We all want a yard that looks nice. However, you might be tired of the work that goes into maintaining your yard.
The frequent mowing, watering, fertilizer, trimming bushes, and more.
Depending on your yard, it can feel like you have a second job. Along with that, there can be significant costs that come with maintaining your yard.
If you want to save time and money while maintaining an attractive yard, there are things you can do.
Homeowners can take various steps to design outdoor spaces that require less maintenance.
It might require a little effort and investment upfront, but it will save you more in the long run.
Start With a Plan
Creating a low-maintenance yard is a strategic endeavor.
If you don’t have a plan, you won’t be able to get the most from the project.
That means you need to sit down to develop a plan before you head outside to start any of the work.
Think about how you want to use your yard and how you want it to look.
Make a list of the types of features you want. Learn about your climate, the ecosystem of your yard, and the types of plants that will work well.
There is a lot to consider when planning your landscaping.
Grow Native Plants
Many homeowners make the mistake of planting trees and other plants that are not suited to their yards.
They might have the potential to look nice, but they require so much work to maintain.
If you don’t do the work, they might even make your yard look worse.
Learn about plants that are native to your area and ones that will survive well in your climate.
This will help to cut down on yard work because these plants will require little to no care once they are planted.
Consider Grass Alternatives
The lawn is one of the most labor-intensive parts of a yard. That lush, green carpet might look nice, but it takes so much work to maintain.
Beyond regular mowing during the growing season, you might have to fertilize the lawn, water the grass, and reseed.
Even with all that work, you might still have issues with yellow patches and weeds.
Finding grass alternatives could be one way to cut a significant amount of work from your yard maintenance schedule.
Some homeowners use an alternative ground cover that grows better than grass.
Others might choose gravel or mulch as an alternative. Switching to artificial grass is another way to keep a green lawn with less work.
Opting for artificial grass turf is a smart choice if you’re seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and visually appealing alternative to natural grass.
Mulch Garden Beds and Near Shrubs
Mulch can also do a lot to help you create an attractive yard that requires less maintenance.
Laying it in garden beds and around shrubs can be a way to maintain soil health.
It can also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and reduce the need for watering.
As another benefit, it can be a way to reduce the amount of grass you have to cut if you keep your lawn.
You could mulch more areas around features in the yard and limit the amount of grass you have.
Remove the Swimming Pool
A swimming pool can feel like a real luxury on a hot summer day. It is nice to walk out your back door and take a dip in the pool.
However, a pool adds so much work to your outdoor maintenance. Along with that, they are expensive to maintain.
If you want to reduce the cost and time of working in your yard, you need to remove your pool.
According to an expert from Van’s Hauling, a company that does pool removal in Phoenix, “Pool removal is a multi-stage process.
Beyond permitting, you need to drain the pool and break up the materials that make up the lining.
You then need to haul the old materials away and fill in the hole.”
Add More Hardscape Features
Concrete, brick, and stone are low-maintenance materials to have in your yard.
That means increasing the amount of hardscaping can help you reduce yard maintenance.
You could connect more spaces with nice walkways. You could also build a patio or an outdoor dining area.
Maybe you have always wanted a sitting area in your garden. The hardscaping will have an upfront cost, but it will save on work and expenses in the future.
Consider Container Gardening
Container gardens can also be a great way to reduce yard work. As a start, plants in containers are often easier to maintain.
Along with that, it gives you more control over the conditions. It is easier to manage the soil, water, sunlight, and more.
Container plants can also be a nice touch if you hardscape much of your yard.
With more concrete and stone, container plants can add more life and color to the space.
With these tips, you can develop a yard that will be cheaper and easier to maintain.
If you are smart about planning, the space can even be more attractive and more functional.