Your Backyard Landscaping Questions Answered
Thinking about starting a backyard landscaping project? Maybe you’re interested in a new stone pathway to the garden or perhaps you’ve got your sights set on a total backyard renovation. Maybe you’re interested in some professional landscaping services. Whichever the case, you’ve got to know where to start.
We’ve researched the top questions about backyard landscaping and want to help you get the backyard you’re envisioning underway. From backyard landscaping costs to landscape timelines, and our best tips on how to make the process run smoothly from beginning to end, here are your backyard landscaping questions answered!
What Are The Basics Of Backyard Landscaping?
There are a few basics of backyard landscaping that remain constant no matter the style or scope of the project. To create a beautiful, functional, and inviting backyard, you need the following four things:
- A backyard landscape design plan
- An established budget
- Technical knowledge, ability, and equipment OR a professional landscaping company
- Time and energy to bring the project to life
Backyard landscapes are not great secret keepers, and If any of these four elements is missing, the truth will be revealed. Without a design plan backed by a healthy knowledge of the space, without the money to complete the project properly, without the personal expertise or hiring of backyard landscaping professionals, or without sufficient time and energy to complete the project, your outdoor space will never become the luxuriously landscaped backyard you envision it could be.
So where do you start?
How Much Should I Budget For Backyard Landscaping?
Speaking of your backyard landscaping budget, there are a couple of ways to go about determining how much you’re going to spend on your new and improved backyard. One, you can decide on a number upfront and make whatever you decide to do to your landscaping fit within that amount. Or two, you can dream up the exact landscape you’ve been longing for and allocate the funds necessary to complete the job the right way. Often this option will entail hiring landscaping pros, which may require spending more, but will also likely mean less stress and work for you and a much more elevated backyard landscape than you could ever complete on your own.
You should also keep in mind that every project is unique due to variations in size, the complexity of design, quality of materials, amenities, property location, and more. There is no one-size-fits-all landscape solution! For example, a smaller backyard with an owner investing in a total landscaping overhaul that includes a brand new luxury outdoor kitchen will cost much more than a simpler backyard design implemented in a far larger space.
But let’s get a better idea of some general backyard landscaping costs today.
For years, the rule of thumb for determining your landscaping budget has been to spend around 10% of the value of your home, but this percentage has been trending upward recently as people shift from having a “yard” to dreaming of an “outdoor living space” and all of the things that come with it. Now your landscaping budget can include things like irrigation, sprinklers, pools, hardscaping, and structures like pergolas and patios. Don’t forget added fees for things like shipping, or any necessary permits or approval from a certified architect. Now the average landscaping budget is starting at 20% of your home value. Of course, your budget can vary depending on the size of your lot and your vision.
The numbers may add up quickly, but remember these important facts:
- Landscaping done well can increase your property value by up to 20%.
- Landscaping can contribute to energy efficiency, which can decrease your monthly heating and air conditioning costs and end up paying itself off.
- Landscaping can increase your and your family’s mental, physical, and emotional health.
- Landscaping can have a positive impact on air quality and reduce erosion around your home.
Looking at it that way, investing in backyard landscaping can feel like a no-brainer. And while there are ways to cut corners, remember that cheaper does not usually mean better—particularly in the long run. You may end up having to redo half-hearted work or replace low-quality items that cost less upfront. Our advice? Go with quality items and work that won’t break the bank but will last long enough for you to thoroughly enjoy your updated landscaping without regrets.
How Long Does It Take To Landscape My Backyard?
A very simple backyard-landscaping-for-beginners project might not take that long to complete—maybe a week from start to finish, if it’s just about adding a few shrubs and sprucing up the flower beds. But if you really want to bring new life and energy to your home’s outdoor spaces, you’re going to want to dedicate more time to your backyard landscaping. It’s difficult to hide the inevitably subpar results of a rushed job so it may be time to invest in a pair of well-fitting patience pants (and the right landscaping professionals) before you dive in.
DISCOVER: Who Is Big Rock Premium Landscaping And Design?
Truly excellent landscaping takes time. From developing a cohesive and functional design to purchasing plants and preparing terrain, all the way to installation and final touches, you’re looking at upwards of a few weeks to a couple of months from start to finish. But again, the exact amount of time will depend on the size of your backyard, the complexity of the project, the number of amenities, when materials can be obtained, and even local weather conditions and other complications that may arise.
Our best tips on how to make the backyard landscaping process move as smoothly and quickly as possible?
- Understand and be able to accurately express your landscape’s purpose
- Be clear on your budget
- Know where you are and are not willing to compromise or be open to new ideas
- Hire a team of experienced landscape design and installation professionals that know and love what they do
That last one might just be your backyard landscaping project’s saving grace for a few reasons. First, the time and money spent won’t be wasted on amateur attempts that have to be redone in the end anyway. Second, the investment in professional expertise will clearly show. And third, you can rest a little easier knowing that someone else is helping find you the perfect backyard partner. Er…landscape.
Backyard Landscaping Made Easy With Big Rock Landscaping
If you decide you need help with your backyard landscaping project, contact Big Rock Landscaping. We offer a wide variety of design, installation, and maintenance services for residential properties—big and small, simple and elaborate—along the Wasatch Front in Utah. We have the expertise, artistic tools, attention to detail, and unparalleled customer service you’ll want in a landscaping company. Most of all, we want you to fall in love with your landscaping and we’re 100% committed to helping you get the backyard of your dreams.
Contact us today to find out how we can help turn your backyard into a space where you want to gather.
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