Outdoor landscaping doesn't need to be an overwhelming job, nor does it need to be a complicated or expensive one. Let’s take a look at what you should know about outdoor landscaping. 

How much does landscape gardening cost? 

The size of the garden or outdoor space will affect the price, but a lot of other things will, too. If you want an overly complex or complicated design in your garden, it'll cost you more. If you want premium materials that require specialist equipment and contractors, such as imported bamboo, it’ll cost you more. If you want lots of different areas that require lots of different materials and specialists, it’ll cost you more. 

In short: the more you want and the bigger the job, the more it’ll cost you. 

An outdoor landscape remodel can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $250,000+ (more for mansion-sized homes). 

Why is outdoor landscaping important? 

Keeping your garden or outdoor space clean, clear from debris, and nice to look at will help to keep pest populations down, and out. The messier and more cluttered your garden or outdoor space is, the higher the chances of having a nuisance wildlife problem. 

Having an attractive outdoor space will also increase the value of your home. The nicer and neater it looks, the more people will believe it to be worth — and this applies to both front and back outdoor spaces. Some realtors suggest that having nicely-landscaped land surrounding the property can raise its value by as much as thirty percent. 

Landscaping your garden also gives you the opportunity to save time and money. While you’re having your outdoor space landscaped, you can have a water butt planned in and then installed, saving you money when it comes to watering your plants and cleaning your deck. Better lighting can be installed to offer more security and protection, and fences can be updated and reinforced. 

Outdoor landscaping is very much an investment. The more you can afford to put in, not just in terms of money but also in time, effort and smart planning, the more you are going to get out of it. 

What is the most important part of outdoor landscaping? 

The most important of your outdoor remodel and landscaping efforts is what you - the homeowner - gets out of it. 

If you want a remodel to give you more privacy, you should feel safe and private once you're in the space after the contractors have left. 

If you wanted a remodel to let in more light, your home and outdoor space should feel brighter and more airy after the work is completed. 

If you want a remodel of your outdoor spaces to make the home easier to sell, and it does sell quickly, above market value, then you know you have done a good job. 

You need to work out first what you want to get out of the remodel, and then you need to work out how to get there. 

Some of the work will be easy tweaks and relatively simple restorations, repairs or installations. You will be able to complete some of the easier work yourself. 

Some of it, however, will be more complex. It is wise to leave roofing repairs and renovations to actual roofing contractors, and the same goes for any electrical work (such as outdoor light rewiring), or plumbing (outdoor pipes) - ask a professional before finalizing any plans to cut, move, or otherwise potentially damage. 

If the plan requires specialist equipment, knowledge, or training, you should seriously consider hiring a contractor that specializes in that particular field. 

When is the best time to have my outdoor space landscaped? 

This is actually specific to you. If there is a particularly rainy season where you live, it's probably best to avoid that, but you must take other things into account, too. For example, what happens when the children are not at school during the summer but you don't have a garden for them to play in? 

Time the garden remodel for when it best suits you and your busy household. Landscapers and gardeners are used to working in the great outdoors. A little rain and bad weather isn’t likely to hold them back too much.