To get a bargain on landscaping items such as soil, plants, wood, and landscaping rocks you need to a plan. When spring comes, you want to improve your outdoor living.  It’s challenging, prices for materials, for example, lumber, fluctuate seasonally.Below are some tips to keep in mind when you shop for your yard.

Design Ahead Of Time. If you create something which doesn’t look very good when you are done, it’s a waste of money. Take the time to plan and visualize the end result. It’s usually not a good idea to make it up along the way.

Research before you buy. Know exactly what you need, how much it costs and where you’re going to put everything helps to avoid wasting your hard-earned money.

Buy In Phases. If you don’t have financial resources to landscape all at once, there is nothing wrong with doing it in phases. Divide your project, and pay as you earn the funds.

Pro Insight. If you are not sure about your plan, hire a landscape architect or designer to develop your plan or project. The cost for a couple hour consultation is well worth the money. Especially if it saves you from painful mistakes later.

Cheaper Is Not Always Better. Take advantage of the economics of scale.  Large home improvement warehouses usually offer the lowest prices for common plants. However, they may not be the best solution for the high-quality plants and materials.  Local specialty shops may provide more personal service, experienced expert advice, and unique guarantees. For example, when installing a pond in your yard, it may be worth it to pay more through a source which specializes in water gardens.  Although plant prices may be higher at specialty nurseries, the personal touches will often help make for a positive result.

Time Your Purchases. Plan for the next year. Lumber for projects is often cheaper during winter months. Save money on trees, shrubs, perennials, and soil, by buying late in the season. Don’t rush to buy newly released plant varieties, which may be expensive initially because supply is low and demand is high. Be patient, it’s common for prices to drop over time.

Sometimes It’s Good Enough. With some basic items, there is a little difference in quality between top-of-the-line and low-end. So, why pay more? Take advantage of stores which deal with large volumes. Keep an eye out for sales, limited opportunities and close-outs.

Shop online. Catalogs and websites can expand your opportunities, especially for rare plants and specialty products. When you shopping online prices may be lower than in stores, but don’t forget to include the shipping costs when you compare prices to local sources.

Alternative Resources. Look beyond the traditional stores and catalogs for bargains. Arboretums and botanical centers often hold plant sales. Ask neighbors if they have extra perennials to share. Some cities offer free mulch and compost. All you need to do it get it to your yard. Being neighborly and cuts costs. Share the rental fee for tillers, chippers, and heavy equipment with neighbors on the block.