Improving your home’s exterior can provide the finishing touch, and can also improve your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Hiring a professional landscaper can yield breathtaking results, but can also cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately there are a few low-cost options if you want to tackle your outdoor project yourself.

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Edging and border materials don’t have to be expensive. Some of the most popular edgings are railroad ties and rocks, both of which can be obtained for free. If you happen to live near railroad tracks, simply ask any railroad workers you happen to see. They are usually glad to get rid of the old railroad ties. These will last almost forever in your garden, and won’t move easily once they settle into the soil. The downside to railroad ties is that they are difficult to cut. You will need to rent or borrow a chain saw if you don’t have one, but the results are worth it.

Large rocks are everywhere, but you will find as many as you need in almost any creek bed. Be prepared to make a lot of trips, as they are heavy and it is difficult to carry too many at once. However, compared to prices at landscaping stores, they are a real bargain. They can also create a garden with real character. Be careful not to trespass onto private property, and use caution when walking in water – wet rocks are slippery.

Check with your town hall to see if they provide free mulch. Many municipalities have brush and tree collection programs. They turn the trees into wood chips, and then distribute them to residents. Some towns do this for free, and others charge a small fee, but it is usually far less than the retail price.