Editorial team
The LandscapeLookup editorial team writes guides to help US homeowners plan yard projects and hire the right pro. Each guide is based on university extension services, government sources such as EPA WaterSense and USDA, manufacturer instructions and published cost guides, and links to them so you can check the details.
Composite decking costs more up front (about $12–$22 per sq ft for boards vs. $2–$5 for pressure-treated wood) but needs only cleaning. Wood is cheaper to build and easy to repair, but needs refinishing every 1–6 years.
August 19, 2026
Use drip irrigation for beds, shrubs, trees and gardens, and sprinklers for lawns. Drip is over 90% efficient versus 50–70% for sprinklers, and EPA says it uses 20–50% less water. Many yards use both, on separate zones.
August 18, 2026
Most tree removals cost about $385–$1,070, with national averages of $630–$850. Small trees can run a few hundred dollars, while very large or hard-to-reach trees can top $2,000. Stump grinding and hauling are often extra.
August 17, 2026
