Getting sticker shock is common when you get that first landscaping bid. And if you can’t afford to put the whole landscape in with a professional, most homeowners will turn to DIY. That’s great! But there are some tasks that are easy to DIY, and others you should leave to professionals. Here’s a rundown.
These tasks about anyone can do, no matter your experience level.
- Spread mulch
- Plant (how to plant a tree)
- Install edging (hard plastic, metal, stone, and precast are easy DIY options)
- Lay sod or seed plants
- Add raised beds
- Modify an existing drip system
These tasks are more advanced and will take some time. There is a bit of research or extra work required, but they are approachable to the DIY enthusiast.
- Simple, small re-grading and soil improvement
- Lay pavers and gravel
- Drip irrigation system
- Pre-fabricated pergolas and garden structures
- Fences
These tasks can quickly go wrong. You will need to do your research, and it helps if you have someone around who already has experience. It’s still possible to do them DIY.
- Small concrete pours
- Install short retaining or garden walls (less than 3 feet)
- Irrigation systems
- Installing small boulders
- Small decks
- Custom garden structures
- Water features and garden ponds
These tasks should be done by professionals.
- Re-grading (complex)
- Concrete (large pours)
- Tall retaining walls
- Putting in medium to large boulders
- Large decks and complex garden structures
- Electrical/lighting
With any task, consider the size as well. Putting in 25 feet of fencing is not the same as installing 250 feet. Tackle things slowly, one at a time, to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Also, a good professional will always do a better job than you can DIY. Nothing can replace years of experience and the right tools and resources.
Responsive Gardens 