If you'd like to spread the
cost of your landscaping over
several years, it makes sense
to plant trees first because
they take the longest to mature.

Setting a budget

The pleasure of landscape planning is all about dreaming, rather than worrying about costs or who will do the work and when. Once your plan is in place, the time has arrived for wise planning, which includes comparing costs as well as scheduling the work, whether you tackle it yourself or hire someone else to do it.

Using your final design, make a list of every major component. Most plans call for some work that's beyond your capability, time, or desire to do it yourself. Start contacting landscaping professionals. Also do comparison shopping for materials.

To devise a budget for landscaping, compare what you think you can spend (what your resources allow) and what you think you should spend (what the best quality materials cost). On average, budget 15 to 25 percent of your new home's price to install your dream landscape. Budget 5 to 15 percent of your home's value to renovate an established property. If you keep your expenses within this range, your landscaping efforts are most likely to boost the value of your property.

To help finalize your budget, make a chart that has room for each item on your list followed by three columns, labeled A, B, and C. Fill column A with the cost of your ideal choice for each particular feature or task. When you are finished, add up all the numbers to see if you are within your budget.

If that number is too high, go back through the list and make changes to the amount or quality of materials, or even delete some items. Put those numbers in column B. After adding that up, if you are still over your desired budget, repeat the process in column C.

As you go through this exercise, assume you can save half the cost of a hired job if it is within your skill level to do it yourself. If you plan to stretch out the installation over several years, keep in mind that the cost for some products and services may increase over time.

As you figure costs for each item on your plan, start thinking about your priorities. First, do the things that would most likely increase the resale value; such as the construction of a deck, front entry, and retaining walls or the purchase of trees and shrubs. Also include costs for the essentials that will be scheduled first, such as tearing out old landscape features, site grading, drainage system installation, and bed building. Add in the costs of other basics, including paving, lighting, and plants. Be realistic about the cost of maintenance, and include it in the budget.

As you figure costs for each item on your plan, a project and priority list will take shape. Stick with your plan. Think twice if a contractor pushes you to install a waterfall when you want only a pond. It's your landscape and you have the final say.