The Cost of Cutting Corners

No one wants to overpay for landscaping, and in a market like Austin’s, where quality landscape design-build projects can run from tens of thousands to well over six figures, the temptation to find a “good deal” is real. 

Over the years, we’ve learned that communication and proper implementation really can keep unexpected costs and aggravations to a minimum. And it’s not because expensive is always better; landscape construction does have some essential needs. If those are compromised to make a bid more attractive, the issues won’t stay hidden for long. 

Common Points of Failure

Soil preparation

A large portion of Austin, particularly east of I-35, sits on clay soils (known as Blackland Prairie clay). West Austin sits on the Edwards Plateau, which is limestone with a thin layer of topsoil. Both dense and poorly draining. Proper soil prep means:

• Excavation to appropriate depth (often deeper for plant beds)

• Amendment with quality compost and topsoil

• Proper grading for drainage

This can be expensive, time-consuming, and is completely invisible once the hardscaping and plants go in. So it can be something budget contractors cut. 

Unfortunately, this leads to struggling plants, constant drainage issues, and hardscaping that could need reconstruction within a few years. 

Material Appropriateness

There are times when lower-cost materials can be effective, but choosing the right ones for the application, climate, or conditions is necessary. A few to keep in mind:

• Plants chosen for aesthetics only, not suitability, can result in having to replace them

• Mulch on slopes can float away during heavy rains, and be dangerous

• Improper pavers in high-traffic areas can crack and become uneven

Installation Speed & Quality

Landscape installation has an organic pace. Soil needs to settle, compacting base sometimes happens in stages, plants need proper depth and planting technique. Common shortcuts could mean:

• Hardscaping shifts more than allotted due to the insufficient compaction of the base material

• Plant health is at risk if planted too deeply or too shallowly

• Improper watering due to the irrigation not being tested once installed

• Drainage deemed "good enough" without examining & measuring the property slopes

Design 

Professional landscape design considers an array of factors leading into a project. This is a time to collaborate with our clients to apply their wants and needs with our expertise to ensure things are not getting lost. Having a quick sketch and a list of plants won’t suffice. 

Things to consider:

• Where does the afternoon sun hit (especially in the summer)?

• Where does water flow during heavy rain? 

• How big will plants get once matured? 

• What zones are needed for irrigation? 

Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about thinking strategically about what makes it all work together. 

How to Evaluate Bids

If you are comparing landscape proposals, here are some questions we recommend asking:

• Are the materials chosen appropriate for the specific application? 

• Why were they chosen for these locations?

• What’s the install timeline and crew size? 

• What does the warranty actually cover, and what’s excluded? 

Red Flags:

• The bid is significantly lower than others, with no explanation

• Vague answers about materials (“industry standard”)

• Can’t explain why specific materials were chosen for the applications

• No detailed scope of work

Green Flags:

• Detailed breakdown of proposal

• Willingness to explain cost differences and choices

• Can articulate why specific materials are right for your conditions

• Established business with experience

• A designer who asks questions about your property and how you’ll use the space

Bottom Line

The goal isn’t to spend the most money. You want to spend money once, on work that lasts. In Austin’s climate, soil conditions, and extreme weather, there is little room for shortcuts. The fundamentals, materials, and choices matter, and when they are compromised to hit a budget, your project is already on borrowed time.