Maintaining a beautiful landscape can feel like a lot of work. If you want to enjoy an attractive yard without spending hours tending to it, choose easy-to-care-for features and plants. Here are a few tips to help you create a low-maintenance landscape you’ll enjoy all year round.
Choose the Right Plants for a Low-Maintenance Landscape
Selecting the right plants is key for any landscape project. Look for varieties adapted to your climate and soil type, as they will be easier to care for and more likely to thrive. Native plants are a good choice, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native ones. Choose plants well-suited to the amount of sun or shade in your yard, and consider their growth rate and ultimate size when deciding where to plant them.
Reduce the Amount of Lawn
A large expanse of grass can be beautiful, but it’s also one of the most high-maintenance features of a landscape. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and replacing it with low-maintenance groundcovers, such as creeping thyme or clover. These plants require less water and mowing than grass, adding color and texture to the landscape.
Low-Maintenance Landscape: Use Mulch
Mulch is a simple way to keep weeds at bay and conserve moisture in the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants, shrubs, and trees to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, are a great choice because they break down over time, adding nutrients to your soil.
Choose Hardscape Elements Wisely
Hardscape elements, such as pathways, decks, patios, and retaining walls, add beauty and functionality to your landscape. However, they can be high-maintenance if they require frequent cleaning or repairs. Choose durable hardscape materials, such as natural stone or concrete, that require minimal upkeep.
Plan for Water Conservation
Watering is one of the most time-consuming aspects of maintaining an attractive yard. Install a drip irrigation system or rain barrels to collect water and reduce your workload in watering the garden plants. Grouping plants with similar water needs together makes watering a more efficient process.
Maintain Your Landscape Regularly
While a low-maintenance landscape requires less work, it still requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Regular tasks such as pruning, deadheading, and fertilizing will help keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Watch for weeds, pests, and diseases and address them promptly before they become major problems.
Following these tips, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. You’ll save time and effort while providing a relaxing outdoor space for family and friends to enjoy.
American Dream Home Inspections provides inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Northern and Central New Jersey. Contact us to schedule our services.