Landscaping doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Whether you just bought a home or you’re refreshing a tired yard, there are plenty of ways to get great curb appeal on a budget — and still create a yard you’re proud of.
This guide breaks down the cheapest landscaping options, from low-cost materials like gravel and mulch to DIY tips and affordable plant choices that keep your yard looking sharp.
Need help pricing out your project?
Click here to get free quotes from budget-friendly landscapers near you.
Top Cheap Landscaping Ideas for 2025
1. Gravel Over Grass
- Why it’s cheap: No mowing, watering, or fertilizing
- Best for: Walkways, side yards, and no-maintenance zones
- Pro Tip: Use landscape fabric underneath to stop weeds
2. Mulch Beds for Instant Curb Appeal
- Why it’s cheap: Mulch is low-cost and makes any space look clean
- Best for: Tree rings, flower beds, around walkways
- Cost Range: $30–$60 per cubic yard (covers ~100 sq ft)
Affordable Plant Options
Go for perennials and native plants that come back every year and don’t need much care. Here are a few low-cost champions:
- Daylilies – hardy and colorful
- Hostas – great for shade
- Lavender – drought-tolerant and fragrant
- Yarrow – low water needs, great for Utah & the West
- Boxwood shrubs – low-maintenance hedging option
Bonus Tip: Buy smaller plant sizes (1-gallon pots) and let them grow in over time.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: What’s Cheaper?
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Just materials + your time | Simple projects, cleanup, mulch |
| Pro Help | $50–$80/hr or project rate | Large installs, irrigation, grading |
- DIY Wins when: you’re adding gravel paths, doing yard cleanup, or planting.
- Hire a Pro when: your yard needs leveling, drainage, or hardscape installs.
If you don’t have tools (shovel, wheelbarrow, rake), factor rental or purchase into your DIY budget.
Money-Saving Tips for Any Budget
- Use Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free rock, mulch, or secondhand planters
- Get soil and mulch in bulk instead of by the bag
- Water early mornings to reduce evaporation
- Reuse edging materials (bricks, logs, pavers) from other projects
- Skip sod and seed instead – grass seed is 10x cheaper than sod
What’s the Absolute Cheapest Way to Landscape a Yard?
If your goal is rock-bottom cost and minimal maintenance:
Gravel + mulch + native plants + elbow grease = under $500 for a small yard refresh
Start with cleanup, remove old debris, level the yard, lay down gravel or mulch, and plant low-cost perennials. Keep it simple — and scalable.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With some smart planning and a few hardworking weekends, you can transform your yard into something clean, functional, and affordable.
Want help pricing your low-cost landscaping project?
Click here to get quotes from landscapers who work with any budget.
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