Landscaping your home is no small task, but that is not to say that it can't be fun and rewarding as well. Assuming you have done your homework, created a landscape plan, a sound budget, and an affordable shopping list, it is time for your last step before you get down to the fun work; it is time to get your landscape supplies.
You always need to find the right landscape supply and the right tool for the job, and that statement holds especially true when applied to landscaping work. But before you run out and purchase a tool for every conceivable landscaping application, take the time to study your landscape plan to make sure you only purchase items that you will really need. Further, if you utilized landscaping software to help you create your landscape design you may have a shopping list function that is part of the software package. If so then creating your list of landscape supplies could be as simple as clicking a printer icon!
Different designs require different landscape supplies, but there are a few items that you are almost certain to need. Landscape fabric is a breathable layer of sheeting that acts as a base for areas where you are not trying to grow plants, grass or flowers, such as mulch or stone covered areas. The landscape fabric acts as a barrier that allows water to drain through it, but also prevents weeds and other undesired plants from growing.
The tools of the landscaping trade can be as varied as the projects themselves, but no list of landscape supplies would be complete without a few of the most basic staple items. Shovels, pruners, hoes, rakes, wheelbarrows, and trowels are must have items for any landscape project.
Additional supplies that you will likely need are things like grass seed, fertilizer, sprinklers, mulch, stones, plants, flowers, and shrubs. Add to that your basic lawn care items, such as a lawnmower, weed trimmer, and edger, and you have the basic landscape supplies you need to tackle most basic projects and maintain your work after it is completed.
Ultimately, the list of landscape supplies that you will need will be defined by the project you are undertaking and the land on which you have to work. A rolling property with natural tiers can make your job quite a bit easier, and your list of landscape supplies is sure to reflect that. However, a flat property with little in the way of defining characteristics will require much more work and materials to bring it to life. Naturally, if your landscape design includes things like lighting, water features, and pathways, the size of your landscape supply list can jump exponentially.
When it comes time to purchase your landscape supplies there are several options you may wish to entertain. The obvious choice is to shop one of the large home improvement stores that dot the current retail landscape. Not only do these big box stores have a wide selection and competitive prices, they also have helpful staff members who can answer your questions and get you off on the right foot.
Another option is to buy your supplies directly from a company that specializes in landscape supplies. Mulch, plants, stones, and pavers are just a few of the items that specialty dealers can provide, and they can often deliver those items to your doorstep at a competitive price as well. Lastly, your local landscape contractors may have excess supplies from their professional jobs, and they may be willing to part with those items at a deep discount. But no matter which direction you turn, remember that the best way to save money is to buy only what you need, so let your landscape plan dictate your list of landscape supplies; and then get to work and have fun!
When you are about to start a landscaping project, picking the right landscape supply store can make a huge difference to your bottom line. You can't approach this like a normal consumer; rather, approach finding a supplier for your landscape project like you are doing a huge job and need to save money where possible. There are quite a few landscape supply stores out there, but only a few are worth dealing with, and they aren't the ones you see advertising sales on TV.
The landscape supply stores you are looking for are the ones that cater to people who work in the landscaping industry. These landscape supply stores sell their products at an often hefty chunk below retail, but still above wholesale. If you can manage to both find them and convince them to sell to you, you can save a ton of money on your landscaping project. This can be difficult, however, as many of these stores do not like to deal with the general public.
Try talking to some professional landscapers and see if you can pry some information about their suppliers out of them. They will often be reluctant to divulge this information, but with patience, persistence, and a little bit of luck you can find out where the landscape supply stores you are looking for are. Then go to this store and see if they will actually sell to you. A lot of stores that cater to the professionals are not usually open for sales to the general public.
If you don't have any success in getting a contractor to tell you where the good suppliers are, you can always go through the phone book and look for landscape supply stores that way. Try checking different categories if you are not having any luck with the one your are searching under. Basically, do whatever you have to to find out where the professionals are getting their landscaping supplies from. They all have to buy from somewhere, and no self-respecting contractor pays retail for his materials, so they have to be getting it from somewhere. The money saved in the long run by finding the right landscape supply store is well worth the hassle of finding it in the first place.
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