The bottom line is that some people don’t have much of a green thumb. If that’s you, then front and backyard landscaping might seem like a hassle, rather than a pleasure. But landscaping is integral to improving curb appeal and building property value — not to mention getting your family outside for some fresh air, instead of sitting in front of various screens all day.
The good news is that taking care of outdoor areas doesn’t need to take as much work as you might think. Here are three frequently overlooked ways of creating a low-maintenance yard:
- Try Hardscaping Design
What is hardscaping? Hardscaping is simply the aspect of landscaping design that uses non-live materials (think wood, stone and concrete, instead of bushes and flowers) to beautify your outdoor space. Hardscaping costs a bit more up front, but it can provide striking results and needs very little ongoing care. Many hardscaping projects also add gathering places and safety features to your yard — fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, stone patios, walls, etc. It’s the perfect blend of form and function.
- Be Regionally Smart
If you’ve filled quite a bit of your space with hardscaping, you’ll only need a few plants to make the yard feel inviting. The most important aspect of choosing low-maintenance greenery is planting appropriately for your region. If a certain plant grows naturally in your area, it won’t take too much work for you to keep it in good shape. Your local landscapers should be knowledgeable as to what will grow easily and what will take a bit more care.
- Pay Attention to Directions
It’s not just men who don’t like to read the instructions. One of the most common mistakes people make when planting is ignoring the sun or water requirements for any given plant. If you see a pretty shrub that says it needs full sun and you plant it in the shade instead, it’s going to take a lot more TLC (and even then, you might be unsuccessful in keeping it alive). You can always ask your landscapers if there’s a plant with a similar look that’s more appropriate for your planting conditions.
Do any of these ideas get you excited enough to call up your local landscapers and get started right away? Let us know what appeals to you — and what doesn’t — in the comments.