Tips to saving money on landscape costs

Almost everyone likes to save a little money here and there.  Some people do it out of necessity, as we all struggle with finances sometimes.  Others like the feeling of satisfaction they get by knowing they accomplished something for less than others would spend on it.  Whatever the reason, there are many ways that homeowners can cut costs while still maintaining a great looking landscape. 

Preplan
One of the biggest costs for anyone is the last minute, I-need-to-buy-it-now costs.  If you are going to take on a big landscape project or purchase an item, think about it for a while before buying.  Know exactly what you will need to purchase, and then look for ways to save on those purchases.  Don’t buy something you don’t need just because it looks good in the store.

Less maintenance
Try to design a yard that reduces the amount of maintenance you will have to put into it.  Things like pebbles lining a walkway, or glass mulch around plantings will reduce the amount of weeding you will have to do.  Replacing grass in hard to grow areas with a beautiful patio made out of travertine pavers will also reduce the time required to maintain that space.  Less maintenance usually means less cost. 

Do it yourself
Countless tv shows focus on projects that homeowners can take on themselves in order to save money.  While things like building a waterfall with coral rocks are best left to the professionals, a motivated homeowner could think about building a cap rock planter on their own in order to cut costs.

Cap Rock for Landscaping

Many people today have found that cap rock is a great material to use for their landscaping needs because of its beauty, and because of the strength that it has.Cap rock is the geological term for a hard rock that covers a weaker type of rock. It is found near the surface of the earth and is formed over a great length of time. Florida cap rock is made out of limestone, and it can be found covering a thick layer of sand. The cap rock can be effectively harvested without disturbing the land, and after it is quarried the land can often be used as farmland.

Cap rock is sold in many different sizes and shades of color. It is becoming a popular substance for landscapers across the country to use today. More and more homeowners and landscapers are finding cap rock to be a durable, aesthetic material for many uses. Cap rock is perfect for building retaining walls, planters, and waterfalls. Some landscape architects use it in their design to create focal pieces that add texture and beauty to a yard. This is because cap rock has natural inclusions that allow for tropical foliage and bromeliads to grow. This natural habitat makes a great addition to any tropical landscape.

Cap rock is a very resistant rock that hinders erosion and can last for many years. Unlike wooden structures, cap rock walls or planter beds will not rot, nor will they be harmed by termites.

Coral Rocks

Coral rocks, or coral stone, are fossilized limestone. These naturally occurring substances are sedimentary rocks that are made mostly of calcium carbonate. Coral rock is porous and contains many fossils from coral, snails, gastropods, and other marine and plant life.

Found naturally in Florida, coral rocks are often chosen in order to express a tropical elegance and style. Coral rocks can be used outdoors in warm climates for walkways, boulders, steps, pillars and other artistic landscaping projects. An outdoor fireplace covered in coral stone makes a great addition to a patio. Used indoors in both warm and cooler climates, this stone can be found in cut sizes that are perfect for covering walls and floors. Many homeowners use coral rock tiles to cover bathrooms and kitchens.

Coral rocks may not be as commonly used as other natural stones for indoor areas, but they have a sophistication that many individuals are looking for. A great designer will know what stones look good together and can come up with a great fireplace, walkway, or wall that is a great display of different types of rocks. Coral rocks can be placed along with travertine, marble, and many other types of stone to create a more detailed and interesting structure or flooring.

Coral stone is resilient and natural, and is gaining in popularity because of its timeless beauty. A skilled designer can plan a space that is rich with texture and color by using coral rocks.

Travertine Pavers

Travertine pavers have been increasing in popularity in recent years, although the use of this kind of stone has been going on for thousands of years. Historical structures, such as the Colosseum in Rome and a 1000 year old Burghausen castle in Europe are made out of travertine and have withstood the test of time.

In modern times, travertine has been used extensively for pool paving, building structures such as fireplaces and walkways, and tiling bathrooms and kitchens. The natural color and beauty of travertine makes it a timeless material that will continue to impress those that invest in it.

There are benefits to using travertine pavers, besides the great look it provides. Travertine stays cool to the touch, even in heat and sunlight. This makes it a perfect material for paving around an outdoor pool. It also is a non-skid surface, even when wet, which is important for safety around a pool.

Travertine is easy to install, and can usually be done by those with experience in laying regular pavers. Because travertine is a natural stone, it is made to uphold through time, and will not fade or scuff. It is also a great choice in a variety of climates, because it can withstand freezing and thawing without cracking.

Travertine can be cut to different sizes, and is usually offered as tile or pavers. Travertine pavers are thicker than tile, and are a good choice for paving outdoor areas. The extra thickness makes them stronger and allows them to be placed in many areas without mortar.