Keeping your yard looking great doesn’t have to drain your budget. Here are five practical ways to cut landscaping costs this year without sacrificing curb appeal.
1. Group Your Plantings by Water Needs
Plants that need similar amounts of water should be grouped together. This “hydrozoning” approach cuts down on wasted water and lets you run your sprinkler system less often.
2. Mulch Everything You Can
A 2-3 inch layer of mulch around beds and trees locks in moisture, blocks weeds, and reduces how often you need to water or weed. Bulk mulch from a local supplier is often far cheaper than bagged mulch from a big box store.
3. Do Your Own Seasonal Cleanup
Spring and fall cleanups are two of the most commonly outsourced (and overpriced) landscaping jobs. Raking, trimming back perennials, and clearing debris are tasks most homeowners can handle over a weekend with basic tools.
4. Ask About Senior or Bundled Discounts
Many local lawn care and landscaping companies offer discounted seasonal contracts, especially if you bundle mowing, mulching, and trimming into one agreement rather than paying per visit.
5. Choose Native, Low-Maintenance Plants
Native plants are adapted to your local climate, which means less watering, less fertilizer, and fewer pest problems. They also tend to be less expensive than exotic or specialty varieties.
Bottom line: A few smart choices — the right plants, a bit of DIY effort, and asking the right questions — can meaningfully cut your landscaping bill in 2026.