers bricks, stones, and tiles can all be used to make nice garden borders. Once again, even if you don’t have these materials yourself, groups and forums like Freecycle and Nextdoor often have people giving away these items for free. You can also find these items for free or at a very low price on marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay and even Facebook Marketplace. Another place you can try is local construction companies. These companies often have surplus materials from their projects that you can get for free for at nominal cost. 6. Low-Cost Lighting When choosing the lighting to use, make sure they are energy-efficient, so LED lights are a great option. While in the short run they may cost more, they will save you money on utility bills in the long run. You can also opt for solar lights that will save you even more on the utility bills in the long run. 7. Water-Saving Strategies Native plants aren’t the only way to use less water. From irrigation systems to rainwater harvesting, there are plenty more ways to cut down on the water bills. Drip irrigation systems do cost a fair amount in the beginning, but their water efficiency will save you more money on the water bills in the long run. And the best part is that they can be installed on your own with kits from DIY stores. Using rainwater for watering your plants is another great way to immediately cut down on water use. It’s as simple as putting a bucket out to collect rainwater, or you can use rain barrels to collect more water and greater convenience.

Hey there homeowner, looking to perform some DIY landscaping of your own? If so, then you’re in the right place, because this is the ultimate DIY landscaping guide. We're one of the best landscapers Boise has. But even so, if you're landscaping on a budget, it definitely makes sense to DIY where you can. Unless you’re a landscaper though, you probably have no idea where to start. Well, fret not, because this guide will teach you everything you need to know, from assessing your space to choosing the right plants and lighting for it. Let’s begin. Planning The Landscape Design A beautiful landscape starts with the right design plan. Here are the steps to creating a good design plan for your outdoor space. Assess your space Before you go thinking about all the beautiful structures and water features or even the flowers you want, you must first know what your space can accommodate. Here are the steps to size up your outdoor space: Measure your yard’s dimensions Observe and note down sunlight patterns and intensity, including which areas are in the shade Find out what your soil type is by collecting some samples and sending them to be tested for their pH level as well as what type of soil it actually is. Observe the water drainage. Waterlogging can be a serious issue, so make sure that your soil drains well, and if not, you’ll need to consider solutions like raised beds. Decide on a theme Now, you’re going to need to decide what theme you want your backyard or garden to have. Here are the usual popular suspects. Formal: Formal landscapes are, as the name suggests, gardens that look very formal. They usually consist of geometric shapes, symmetrical patterns, and orderly plantings, and as such are often great for traditional style homes. Cottage garden: Cottage gardens are kind of like the opposite of formal landscapes, with a variety of flowers, vegetable patches, and edible herbs. Cottage gardens are colorful and lively, and as such will look great in most homes. Modern: As you can probably guess, modern landscapes are meant to look modern. This is achieved through utilizing clean lines and minimalistic designs with less flowers and more of a focus on hardscapes like decorative rocks and paving stones. Buttercopy: Buttercopy gardens aim to attract wildlife and support the ecosystem. This is done through supporting pollinators with native plants, water features, and varied plant heights. Xeriscape: Xeriscapes are water-efficient landscapes that are designed to thrive on minimal water and maintenance by employing drought-tolerant plants. Xeriscapes often save homeowners a good deal on utility bills and help conserve water significantly. Tools And Materials Needed Moving on to the equipment and materials you’ll need, there’s actually a very huge variety, but here are the basic ones that you’ll most likely need. Tools: Shovel and spade Rake Pruner and loppers Wheelbarrow (Optional but highly recommended for transporting tools and materials) Tape measure and garden stakes Hose/Watering can Materials: Plants, seeds, or bulbs depending on your design Mulch Compost Edging materials for paths and flower beds Stones or pavers (If needed) Preparing Your Site Alright, now you’re ready to get to work. We’ll start by preparing your outdoor area. Clear the area You don’t want random debris lying around when you’re done with all your work, so you’ll want to remove these first. This includes stones, old roots, and weeds. If you don’t have any plants yet, you can skip this step, but if you do, make sure to remove the ones that don’t belong in your design. Finally, if you intend to install patios or pathways or place furniture, you’ll need the ground to be level in those areas, so use your shovel and rake to level the ground where needed. Soil Preparation The next step is getting your soil prepped. As mentioned above, you should already have gotten your soil tested for the pH level and nutrient content, as well as taken note of how well it drains. This is so that you’ll know whether you need to amend your soil in any way for the plants you’re going to grow. If amendments are needed, here are some common ones: Add compost to enrich the soil Add lime to raise the pH level or sulfur to lower it Incorporate organic matter for better drainage and to enrich the soil For poor drainage, if it’s mild, organic matter may be enough. But for more severe cases, consider more effective measures like raised garden beds, french drains and catch basins.

