14 Backyard Landscape Designs That Need Minimal Maintenance
Creating an inviting outdoor space doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, backbreaking endeavor. Although there’s no such thing as a truly zero-maintenance landscape, it is possible to create a stylish backyard with minimal upkeep. Read on for six simple design ideas that can spruce up your backyard and help you spend more time enjoying the landscape—not just working on it.
1. Build a Native Plant Garden
These drought-resistant, native plantings celebrate Southern California’s local flora.
What’s right for your backyard is highly dependent on your climate. For the best low-maintenance planting results, look for native plants that thrive in your region. Not only are these plants t››ypically easier to establish, but they also require far less water and overall maintenance to grow. As an added plus, your native plant garden will help support biodiversity by providing food and shelter to local fauna.
2. Save Space For Outdoor Entertaining
A variety of hardscapes offer a variety of textures and visual interest to this small backyard.
One of the easiest ways to cut down on backyard maintenance is by replacing lawn with hardscape. Whether it’s an outdoor brick patio or timber deck, hardscape helps define space for outdoor entertaining and reduces the amount of greenery you’ll need to prune and weed. However, finding the balance between hardscape and landscape is crucial, and may depend on your climate; in areas like Texas, too much hardscape can make a backyard unbearably hot in summer. For a more budget-friendly outdoor entertaining alternative, consider designing around a DIY fire pit focal point.
3. Set Down Some Pavers
Stepstone’s narrow concrete pavers add a graphic touch to this garden.
Spaced-out pavers or stepping stones offer an affordable alternative to hardscape. The shape, material, and arrangement of the pavers will also help define the character of your backyard, whether you’re going for a more playful or structured feel. To ensure long-term low maintenance, choose pavers made from sturdier, non-porous materials; set them on a sturdy foundation such as compacted sand to protect against sinking; and install pavers level to the land for easier mowing.
4. Add a Container Garden
Large container plants add a flourish of greenery in a small outdoor space.
Container gardening is an easy and fantastic way to add a bit of pizzazz to your backyard, especially if it’s on the smaller side. While container gardening may sound like a lot of work, you can minimize upkeep and the frequency of re-potting with the right plant and pot choices. Low-maintenance cacti and succulents are obvious options, but perennials, herbs, and shrubs can also thrive in a container. As for pots, choose something larger (colorful or sculptural pots also add personality) and a good potting soil mix specifically made for container plants. Overwintering your pots is also a possibility provided the pot is frost-resistant.
5. Introduce Rock Gardens or Xeriscaping
A water-saving project in Menlo Park includes a rock bed with succulents.
Replacing lawn with a ground cover of rocks or large boulder accents cuts down on upkeep and the need for irrigation. In addition to adding a rugged look to your backyard, sand- or stone-based ground cover can double as a weed suppressor and foundation for stepping stones. Moreover, choose low-maintenance plants, like sedum or succulents, to plant in the rock garden for beautiful contrast.
6. Incorporate Hardscape Elements for Added Interest
A backyard garden with varying-sized circular cement stepping stones, wood stairs, and an elevated planter filled with California-native plants.
Paver patios are a common hardscaping element in a home's landscape. Hardscaping is a technique that uses long-lasting materials to hold surrounding soil or water in place while still achieving the desired landscape design. They add a sophisticated visual appeal while providing a low-maintenance function to your landscaping.
7. Use Mulch Liberally
Permeable hardscaping retains moisture and helps reduce the need for watering.
Mulch is the unsung landscaping hero. It keeps the soil cool and moist while suppressing weeds. Mulch improves the appearance of garden beds and landscaped areas, offering a polished aspect that can boost a property's overall visual appeal.
8. Plant Evergreens for Year-Round Appeal
The landscaping features encore azaleas, arborvitae, and Japanese cypress.
Foliage that remains green and functional throughout multiple growing seasons adds structure, color, and texture to your landscape. Most evergreen plants require minimal maintenance and only require occasional trimming every once in a while. Evergreens are available in various sizes, from shrubs like gardenia and holly to large trees such as spruce and arborvitae.
9. Plant Ground Covers for Texture and Interest
Side yard with Japanese-influenced detailing and groundcovers.
Ground covers require less mowing and watering than traditional grass lawns, saving time and money. They also help to prevent soil erosion and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Creeping Thyme, clover, and monkey grass are good, low-maintenance options for ground covers.
10. Plant Climate-specific Grass for a No-Fuss Lawn
A perfectly groomed backyard lawn with a paver patio.
If a lush lawn is a must, consider a climate-specific grass. Choosing grass varieties well-suited to the local climate will ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn that requires less maintenance and water.
11. Consider Artificial Grass For a Tough Area
Water-saving artificial grass is perfect for a low-maintenance lawn.
Artificial grass offers several advantages, such as no water requirements, extreme durability, and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble real grass and provide a similar look and feel. Additionally, it’s a great option to use in areas where natural grass or ground covers struggle to grow.
12. Plant in Clusters to Minimize Watering
Clusters of perennials in a backyard garden.
Multiple plants of the same species are planted in close proximity to one another in cluster planting. This technique helps to create micro-environments in which plants can protect one another from the sun and wind. This lowers evaporation and helps to keep the soil moist, eliminating the need for frequent watering.
13. Choose Plants That Don’t Need Deadheading
Blooming sage and citrus trees line a wood path.
Deadheading refers to the process of removing spent flowers from plants, which can be a time-consuming task. Save time by choosing plants that don't require deadheading. These plants typically have self-cleaning flowers that drop off on their own, allowing new blooms to shine without needing constant maintenance.
14. Enhance Sloped Areas with a Retaining Wall
A stone retaining wall provides a level base for lush grass.
A retaining wall can benefit a sloped landscape by providing stability and preventing soil erosion. Additionally, it can create different levels or terraces, allowing for more efficient use of space and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden.
Related Reading:
What You Need to Know When Considering Working With a Landscape Designer
A Landscape Designer's Five Main Tips for Bringing the Outdoors In
Published
Last Updated