When to Save and When to Splurge on Landscaping

Quality Gardening & Landscaping
14 minutes ago
4 min read

When it comes to landscaping your California home, one of the biggest questions people ask is: Where should I spend more, and where can I save? From beautiful lawns and outdoor living spaces to modern lighting and hardscaping, it can be hard to know what’s worth the splurge and what isn’t.

The truth? A smart landscaping plan doesn’t mean spending big everywhere — it means investing strategically. Keep reading so you can start your next landscaping project with all the knowledge you need to make it successful.

In this post, you will learn:

Average landscaping costs
When the industry tends to be the busiest
How to decide when to save or splurge

Average Landscaping Costs

If you’re planning a full landscape design or just a few upgrades, having a realistic idea of cost is key. According to Tuscana Properties, on average, landscaping in California ranges from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on the size of your property, materials, and complexity of the design.

Basic landscaping (like new sod, small plants, and minimal hardscaping) might fall between $5,000–$12,000.
Mid-range projects and backyard redesign can run $15,000–$40,000.
Luxury landscaping or full backyard renovations with water features or outdoor kitchens often start around $50,000–$100,000+.

These prices can also vary depending on the region. For example, landscaping in the Bay Area may cost more than in other parts of California due to labor and material costs. Landscaping is 100% worth it, though, especially since it can add 6 figures to your home’s value!

Pro Tip: To stay on budget, create a master plan with phases. You can start with the essentials — like planting trees and installing irrigation — and save decorative touches (like outdoor lighting or accent plants) for later.

When the Industry Tends to be the Busiest

Like many outdoor services, landscaping has busy and slower seasons. Knowing when demand spikes can help you schedule smartly — and even save money.

Spring and Early Summer: Peak Season

Spring is prime time for landscape installation and maintenance. The weather’s perfect, plants thrive, and everyone wants their yards ready for outdoor gatherings. Because of that, landscaping companies often book up weeks (or months) in advance.

If you’re planning big upgrades like a patio, outdoor kitchen, or irrigation system, get quotes early — ideally in late winter — to lock in pricing and availability.

Late Summer and Fall: Ideal for Planting

According to the California Native Plant Society, fall is actually one of the best times to plant. Cooler temperatures and consistent soil moisture help roots establish before winter. Plus, since business can slow slightly after summer, you might find more flexible scheduling or even off-season discounts.

Winter: Best for Planning

During winter, crews often shift from installations to design consultations and landscape maintenance. This is the perfect time to dream up your backyard oasis, collect ideas, and budget for the next year’s projects.

How to Decide When to Save or Splurge

Not everything in your landscape needs top-dollar materials or finishes. In fact, knowing where to invest more (and where to scale back) helps you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and within your budget.

Landscaping: Splurge on Longevity, Save on Extras

Where to Splurge

When it comes to the foundation of your landscape, quality materials and professional installation are always worth the investment. According to Gardenista, features like well-laid stone walkways, custom retaining walls, and high-quality irrigation systems are “luxuries that last.”

It’s also worth spending a bit more on mature trees, long-lasting pavers, and durable edging materials. These items provide structure and curb appeal that can boost your home’s value for years to come.

If you’re considering lighting, Room for Tuesday suggests upgrading to stylish outdoor sconces or porch lights that blend function with design — especially for the front entry or pathways. They’re not just decorative; they also increase safety and security.

Where to Save:

You can often save on decorative details or items that are easy to upgrade later. Smaller plants (instead of mature ones), DIY mulching, and low-cost annuals are all great ways to fill space while staying within budget.

For example, skip expensive imported plants and go for California native plants, which are low maintenance, eco-friendly, and drought-tolerant. They’ll save you time, money, and water in the long run.

Backyard Living: Splurge on Functionality, Save on Accessories

Where to Splurge

Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, so investing in comfort and quality makes a huge difference. If you host gatherings, splurging on a built-in grill, fire pit, or outdoor dining area can completely transform your space.

According to Room for Tuesday, the best investments are in permanent structures that improve both usability and value — like pergolas, paved patios, and outdoor seating areas. Durable materials last longer and require less maintenance.

Save on Budget-Friendly Accesnts

When it comes to accessories, less can definitely be more. Choose budget-friendly accents like string lights, throw pillows, and planters that you can easily swap out seasonally.

If you’re decorating your backyard retreat, focus on one or two statement pieces (like a fire pit or dining set) and complement them with cost-effective décor.

Conclusion: Smart Landscaping Starts with Smart Choices

Creating your dream yard doesn’t have to mean spending top dollar everywhere — it’s all about knowing when to save and when to splurge.

Save on small plants, accessories, and simple décor that you can update over time.
Splurge on essentials like durable materials, irrigation systems, and quality lighting that last for years.
And remember: timing matters — plan ahead, especially during busy landscaping seasons like spring and early summer.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your front yard or build an entire outdoor living space, making thoughtful choices will help you achieve a beautiful, lasting result without blowing your budget.

If you’re ready to start your own project, Quality Gardening & Landscaping is here to help you create a design that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. Contact us HERE to schedule a consultation — and let’s bring your dream landscape to life!

In this post, you learned: