Every outdoor space requires upkeep, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. There are plenty of ways to have a beautiful and functional backyard without an abundance of regular maintenance. Here are some great ways to create a low-maintenance backyard:
Lawn alternatives
A grass lawn is a huge source of garden labor. Many homeowners struggle with taking care of their lawns to the point of frustration. Luckily, there are some excellent alternatives to a grass lawn that are lower-maintenance and more environmentally friendly. Instead of grass, you could plant lush and hardy ground cover plants like clover or even moss. You can also opt for nonliving alternatives like rocks, gravel or bark. Replacing your lawn with something less labor-intensive will save you time, energy and resources.
Native plants
A smart way to make your yard low-maintenance is by using native plants. With native plants, there is no worry about them adapting to the local climate. Plants that are native to your area will thrive even with practically zero maintenance, and also help maintain the local ecosystem. Many garden centers and nurseries specialize in native varieties and can help you find the perfect shrubs, grasses, trees and flowers for your low-maintenance yard.
Mulch
Mulch is an incredibly useful material for low-maintenance yards and gardens. While it might just seem like dirt, mulch will keep your other plants healthier by regulating temperature, soil moisture and preventing weeds. Another benefit of using mulch is that it will allow many of your plants to remain in the ground during winter, rather than requiring tearing out and replanting. Using mulch in your yard will mean less watering, less weeding and less time worrying about the health of your other plants.
These are just a few ways to make your backyard low-maintenance. With practical and creative choices, you can have a beautiful and functional yard that won’t dominate your free time.