Mowing the grass, tending a garden, planting flowers – the expense of a beautiful yard adds up quickly. Whether you do all the work yourself, hire a teen, or have your lawn tended by a professional company, there are ways you can save money to enjoy a bit of paradise outside your back door. Don’t miss these 7 Smart Money Saving Lawn & Garden Hacks!
Begin With the Clean Up
The temptation to immediately buy out the nearest home improvement store intensifies in the spring. Instead of acquiring a plethora of plants, furniture, and décor begin first with picking up sticks and leaves, cleaning up the winter’s handiwork. Don’t buy the plants before first clearing out the flowerbeds. Don’t bring home the mulch until you prepare the grounds. Cleaning up your outdoor space and reacquainting yourself with your lawn tools will help you realize what you already have and prevent duplicate purchases. This means you should clean out your garage or tool shed before you purchase anything, too.
Regular Maintenance is Key
As early as possible in the season, you serve yourself (and your mower) well to have it serviced. Sharpening the blades and tuning the engine will not only guarantee your lawn equipment runs well all season long, but also allows for better fuel efficiency, lowering your overall costs. If you’re not sure where to go, head to your social media channels to ask friends and neighbors where they’ve found great customer service and quality work. Ask about discounts or potential coupons when you schedule your appointment. But don’t skip this essential step. Your lawn and mower will thank you and have an extended life to boot.
Make Your Own Weed Killer
Did you know that you don’t need heavy chemicals to eliminate weeds? In fact, you can whip up a non-toxic, frugal version for a fraction of the price. Simply combine 1 gallon of white vinegar with 1 cup of table salt (I’ve read some recipes that use epsom salts, instead) and a squeeze of liquid dish soap. I was amazed at how well this worked. You can make a 1/4 batch to test it out. For application use either a weed sprayer or even a spray bottle you can purchase at the dollar store. It takes a day or two for the weeds to begin to die but it is very successful at killing weeds.
Think About the Work Involved
Your time is money. While an ornately landscaped yard adds value to your home, it also adds hours of effort. Be sure you calculate the upkeep and maintenance involved with your outdoor projects. Fish ponds need to be cleaned. Flower beds need to be weeded. What is exciting and fresh and new in May might be grueling in the humidity of July and August. Count all of the costs when it comes to your investment.
Make the Most of Mulch
Once you complete your yard basics, you might be ready to add mulch to spruce up your yard. Some municipalities actually take the limbs collected through its removal service and turn it into mulch available to those who live within the city limits. Check out your city’s website for specifics about locations, which months mulch is available for pickup, and the requirements (you’ll probably need a recent sanitation bill to prove residency). This decorative mulch is great to ring trees or enhance landscaping.
If you’re looking to improve the health and appearance of your flowers or gardens, consider starting an open-air compost bin to create your own mulch. Simply add vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, green clippings from your lawn, dead leaves, and even cardboard and newspaper – the more diverse, the better. Just don’t add any dairy products or meat to the mix. You’ll occasionally want to stir your pile. It may be the end of the season before you see any results; however, the longer you compost, the more you’ll be hooked on using your own trash to create garden treasure.
Spruce Up the Furniture You Own
After the snow and ice of December and January, your outdoor furniture may be long overdue for some TLC. Don’t just drag what you own to the curb and buy all new. A little bit of care and spray paint can give those pieces you already have a second life. Begin by scrubbing down everything with a mild detergent and warm water. If plastic pieces have developed a cloudy, dark film, try using a Magic Eraser to remove spots or use some of these tips. To revive metal tables and chairs, sand off any rusty spots with sandpaper or an electric sander. Then invest in some spray paint of your favorite color. For a fraction of the price, you create a complete new look, customized to your preference.
Set a Cash Budget & Stick to It
I might sound like a clanging cymbal, but you must, must, must set a cash budget when it comes to landscaping (and every other category of your finances). It’s simply too easy to overspend in the springtime on flowers, mulch, yard ornaments, and more. As our hearts yearn for warmer weather, we want everything on display. From a new gas grill to a cute little gnome, from beautiful daisies to fresh herbs – there are so many wonderful “things” you can purchase. But let’s face it, you can’t afford it all. So set a cash budget before you leave your yard and commit to sticking to it no matter what you might see.
If you’re anything like us, your backyard creates space for your family to enjoy during the warmer months. You can take care of it without biting off more than you can chew both physically and financially. Calculate your time well and make goals for your budget, too.
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