Budgeting Tips from a San Diego Landscape Designer

Hi, I’m a landscape designer here at Intu Nature Landscape Associates, and if you’re thinking of upgrading your outdoor space without overspending, you’re in the right place.

Many of my clients in San Diego are done with turf and the watering bills that come with it. Instead, they want bold, low-maintenance planters filled with boulders, cobbles, and native plants that look great and use very little water.

That switch? It saves money—but only if you plan right. So today, as a San Diego landscape designer I’m sharing some of the budget-smart strategies I use when helping clients like you design beautiful, drought-tolerant landscapes.

Table of Contents

1. Know What You Can Spend (and Stick to It)
2. Start Small—You Don’t Have to Do It All at Once
3. Save on Water, Save on Bills
4. Table: Cost Comparison – Turf vs Drought-Tolerant Landscape
5. Use Local, Low-Water Plants
6. Where to Spend and Where to Save
7. Work with a Designer Who Gets It
8. People Also Ask (FAQs)

Know What You Can Spend (and Stick to It)

Let’s be honest—most landscape projects can run off the rails if you don’t set a budget from the start. Before I draw a single sketch, I always ask: What’s your real budget? Not your dream number, your real one.

You don’t need $50,000 to have a great space. I’ve worked with clients who spent $5,000 and ended up with something they truly loved. The key is being smart with your priorities.

Start Small—You Don’t Have to Do It All at Once

Trying to landscape your whole property at once can get expensive fast. I always remind people: it’s okay to phase it out.

Start with the area you use most, like the front yard or a key walkway. Then move on when you’re ready. This way, you stay within budget and still see progress.

Save on Water, Save on Bills

This is one of the biggest perks of skipping turf. According to a source, over half of residential water use goes to outdoor irrigation.

When we replace turf with mulch, cobble beds, and native plants, I often see homeowners cut water use by 30–70%. That means your landscape is not only pretty—it’s working for your wallet too.

Table: Cost Comparison – Turf vs Drought-Tolerant Landscape

Feature	Traditional Turf Yard	Drought-Tolerant Design
Water Bill (Monthly Avg.)	$60–$120	$10–$30
Annual Maintenance	High (mowing, fertilizing, seeding)	Low (occasional trimming, minor weeding)
Upfront Installation Cost	Medium	Medium–High (initial cost can be more, but pays off)
Long-Term Savings	Low	High
Visual Appeal Year-Round	Can brown in summer	Looks great all year

Source: California Water Efficiency Partnership, 2023

Use Local, Low-Water Plants

San Diego’s climate is perfect for native plants. They’re tough, pretty, and don’t complain when the weather gets hot and dry.

Some of my favorites? Agave, sage, manzanita, and California lilac. They do great in cobble beds or among boulders and need almost no water once they’re settled in.

Where to Spend and Where to Save

Not every part of your budget has to be a splurge. Here’s a little secret I tell every client:

• Splurge on: irrigation system, soil prep, and your statement features (like a gorgeous boulder or metal planter).
• Save on: ground cover (gravel or mulch), plant size (smaller plants grow quickly), and DIY features (like a path made of stepping stones).

A well-placed $300 boulder can make more impact than a $3,000 fountain. It’s all about choosing what pops.

Work with a Designer Who Gets It

Here’s where it really pays off—working with someone local who understands what grows here, what doesn’t, and how to keep you on budget.

I’m not here to push big-ticket items. I’m here to help you build a space that fits your life and doesn’t blow your budget.

People Also Ask (FAQs)