I'm in Houston, and I have a large yard that's about half an acre with over 100 pine and oak trees, creating a lot of shade. Last year, my grass died because I don't have an irrigation system. I've had landscapers quote me $15,000 to $20,000 to install sod and add some plants, which seems really steep. I'm more interested in ground covers since they're generally cheaper and easier to maintain. Any suggestions on how to save money on landscaping and what plants might work well in my shady yard?
1 Answer
Honestly, laying sod in shady areas without an irrigation system could be throwing money away. Instead of grass, consider using shade-loving perennials! Plants like Carex, Asian Jasmine, mondo grass, ferns, and horseherb are all great options for low maintenance. Just watch for local deals on plugs; you can usually find flats of 30-50 for around $75-$125. Also, adding some native shrubs like American Beautyberry or dwarf Yaupon Holly not only adds structure but can also look beautiful! Keep an eye out for mulching deals or consider services like chipdrop for cost-effective mulch when you need it!
P.S. With 100 trees on your land, grassy areas might not be a viable option anyway, especially with so many oaks and pines!
I have clay soil too, would those plants still work? Should I till the land before planting? Thanks!