Landscape Design Tips and Tricks That Save Money in Madison, WI

Landscaping projects can run into many thousands of dollars and while they’re great investments in the value of your home (as well as your everyday enjoyment of your space), there are a few ways to achieve the look and feel you want, without spending more than you need to. Here are a few landscape design tips and tricks that save money in Madison, WI.

Related: 4 Timely Landscape Design Ideas for Your Sun Prairie, WI Outdoor Dining Space

1. Get a Professional Design

The upfront cost may feel daunting, but getting a professional landscape architect to design your outdoor space will save you significant money and headaches in the long run. In terms of resale, a professionally designed landscape can increase the value of your home up to 15 percent. That’s nice if you’re looking to sell… but even nicer now because you’ll have a space that reflects your needs and wants: the perfect space for you. 

Landscape architects are trained to see the big picture and the tiniest of details: how elements fit together, how traffic flows, how to optimize beautiful views while adding privacy. They will help you place trees to lower your energy bills. They will design landscapes that won’t be prone to flooding or drought. They will help you make the most of awkwardly shaped spaces. They will help you find the best ways to maximize outdoor living space on steep lots.

Best of all, landscape architects will help you select hardscape materials and plants that fit within your budget and give you the look you want. They will help you get clear on what you will actually use and let go of the “nice to haves” that could break your budget… and help you be realistic about timelines, costs, and other factors that go into creating your dream landscape.

2. Keep It Simple

While it can be tempting to create a complex outdoor space that reminds you of your favorite resort, you’ll save money by sticking to a simple design. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring slab outside your patio door. 

A simple design means narrowing your landscape elements to things you will actually use, or make compromises based on real life. A pool is great fun - but it’s a huge expense for something you’ll only use for two months out of twelve. A better investment would be a luxury hot tub that can be used year-round.

A simple design could mean using the same materials throughout. Since you generally want to purchase some additional materials for a paver project in case of breakage, you might just have enough to create a walkway from the remnants: or even a romantic space to put a bench and a small fountain.

A simple design incorporates features that do double duty, such as seat walls. A seat wall is a brilliant way to make a patio feel cozy, while offering a place to sit without the need for more furniture. 

3. Keep It Small

Bigger isn’t necessarily better. A well-designed, well-organized small patio space can give everyone plenty of elbow room without sacrificing amenities. 

Consider how you will actually use the space. If you are a gourmet cook who entertains frequently, you’ll want a larger space for outdoor cooking. But if you rarely do more than grill, don’t spend money on an extravagant outdoor kitchen: add a peninsula bar to your grill station instead. This option will do double duty as a dining space.

If you want a fire pit, tuck it into a corner of the patio instead of making it central to make the space feel more spacious and clutter-free.

Related: How Landscapers Near Me Are Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 in Fitchburg, WI