Maintaining your landscape and garden is a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
The best way to keep your yard looking great all year long is by using the right tools for the job. The right equipment can make any task easier and faster than if you were doing it with just your hands. A beautiful yard landscaping design also requires the right skills. You can get backyard design and landscaping ideas online to help inspire you.
When designing a new landscape, many things need to be considered. One of the most important aspects of a good landscape design is having a plan. This will allow you to know what you want so that you don’t waste time on something that isn’t working out. A yard landscaping design should include plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, water features, lighting, fences, walkways, patios, decks, and more.
There are many ways to create a landscape design; one of the easiest ways is to use an existing layout as inspiration. You can either draw up your design or look at other layouts online. There are many backyard grass designs that you can choose from. The best landscaping companies can advise you on which one would suit your needs.
Landscaping design adds quite a bit of value to your home, adding both function (especially with backyard landscaping) and curb appeal (particularly with front yard landscaping). But if you haven’t got much of a green thumb, the idea of a complete landscaping design might be intimidating. Here are three steps you can follow to get a superb look with minimal maintenance:
- Start With Hardscaping IdeasOne of the best ways to create a stand-out landscaping design while drastically reducing maintenance is starting with hardscaping. Hardscaping is simply the portion of landscaping that uses non-plant materials (such as wood and stone). Consider built-in benches, wooden archways and pergolas, and beautiful stone-clad retaining walls. Cut down on grassy areas by laying flagstone patios and creating meandering pathways through the yard. Do everything you can to create an intimate and high-end feel with materials you won’t need to water.If you’re focused on adding value to your house, you might to go with higher-end projects, particularly in the backyard. Built-in fireplaces with craftsman masonry or outdoor kitchens are both big selling points if you’re looking to put your house on the market in the near future.
- Fill In With Landscaping DesignOnce you have your hardscape elements in place, you can use smaller amounts of greenery to keep the space from feeling like too much of a concrete jungle. Choose bushes and shrubs (which are less fussy than flowers), and fill beds and the areas around trees with mulch, wood chips or gravel. Try to keep a few grassy areas, since lawns actually require less care than many other types of landscaping.You may be tempted to use all succulents or cacti, since you’ve probably heard that these plants require far less maintenance than others. But that’s only true if you live in a desert region with the proper temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Generally, the plants that grow naturally in your region will be easier to care for than any sort of imported varieties.
- Plan for Lawn Care ServicesIf you’re really worried about taking care of the few lawn areas and plants you do have, there are many lawn care companies who can keep things looking tidy for a reasonable monthly fee. If you want to reduce the frequency at which you need professional services, ask for some simple lawn care tips that you can perform in between visits to keep your landscaping investment in good shape.
How else can landscaping be designed for minimal maintenance? Share your tips in the comments.