Just like remodeling the interior of your home, renovating your landscape can be extensive or subtle. Typically, how much you do is driven by budget.

 

If your goal is a comprehensive renovation, here are a few common features:

• Patios and walkways: Typical materials are concrete, brick, or pavers.
• Irrigation system: Atlanta’s climate practically dictates you have one.
• Fire pits: Either wood burning or gas.
• Covered structures: Arbors and pergolas can be the centerpiece of your transformation. Decks and covered porches are popular choices when you are looking for a dramatic change to your backyard space.
• Lighting: Low voltage LED fixtures have a long life and will save you money over time.
• Plants: If you’re starting with a blank slate, planting one or two mature trees can jump-start your garden area.

 

Even with a limited budget, you can accomplish quite a bit, as long as you are willing to put in much of the work. Here are a few tips.

Reduce the Size of Your Lawn: The greatest nemesis of a healthy lawn are weeds. But landscape experts will admit there are actually “good” weeds like wild violet that are both pretty and edible. Clover actually fertilizes your lawn, reducing how often you have to do that task yourself. If you really want to rid yourself of weeds, simply reduce the size of your lawn. Believe it or not, a popular approach to killing grass is laying down newspapers! Once the deed is done, plant a mixed bed of perennials or shrubs. Or, simply lay down landscape fabric and cover it with mulch.

Choose Your Plants Wisely: Buy easy-to-grow plants that don’t require fertilization or pesticides. Work with your local gardening store to buy inexpensive plants. They may require more care than a higher quality option, but if you are willing to do the extra work on the back end, you’ll have a great garden at a lower cost. However, don’t buy plants without taking a close look. Examine each for bugs and ask someone who knows a thing or two about plants if they endorse your choices.

Conserve Water: If water conservation is a priority, choosing drought-tolerant plants is one element of a water-conversation approach known as “xeriscaping.” Another way to save money is by installing drip irrigation systems and applying mulch.

Select Inexpensive Hardscape Options: You can transform your yard on a comparatively small budget as long as you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself. Looking to add a water element in your plans? Today’s pumps and pond liners are inexpensive and fairly easy to install.

You can even tackle a pathway if you map out your bricks or pavers properly (avoids having to cut them) and lay them in sand versus concrete.

If you have ambitious plans for your landscape renovation and want to consider permanent structures like a deck, back porch, arbor, or something else, contact us. We have plenty of ‘backyard room’ ideas that will make your vision a reality.