If you’re wondering how to select plants for your landscape, you’re in the right place. Maybe you’re trying to save money on a professional by DIYing . Or maybe you want to beautify your landscape and just want to start small and add a few plants. Either way, knowing how to select plants for a landscape is a skill that will probably come in handy at some point in your life, so read on to become a master at plant selection to create beautiful landscapes! Environment There is a lot to take into account to determine if your plant can thrive in your environment, from the soil to the plant hardiness zone. But fret not, we’ll be guiding you through everything, starting with plant hardiness zones. Plant Hardiness Zone The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses the average annual minimum winter temperaure to divide the US into zones. Each zone has a climate profile. So the first step to knowing your environment is to understand its climate by finding out which plant hardiness zone your area is in, so that you can better choose plants that will thrive in your region’s climate. Microclimate Of course, conditions will vary between the different areas inside a plant hardiness zone, and of course, your specific garden will have small differences from your neighbor’s garden. As such, it’s important to also consider your garden’s microclimate. First, observe the amount of sunlight your garden gets. Is there shelter nearby that blocks the sunlight out most of the time, or does your garden have sunlight throughout the day? It goes without saying that if your garden doesn’t get much sunlight, it’s best not to choose plants that need lots of sunlight, and vice versa. Next, while the temperature likely won’t deviate too much from your plant hardiness zone’s, if you’re near say, a body of water, it might mean your garden is cooler than normal. Finally, this is something only you can know, but some gardens just get more wind than others, and if that’s the case, you will want to ensure the plants you choose can withstand strong winds frequently. Soil Type

Whether you’re looking to do some landscape installation of your own or to start a business, you’re going to first need the right landscaping tools and equipment. From hand tools and power tools to safety gear, we’ve compiled a full list of all the tools you’ll need for various landscaping tasks, from pruning to making fertilizer. Chances are, you already know some of them, but this list will also open your eyes to new equipment that you can then consider adding to your arsenal. Without further ado, let’s get started! Hand Tools Hand tools are the perfect starting point for garden enthusiasts. They may require more manual work, but they get the job done and are the most affordable option. 1. Pruning Shears One of the most basic gardening tools, pruners are one of a few must-have tools for garden maintenance. Pruning shears are used to trim overgrown or dead branches and stems, which is essential to promote growth in your plants. There are various types of pruners, mainly ratchet, bypass, and anvil pruners. A solid pair of bypass pruners will suffice for most casual gardeners, but if you’re managing a larger garden that requires a lot more pruning, it might be worth getting all three pruners. Anvil pruners are best for thicker plants and require less effort to use, while ratchet ones are the strongest and are meant for the thicker branches. For those wondering why regular scissors can’t get the job done, well, you’ll have no trouble with thinner stems, but for larger branches and stems, not only will you have to exert lots of effort, but you likely won’t be able to cut through and may even cause the blade to snap off, which is incredibly dangerous. 2. Trowels Trowels, which are like tiny shovels, are another indispensable tool for any gardener. You’ll need trowels for precision work like digging small holes for planting bulbs and seedlings or removing weeds. There aren’t different types of trowels, but there are different sizes. Just go with the one that you find most comfortable. 