Low-maintenance backyard landscaping ideas to try at home

by Daniel Martin 03/24/2024

Even for experienced gardeners, it can be easy to spend too much time keeping up with your backyard. Landscaping ideas can inspire but also inhibit - how can you find time to take care of such a stylish outdoor space?

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to create a low-maintenance landscape without it feeling lazy. With the right plant and design choices, you can even create a backyard garden that does your work for you. Here are some great tips for a low-maintenance backyard:

Drought-tolerant perennials

One of the simplest ways to cut your time spent on your garden is by reducing the amount of watering you need to do. Luckily, there are plenty of drought-tolerant plants you can introduce to your landscaping design that can go longer in between watering sessions.

To get the most out of the least amount of water and care, try planting some drought-tolerant perennials. Shrubs like butterfly bush and Russian sage are perfect for areas with full sun, where the soil will dry out more quickly.

Lawn alternatives

Another helpful backyard landscaping idea to cut back on garden maintenance is to get rid of your grass lawn. Not only will you save time and effort not having to weed, mow and water it, you’ll have the opportunity for creating interesting textures and plant combinations in the same space.

For shady patches of your yard, try planting moss. Most mosses are virtually maintenance free but create a lush, soft surface for the ground. In more sunny areas, ground cover crops like stonecrop, lamb’s ear and creeping thyme do well with a slew of backyard landscaping ideas.

Rock gardens & hardscape elements

Introducing hardscape elements like natural stone is a simple backyard landscaping idea for a low maintenance outdoor living space. Rock gardens are made up of stone and drought tolerant plants, either arranged in artistic or organic designs. Mixing a variety of different textures, colors and shapes of stone adds aesthetic appeal without adding more living things to take care of.

A stone patio or backyard fire pit are also low maintenance hardscape elements to consider. While they take more time and effort to install, they require very little upkeep and maintenance.

These are only a few low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas you can try. With the right choice of plants and decorative elements, you can make sure you work smarter rather than harder in maintaining your outdoor space.

About the Author
Author

Daniel Martin

Membership:

National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR)

Bridgeport Board of Realtors

Valley Board of Realtors

Greater Fairfield County CMLS

Connecticut CTMLS

Education:

Principals and Procedures of Real Estate

Naugatuck Valley Community College

Connecticut School of Electronics

Housatonic Community College

Achievements:

Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor 2014-2023

Top Producer

Top Listing Agent

Top Selling Agent

Professional Specialty:

My experience and expertise in the home selling and buying process gives my clients an advantage in any real estate market.

*First Time Home Buyers

*Single Family Homes

*Multi-Family Homes

*Land

*New Construction

*New Residential Developments

*Condominiums

*Downsizing

*Rentals

Personal:

Lifelong Connecticut Resident

Married with 2 Children, 3 Grandchildren

Musician

Golf Enthusiast

Areas Covered:

I specialize in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. *Shelton *Trumbull *Stratford *Bridgeport *Fairfield *Milford *Danbury Beacon Falls *Brookfield *Naugatuck Valley It doesn't stop there - I can also refer to anywhere in the world! Niche Marketing My background in customer service and technology gives me a step ahead of the competition. I use every available Marketing Resource to make your home stand out.