What is the Cheapest Type of Landscaping?

The cheapest type of landscaping is xeriscaping (drought-resistant landscaping) combined with native plant gardening, which can cost 50-80% less than traditional landscaping while requiring minimal maintenance and water.

Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn't have to drain your bank account. Many homeowners spend thousands on elaborate landscaping projects, but wise choices can give you stunning results for a fraction of the cost.

Let's explore the most budget-friendly landscaping options that deliver maximum impact without breaking your budget.

Why Choose Budget-Friendly Landscaping?

Beyond saving money upfront, affordable landscaping offers several advantages:

• Lower maintenance costs over time

• Reduced water bills with drought-resistant plants

• Less time spent on upkeep

• Environmentally sustainable choices

• Opportunity to learn and grow your skills gradually

The key is working with nature rather than against it, choosing plants and designs that thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions.

Also read: Secret to Choosing the Right Landscaping Plants

The Top 5 Cheapest Landscaping Types

1. Native Plant Landscaping

Native plants are the ultimate budget-friendly choice because they're perfectly adapted to your local climate and soil conditions.

Why native plants save money:

• No soil amendments needed

• Minimal watering after establishment

• Natural pest resistance reduces chemical costs

• Often available free from local conservation groups

• Self-seeding varieties spread naturally

Best native plants for budget landscaping:

• Wildflowers (black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower)

• Native grasses (buffalo grass, blue grama)

• Regional shrubs (elderberry, serviceberry)

• Local groundcovers (wild ginger, creeping phlox)

2. Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient design principles, making it incredibly cost-effective in the long term.

Key xeriscaping elements:

• Drought-resistant plants (succulents, ornamental grasses)

• Mulch and gravel for water retention

• Strategic plant placement for natural irrigation

• Minimal lawn areas

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Money-saving xeriscaping plants:

• Sedums and hens-and-chicks

• Ornamental grasses like fountain grass

• Lavender and rosemary (dual-purpose herbs)

• Yucca and agave varieties

Long-term savings:

• 50-75% reduction in water bills

• Minimal fertilizer needs

• Rare plant replacements

• No irrigation system required

3. Cottage Garden Style

Cottage gardens use informal, densely planted designs with self-seeding annuals and perennials that spread naturally.

Cottage garden advantages:

• Plants fill in gaps naturally

• Self-seeding reduces replanting costs

• Mixed plantings reduce pest problems

• Informal design hides imperfections

Budget cottage garden plants:

• Self-seeding annuals (cosmos, zinnias, marigolds)

• Spreading perennials (bee balm, mint, oregano)

• Climbing vines (morning glory, sweet peas)

• Edible flowers (nasturtiums, calendula)

4. Groundcover Landscaping

Replacing grass with low-growing groundcovers eliminates mowing costs and creates attractive, low-maintenance areas.

Best budget groundcovers:

• Creeping thyme (fragrant and walkable)

• Ajuga (spreads quickly in shade)

• Pachysandra (excellent for deep shade)

• Creeping jenny (fast-spreading, bright green)

Groundcover benefits:

• No mowing or edging required

• Natural weed suppression

• Erosion control on slopes

• Year-round coverage

Also Read: How to Treat Lawn Fungus?

5. Edible Landscaping

Combining beauty with function, edible landscaping provides food while creating attractive outdoor spaces.

Edible landscaping ideas:

• Herb borders (rosemary, thyme, sage)

• Fruit tree understory plantings

• Vegetable gardens with ornamental varieties

• Berry bushes as foundation plantings

Cost-saving edible plants:

• Perennial herbs (return year after year)

• Self-seeding vegetables (lettuce, arugula)

• Fruit trees (long-term investment)

• Edible flowers (nasturtiums, violas)

Common Budget Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying too many small plants: Larger plants cost more initially but are established faster and have an immediate impact.

• Ignoring soil conditions: Amending soil is expensive. Choose plants that thrive in your existing conditions.

• Overplanting: Give plants room to grow. Overcrowding leads to plant loss and replacement costs.

• Choosing high-maintenance plants: Stick to low-maintenance varieties that don't require frequent replacement.

• Skipping the plan: Even budget landscaping needs a plan to avoid costly mistakes and plant placement errors.

Know more: Common Mistakes When Planting Trees

Getting Started Today

The best budget landscaping approach depends on your climate, soil conditions, and personal preferences. Start by:

1. Assessing your space: Note sun/shade patterns, soil conditions, and existing features

2. Choosing your style: Pick one budget-friendly approach that appeals to you

3. Starting small: Focus on one area for immediate impact

4. Planning for expansion: Design with future phases in mind

5. Learning as you go: Each season brings new opportunities to expand and improve

Remember, the cheapest landscaping is often the most sustainable and environmentally friendly. By working with nature instead of against it, you'll create beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive with minimal input and maximum enjoyment.

The key to successful budget landscaping is patience and persistence. Start with what you can afford today, and gradually build your dream landscape over time. Your wallet – and the environment – will thank you.

For homeowners looking for expert landscaping guidance that balances budget-consciousness with professional quality, Etowah Group offers comprehensive landscaping consultation services. The team understands the unique challenges of regional climate and soil conditions, helping you make informed decisions that maximize your landscaping investment while keeping costs manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the absolute cheapest way to landscape?

Start with native plants from seed, use free mulch, and focus on groundcovers instead of grass. This approach can cost under $2 per square foot.

How can I landscape with almost no money?

Use plant divisions, cuttings, and seeds. Join plant swaps, collect free mulch, and focus on one small area at a time.

Is it cheaper to hire professionals or DIY?

DIY is almost always cheaper upfront, but consider your time, physical ability, and skill level. Simple projects are perfect for DIY.

What plants give the most bang for your buck?

Fast-spreading groundcovers, self-seeding annuals, and native perennials provide the best value over time.