Landscape improvements: where to invest and where to save money

You want the most bang for your buck. But what does that mean? Where should you allocate your investment in your landscape? What can you cut and still be happy with? Today we’re looking into where your money should and shouldn’t go if you’re on a strict budget.

• shade Trees - worth it

  Trees have the highest ROI (return on investment) of any landscape item. You can probably buy a 24”box tree (the standard for residential tree installs) for $900 installed. That tree will last you your lifetime and maybe your kids’ lifetimes with an annual tree trimming by an arborist (ideally). You can spend upwards of $6k on a small custom pergola that will probably serve you for 15 years and will probably need some maintenance at some point. Trees provide visual interest, shade, erosion control, and support your local ecosystem.

• Tall Palm Trees - Not Worth it

  We live in southern California. What is more quintessential than palm trees?! I don’t hate palm trees, but there is a time and place for them. And it’s not in your typical residential property. The majesty and beauty of a palm tree is the magnificent height and the canopy. In a track home backyard you’ll never see it unless you’re looking straight up or have a three-story home. If you have the space to really enjoy them (hello Rancho Santa Fe) do it! But if you have a small backyard, spend your money elsewhere. The maintenance is expensive and there’s a common occurrence of rat infestations.

• Outdoor Kitchen Areas - Worth It

  Once again, southern California. Outdoor living is one of the reasons we pay so much to be here. So do it! Have a barbecue, host a pizza party, have your morning coffee on your porch. It’s a wonderful thing for everyone to be outside together. There are some beautiful prefab outdoor kitchen pieces out there (I love the look of this one from Pottery Barn) that allow you to shape your own space without having to pay for footings and utility moves. Even IKEA has a modular kitchen system! Get a tabletop pizza oven (we love our Ooni) and pull up your barbecue and voila you have a functional, beautiful outdoor kitchen space.

• Built-in Barbecues - Not worth it

  Okay, there’s a time and place (I think that’s the theme of this) and don’t get me wrong, there are some B-E-A-UTIFUL custom kitchens and I’ve definitely designed some as well! But too often, they’re not designed properly (either the right dimensions or location) and end up never being used. It’s a shame to spend that much money on something that isn’t used enough. If you do have the budget for it, I love the modular systems of Danver to help get you started. And instead of a traditional barbecue, think about installing an Evo for a more dynamic option.

• Prefab Pergolas - Worth it

  Yes, I did say a tree is a better investment than an outdoor structure. But hear me out. If a tree just won’t be ideal and you REALLY want a shady outdoor space, go for it. There are so many beautiful prefab pergolas. There are even local companies that create them with similar features to Renson structures (creme de la creme with Belgium origins). The best part, is that all of them are already engineered. They’ll let you know what building codes they adhere to. AND they usually go up VERY quickly (one day for most). Most of them already have engineering drawings if you need to submit it to your local government for review.

• Custom Pergolas - Not Worth It

  For all the reasons a prefab is a good idea, a custom can cost you. You will be paying for the engineering to accommodate the weight and height of your structure, install can be timely, and the materials themselves can add up quickly. You will end up with a beautiful product. It will fit in the exact spot you want. You can customize features like fans, lighting, and other electrical or utility-necessary elements. At a cost.