Get matched with top landscapers in Slidell, LA

Many ways to landscape a steep slope on a budget exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones. 

While you can leave roots in the ground, if you don’t want the shrub to regrow again over time, it’s best not to leave any roots behind. Ensure you remove as much of the shrub as possible, including the root ball and any main roots you can see, to prevent new growth. Some gardeners opt for using a chemical treatment to prevent the stump from growing back, but this can kill beneficial microorganisms living in your soil.

If you’re hiring a landscaper to plant the garden of your dreams, you do not need to provide them with plants that you bought yourself from a nursery. While you certainly can provide your landscaper with plants, keep in mind that some nurseries provide discounts to landscaping companies, therefore potentially lowering your materials cost. Beyond the cost of the plants themselves, you need to have additional materials like topsoil and mulch for the project. Most likely, your landscaper can get a discount on these materials as well, so it’s worth speaking with them before making any large purchases.

The landscaping elements that add the most value are often the basics. A well-maintained, attractive lawn can have a return on investment (ROI) of up to 217%. Routine lawn maintenance, such as edging and mulching, can provide an ROI of over 100%. Other high-value projects include upgrading your front walkway, which can offer a 100% ROI, and planting trees. Projects like adding decks, patios, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens also add value and enjoyment, though their direct financial ROI may be less than 100% in some cases.