How to Save Money on Lawn Care

Nobody wants to look outside their window and see an ugly, unkempt yard. But with the rising costs of sprinkler systems, mowers, and yard maintenance companies, keeping a lawn looking nice has never been more challenging or expensive.

Fortunately, not all homeowners are breaking the bank on their lawns. With the right tips and tricks, it can be easy to save hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars each year on the costs of lawn care and maintenance.

Find a Cheaper Landscaper

Yes, loyalty is important. But if cost really is an important factor, and you are no longer able to afford what you once were for yard maintenance costs—such as if you recently lost a job—it is worth speaking to a representative from the company that currently maintains your lawn and asking about a discount. If a flat reduction in fees isn’t possible, think about cutting back on add-on services such as gutter cleaning or tree trimming.

If all else fails, it may be worth calling a few competing yard maintenance companies in the areas and asking for a price estimate. In nearly all cases, companies are willing to offer a discount if it means scooping a client away from a competing company.

Shop Around

Who says local home supply stores and nurseries are the only places to buy landscaping tools and supplies? Hundreds of stores exist online or in catalog form selling just these items, often at a steep discount over retail price.

Additionally, homeowners looking to purchase rare or exotic plants should look into visiting arboretums and botanical centers in the area, since these types of places are known for holding plant sales. Just don’t forget about shipping and handling fees, since the prices of landscaping products listed online and in catalogs will likely not include the oftentimes hefty cost of shipping or home delivery.

Maintain Old Tools

One of the biggest expenses associated with yard care is the cost of new sprinkler systems, lawnmowers, weed eaters, and other yard tools. Instead of buying expensive replacement tools each year, save money by maintaining the tools you already own. Keeping electric equipment inside a cool, dry place—such as a garage—is one way of doing this. Another option is to repair older tools rather than throwing them away.

Mow Right

Homeowners who choose to handle yard maintenance on their own can save hundreds of dollars a year by using the right equipment on the optimal settings.

One easy way to save a few bucks is by setting the lawnmower blade higher—as high as 3 ½ inches, to be exact. How does mowing higher save homeowners money? It’s simple. Mowing higher results in denser grass, which in turn stops water from evaporating from the soil as quickly, thus saving homeowners money on watering costs in the long run. Not only that, but homeowners who mow their grass higher can expect to spend less on weed fighting agents, too, since higher grass inhibits weed growth.

Homeowners with a mulching lawnmower can save additional costs by allowing old grass clippings to help return nitrogen to the soil.

Choose Plants Wisely

Not all plants are created equal, especially when it comes to decorating an entire front or back yard. To save hundreds on landscaping costs, stay away from any plants that are labeled as rare or exotic, since these terms are generally landscaping code words for “expensive.” Instead, to get the most from your money, invest in trees—which will become more substantial over time—and good soil, which will help anything you plant grow faster and stronger.

And since plants and trees will inevitably get bigger—that’s the goal, right—there is usually less of a need to buy full-grown (read: expensive) versions up front. To maintain lower costs, stick with younger varieties that can grow into beauties, rather than paying outrageous prices for fully grown plants.

Don’t Over-water

Over-watering the lawn is a huge money waster. Unfortunately, most people don’t even realize they are doing it since it can be difficult to tell when the point of saturation has been reached. For more accuracy, look into buying a rain gauge at a local home supply store. With the help of a gauge, homeowners can ensure that their lawn gets no more than one inch of water per watering. In addition, make sure to water only in the early morning or evening, since lawns that are watered in the mid-day are more likely to lose hydration—thus using up more water in the long run.

Choose Plants Wisely

Not all plants are created equal, especially when it comes to decorating an entire front or back yard. To save hundreds on landscaping costs, stay away from any plants that are labeled as rare or exotic, since these terms are generally landscaping code words for “expensive.” Instead, to get the most from your money, invest in trees—which will become more substantial over time—and good soil, which will serve to help anything you plant grow faster and stronger.

And since plants and trees will inevitably get bigger—that’s the goal, right—there is usually less of a need to buy full-grown (read: expensive) versions up front. To maintain lower costs, stick with younger varieties that can grow into beauties, rather than paying outrageous prices for fully grown plants.