Homeowners

5 Ways Homeowners Can Make Their Lawns Look Great on a Budget

A well-maintained yard can completely transform a home’s appearance—and you don’t have to spend a fortune on it. With a few strategic upgrades, you can make your lawn lush, polished, and inviting without breaking the bank.

The best part? Even little, low-cost improvements can make a big impact. In fact, basic lawn care—like mowing, fertilizing, and weed control—has a more than 200% return on investment, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

That means these simple steps may more than pay for themselves in added home value.

"Anytime I'm working with a client on a tight budget and timeframe, I focus on small upgrades that make a big visual impact," said Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens, which is based in Lake Ann, Michigan. "Even simple changes like defined garden edges or native plants can completely transform an outdoor space."

If you want a beautiful yard without spending a fortune, here are five ways to make your lawn look fantastic—on a budget.

1. Maintain a healthy lawn for less

A lush, green lawn makes a home look cared for and you don’t need a professional crew or expensive treatments to pull it off. Basic landscape maintenance, including mulching flower beds, pruning shrubs and trimming trees, can dramatically boost curb appeal. In fact, it offers more than a 104% return on investment, according to the NAR data.

One of the easiest ways to improve your lawn is to mow high instead of low. Cutting grass too short weakens it and invites weeds. Set your mower blade to about three inches to help your lawn grow in thick and healthy. You can also save money by using grass clippings as natural fertilizer or checking with your city for free compost programs.

Watering early in the morning or late in the evening reduces evaporation, and deep watering once or twice a week is more effective than daily sprinkles. For even better results, look into free soil testing through your local agricultural extension office to make sure you’re giving your lawn exactly what it needs—no more, no less.

2. Define your garden edges for instant polish

A well-defined border between your lawn and flowerbeds can make your yard look professionally landscaped—without the professional price tag.

"Landscape designers are often taught that clean edges make room for messy middles,” said Ohler. “What this means is the more clean and organized the edges of your flowerbeds are, the more wild and untended the middle of your beds can be while still keeping everything looking lovely.”

Instead of buying expensive edging, repurpose what you already have. Check Facebook Marketplace or local garden centers for leftover materials people are giving away—it’s surprising what you can find for free.

"Reuse old bricks, large rocks, or even large branches to define where the edge of a flowerbed ends and the start of a path or lawn begins," said Ohler.

3. Get free or cheap native plants for low-maintenance beauty

Plants that are native to your region are a budget-friendly way to fill your yard with color and life. Because they’re adapted to your local climate, they need less water, fertilizer, and attention than traditional landscaping plants.

"Native plants are naturally low maintenance,” said Ohler. “They have evolved specifically to thrive in their local ecosystems, so once established they don't require much upkeep."

Homeowners who opt for fast-spreading perennials such as yarrow, wild bergamot, and lanceleaf coreopsis can cover more ground with fewer plants. This reduces costs while adding long-lasting beauty.

To save money, look for plant giveaways through your city, local conservation groups, or botanical gardens. Many gardeners are also happy to share extra seedlings or cuttings through neighborhood groups or online forums.

"Many native plants will spread easily and stay lively even during periods of drought," said Ohler. "Another unexpected perk I frequently hear from my clients is how their gardens have come alive with visits from butterflies, birds, and bees, adding to the visual appeal even more."

4. Create budget-friendly pathways

Walkways make a yard look intentional and well-designed, but you don’t need expensive pavers or concrete.

"Having a defined path through your garden is a visually appealing way to make it more welcoming and properly define your softscapes from your hardscapes," said Ohler.

You can also get creative with materials you already have. Repurposed bricks, wood slices, or large flat stones make charming stepping paths.

Many landscaping companies or construction crews give away excess gravel or mulch, so it’s worth checking local listings, Facebook Marketplace, or community boards for free materials.

5. Use natural mulch to enrich your lawn and garden

Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, but buying it in bulk can get expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of free mulch options if you know where to look.

Many cities offer free mulch made from tree trimmings at local drop-off sites. Tree service companies may have extra wood chips they’re willing to deliver for free or for a minimal cost.

In your own yard, fallen leaves can be turned into nutrient-rich mulch by running them over with a lawnmower. Some libraries and community centers even offer free gardening resources like compost, seedlings, or seasonal mulch giveaways. So, it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.

"Mulching around plants is a common method of making landscapes look clean and polished," said Ohler.