7 Low-Cost Ways to Refresh Your Landscaping, Including This Clever DIY Pros Love

First impressions matter, and that’s why having a welcoming, well-designed landscape is a priority for many homeowners. But, trying to keep up with extravagant setups and perfectly manicured lawns can feel impossible, both in terms of time and money.

Luckily, curbside appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve spoken to two designers to find out their favorite simple, budget-friendly ways to completely transform the look and feel of your landscaping this summer (without sacrificing personality in the process).

Perennials and Native Plants

Plants are the perfect starting point for adding interest, color, and dimension to a landscape. And although they do come at an up-front cost, nature-inspired home designer Nina Lichtenstein has advice for selecting plants that will make your investment last.

“Perennials and native plants return year after year, providing long-term beauty and sustainability,” she says. “These plants are adapted to your local climate, require less water, and are more resistant to pests and diseases, reducing maintenance costs and offering continuous color and texture to your garden.”

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Mulch Garden Beds

Another garden bed-based way to instantly upgrade your landscape—and help your plants thrive—is through mulch, says designer Dana Lee Calabrese.

“Mulch is a really cost-efficient way to make a space pop, creating contrast between pathways, plants, and the bed areas themselves” she says.

Not only will it benefit your landscaping visually, but it’ll boost plant health, too.

“Mulch gives your garden beds a polished look while also retaining soil moisture and suppressing weeds,” Lichtenstein adds. “Organic mulches like bark, wood chips, or compost enrich the soil as they decompose.”

Edging for Definition

Once you have a high-contrast garden bed filled with vibrant plant varieties and mulch, you can bring its pop and definition to the next level through edging, which helps to separate beds from a backyard’s surrounding grass or front driveway.

Although some edging techniques can be pricey, there are low-cost options—and edging can even be done with materials you may already have.

“You can define garden beds, pathways, and lawn edges with affordable materials like bricks, rocks, stones, or pebbles,” Lichtenstein says. “It’s a small detail that can make a significant impact on the overall look of your landscape.”

Patterned Pops of Tile

It’s important to remember that landscaping extends beyond garden design. The overall first impression of your front yard and the feeling of your backyard also both encompass your patios, porches, pathways, and your house itself.

“I love using a fun tile for the front entry when I can because it helps make the space stand out and feel more designed,” Calabrese shares.

Installing patterned tiles to your front porch will instantly draw the eye in and make your front door feel more welcoming. Plus, you can coordinate the colors in the tiles with your front door paint, surrounding florals, and the tones of the surrounding natural area for major curbside appeal.

Impactful Outdoor Lighting

Both of our designers agree: another non-negotiable hardscaping element to add (or upgrade) during your landscape makeover is outdoor lighting.

“Whenever and wherever I am working, I will always find a way to hang string lights,” Calabrese says. “They instantly give that ‘wow’ factor, and make such an impact when outdoor hosting or enjoying your back patio.”

You can enhance your outdoor ambiance in an instant with landscape lighting, Lichtenstein adds. Try solar-powered lights, which are easy to install and come in a variety of styles, to create a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.

Small Water Features

The thought of adding sculptural elements or a water feature to your garden or yard may instantly feel out of price range, but a little can go a long way.

“Adding a water feature like a small fountain or bird bath can create a tranquil focal point,” she says. “There are many DIY options available that are affordable and easy to assemble. The sound of trickling water can enhance the peaceful ambiance of your garden without requiring a significant investment.”

DIY Planters and Garden Art

Our final designer-approved method for budget-friendly landscaping can be applied to both the gardening and hardscaping sides of your landscape—and also brings the most personality to the area.

“Get creative by painting or building DIY planters, and try repurposing materials like wooden crates to add unique character to your garden without breaking the bank,” Lichtenstein suggests.

Lichtenstein also suggests getting the family involved in the landscaping process, and creating custom and meaningful fixtures to enjoy for years to come.

“Homemade garden art such as painted rocks, mosaics, or upcycled sculptures can provide focal points and personal touches to your landscape.”