3. Shovels Everyone knows what shovels are. Basically, you’ll need shovels for digging larger holes, transferring dirt, mulch, and so on, or simply for excavating larger amounts of soil. There are three different blade shapes for shovels - spade, square, and trench. Spade shovels are for digging, square ones for scooping and moving, and trench shovels are for digging trenches, as the name suggests. As you can imagine, having the right shovel for the job will make your job much easier. However, for most casual gardeners, just the spade one will do. 4. Rakes When it comes to rakes, the main ones that everyone use are leaf and garden (or bow) rakes. There are other rakes such as thatch rakes and shrub rakes, but most people won’t ever need them. Leaf rakes are of course used to gather leaves and debris, making them a must-have for any kind of clean-up. Garden rakes are used for breaking up soil and leveling garden beds, which is crucial for laying sod and preparing your garden bed for new plants to grow. 5. Hoes Gardening hoes are important for healthy soil. They are primarily used to remove weeds and cultivate soil. Besides removing weeds, hoes are used to create narrow trenches for seeding and for aerating the soil. So in short, hoes help create a healthy environment for your plants to grow. 6. Post Hole Diggers Post hole diggers are lesser known than the other gardening equipment, but no less useful. Post hole diggers resemble a long, slender pair of crimps with claws at the end. You use them by opening the claws, stabbing them into the ground, and closing them to create a hole. You then repeat the process until you’ve reached the depth you want. Post hole diggers help create deep, narrow holes efficiently. These holes are useful for fence posts, signposts, or shrubs and trees. Not everyone will need a post hole digger, but it’s good to know they exist just in case you find yourself one day in need of them. Power Tools Moving on to power tools, they’re more sophisticated, and so will naturally cost more than hand tools. However, they can do things that hand tools can’t and speed up your work immensely, so their prices are more than justified. 1. Leaf Blowers As I just said, power tools speed up your work immensely. Leaf blowers do the same thing as leaf rakes, clearing up leaves, except they do it in half the time and take only a quarter of the effort. Needless to say, I’d recommend that you get a leaf blower unless you’ve only got a small yard. 2. Hedge Trimmers Hedge trimmers operate differently from chainsaws as theirs is a back and forth motion. However, the effect they have is very much the same. Once again, hedge trimmers are like pruning shears on steroids, greatly speeding up the process of maintianint your hedges, bushes, and shrubbery. Same as with leaf blowers, larger gardens and yards will justify getting hedge trimmers, although you can still get them to save some time and effort even if your yard isn’t that big. 3. Chainsaws This tool needs no introduction. Chainsaws are an indispensable tool for cutting through thick stems or branches, and even chopping firewood. They can however be dangerous, so safety gear must be donned, which we’ll get to later down the list. 4. Mulchers Mulchers aren’t so much power tools as they are machines . Nevertheless, I had to place them somewhere on the list so here they are. For the uninitiated, mulchers aren’t for applying mulch. Instead, they’re for creating mulch. There’s quite a wide variety of mulchers, some have vacuums and can be driven, some are stationary, and some even have shredders. Regardless, mulchers turn your waste into something useful. The benefits of mulch are many, such as suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Mulchers can be pricey, but are worth the investment as they have a huge positive effect on your plants in the long term. They’re also very eco-friendly as they reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. 5. Cultivators/Rototillers Cultivators help stir, aerate, and weed your soil all at once. There’s a very wide range of cultivators, ranging from simple hand tools that resemble three-pronged garden rakes, to full-blown machines that are as large as cars. Which one you should get depends on the size of your garden and your budget, but very rarely will even garden enthusiasts get anything larger than a motorized hand-held or walk-behind cultivator, also known as a rototiller. 6. Pole Saws A pole saw is exactly what it sounds like - a saw on top of a pole. Pole saws are used for cutting branches high up that are out of reach while allowing the user to remain on the ground safely without having to climb any ladders. Their lengths can usually be adjusted, so users can reach the exact height they need. Given the awkward position, it’s not easy to go back and forth with a pole saw, which is why homeowners tend to prefer the powered version.