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The landscaping is a major part of a home’s curb appeal. Depending on where you live, landscaping can also be a crucial part of helping to control wildlife, and reducing energy costs by providing things like shade. There are many ways you can change your landscaping without breaking the bank too. The following five upgrades can all be done for less than $1,000.
1. Fertilizing the lawn
Fertilizing the lawn is a fast and low cost way to help improve the way your whole yard looks and feels. At the end of a long winter, fertilizer can help revive your grass, helping it green up faster, and providing a more lush surface. Some fertilizers can also kill weeds, which can further help improve your lawn’s appearance.
Cost: The average cost of fertilizing your lawn is $0.03 a square foot, assuming a 6,000 square foot lawn. The total range of costs is between $0.02 a square foot for a DIY job, to $0.04 a square foot during peak season.
Money-saving tips
- Fertilize your lawn early in the season to take advantage of lower prices, and to maximize your lawn’s growth.
- Water your lawn regularly early in the morning to help prevent it from drying out, which will help your fertilizing go further.
DIY Considerations
This job is entirely suitable for DIY. All you need is a spreader, and the ability to walk over the entire area of your lawn.
2. Tree Planting
Planting new trees on your property has a lot of advantages. Trees help prevent soil erosion, while also providing shade and cleaner air. The right trees can also help you improve your home’s curb appeal, and complement the rest of your landscaping at the same time.
Cost: The average cost for planting new trees is $106 per small tree delivered and planted, with a minimum of five trees. The total costs range from $75 a tree for five small trees delivered off site and planted DIY to $2423 per large tree delivered and planted with a minimum of five trees.
Money-saving tips
- Check with utility companies before planting to ensure the trees will not be in the way of power lines, as this could result in additional expenses to trim or remove the trees.
- Check with your town or state to find out about programs which provide shade giving trees for free in sunny areas.
DIY Considerations
This job may be suitable for DIY, but assumes the ability to dig a hole large enough for each tree. Equipment such as mini-excavators can help make this job easier, but do increase price.
3. Stain Your Deck
The deck is a major part of your home’s curb appeal, as well as enjoyment of the property. Sun, wind, rain, hail, and snow can all pay a heavy toll on your deck’s appearance, however. Over time, old stain may fade, crack, or peel, exposing the wood below to the elements, which in turn can mean the rotting of the wood on your deck itself. Applying a new coat of stain can help maintain not only your deck’s good looks, but also its integrity.
Cost: The average cost to stain a deck is around $2 a square foot, including labor and equipment such as pressure washers and the stain itself.
Money-saving tips
Most older decks need to be power washed before staining; consider renting a power washer yourself to do the cleaning before having the deck professionally stained.
DIY Considerations
This job is entirely suitable for DIY; be sure to rent the proper equipment before hand, and to put on at least two coats of stain to ensure the job lasts.
4. Fountain Installation
Fountains add a lot of interest and tranquility to your yard and landscaping. The sound of running water is often enjoyable for many people using the space, while the look of a fountain can increase your curb appeal. There are many different types and styles of fountain available, which can increase your chances of finding one that fits your needs.
Cost: The cost of a fountain installation depends largely on the type of fountain you’re installing. The least expensive option is a standalone bird bath, which costs between $150 and $300. Another inexpensive option may include a wall fountain with costs ranging from $600 to $1,200.
Money-saving tips:
- Consider adding a fountain at the same time as other landscaping is being done to help lower the labor costs of the project as a whole.
- Purchase a fountain kit that makes installation easier, lowering the overall costs.
DIY Considerations
Whether not your fountain can be installed DIY is largely dependent on the type you are having installed. Kits and things like bird baths are easier to install than fountains which must be crafted or poured on site.
5. Fence replacement
Fencing can not only enhance your landscaping and curb appeal, it can offer a lot of other benefits as well. Pet containment, privacy, and creating a safe place for children to play are all great reasons to consider installing a new fence or replacing your old one.
Cost: The average cost to install a new fence is $13.26 a linear foot for galvanized steel chain link fencing. Total costs range from $7.02 a foot for a DIY installation to $28 per foot for a redwood split rail fence.
Money-saving tips:
- If you’re replacing an old fence with a new one, consider doing the tear out of the old fence yourself. This can significantly lower the labor fees on the new installation.
- Fencing prices are also largely dictated by the material that the fencing is made of. Choose the fencing that best meets your functional needs first, then consider looks to make sure you get the lowest cost fence for your yard.
DIY Considerations
Fence installation can be difficult for those that do not have the experience or necessary tools. Digging the holes for the fence posts can be difficult and time consuming, and in most cases it may be best to leave this job to professionals.
As we have stated before, the current lack of inventory in most housing markets has caused home appreciation to increase at greater percentages than historical averages. This means that this is a great time to sell your home as supply is low and demand is high.
