Coming home to a relaxing backyard space is just what you need to let go of the stresses of your day. But it can be hard to unwind if you’re constantly thinking about the next bit of upkeep you need to do. Just because your schedule is full doesn’t mean your backyard landscaping has to go overlooked. There are a variety of low maintenance backyard landscape ideas that will turn your space into the yard of your dreams without the need for sacrificing every minute of your free time.

Whether it’s plant selection, hardscaping, mulching, landscape design, and more, we’ve got you covered. Check out this guide and be inspired as we discuss low maintenance backyard landscaping designs that will have you falling in love with your property all over again.

Benefits of Backyard Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Implementing low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas offers a wide array of benefits for homeowners looking to minimize upkeep while maximizing enjoyment of their outdoor space. Starting with the NVS Project Planner and then consulting one of our professionals directly, we’ll work with you to create a beautiful and functional backyard retreat that requires minimal maintenance. 

Some benefits of backyard low maintenance landscaping ideas include:

• Time savings: The most important aspect of low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas is they reduce the need for constant maintenance. While it doesn’t eliminate a little maintenance, it makes it far more manageable than requiring frequent trimming, watering, and other time-consuming tasks.
• Cost-effectiveness: By choosing low maintenance plants and features, you can save money on water, fertilizer, and other maintenance costs over time. Time is money, but smart low maintenance backyard landscape ideas reduce expenses, as well.
• Sustainability: Drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping techniques used in your backyard low maintenance landscaping ideas help conserve water and promote a more sustainable backyard environment.
• Increased property value: Well-designed low maintenance landscaping quickly becomes backyard improvements that add value. They enhance the appeal of your home, potentially increasing its value should you decide to sell.
• Year-round aesthetics: Artificial turf and perennial plants can provide year-round greenery and color without the need for constant replanting or reseeding. This lessens the maintenance needed and complements other Upstate NY landscaping ideas.

Bonus Info: Thinking about selling your home this year? Check out more landscaping tips for selling your home after this article!

Low Maintenance Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Your Home

Creating a low maintenance backyard with sustainable gardening choices doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. With thoughtful planning and the right selections, you can design a stunning outdoor space that requires minimal upkeep.

Some low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas for your home are:

• Mulching
• Choosing the right plants
• Using drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping
• Adding hardscaping
• Installing a water feature
• Building a patio
• Choosing real grass vs artificial grass
• Edging your landscaping

Mulching

Mulching your garden beds is a simple and effective way to reduce maintenance. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, protect plants, and improve soil health. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or shredded bark, break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil and reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Mulching not only provides a neat and uniform look to your landscaping but is also an effective method of weed prevention, further cutting down on time spent maintaining your yard.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is key to a low maintenance landscape. Perennial plants, which come back year after year, require less maintenance than annuals that need to be replanted each year. Perennials also tend to be more drought-tolerant once established.

You should also consider using native plants in your landscaping. This reduces water usage and maintenance needs since they’re naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

Gardening Tip: In addition to choosing the right plants for your backyard, be aware that some kinds of flower gardens are easier to maintain than others. Consider different types of raised garden beds for your backyard low maintenance landscaping ideas. 

Using Drought-Tolerant Plants and Xeriscaping

Drought-tolerant plants, such as succulents, ornamental grasses, and lavender, are excellent low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas. These plants require minimal watering once established, making them ideal for homeowners looking to conserve water and reduce maintenance tasks.

Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that focuses on water conservation and requires minimal maintenance. By using drought-tolerant plants, gravel, rocks, and mulch, it reduces the need for consistent watering, fertilizing, and mowing. It’s a sustainable landscaping technique that helps homeowners create beautiful outdoor spaces that are environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.

Adding Hardscaping

Incorporating hardscaping features like gravel paths, outdoor kitchen design ideas, and retaining walls reduces the amount of grass and flower beds that need to be maintained. Using hardscaping for low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas also adds visual interest while increasing the functionality of your backyard. 

Through hardscaping, you have the chance to implement outdoor living space ideas like a dining space, gathering spot, or even just a place where you can relax solo. The opportunities are endless and our team of landscaping professionals will leave no detail overlooked.

Installing a Water Feature

Water features may sound like they’d be a lot of work but the truth is they’re an excellent choice when coming up with backyard low maintenance landscaping ideas. Not only do water features like fountains and pondless waterfalls add beauty and tranquility to your backyard, but their upkeep is relatively minimal.

Additional Info: NVS Waterscapes, a division of NVS Landscapes, is ready to build you the water feature installation of your dreams. Let our professionals show you how these low-maintenance installations can transform your backyard into the ultimate relaxation and entertaining space!

Building a Patio

While it falls under the category of hardscaping, building a patio is one of the best low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas and deserves its mention. A patio provides a functional outdoor living space that requires minimal maintenance.

Choose durable materials, such as concrete, pavers, or natural stone, that require little upkeep. Adding comfortable outdoor furniture and accessories can create a welcoming space for relaxing and entertaining.

Choosing Real Grass vs Artificial Grass

The debate between choosing artificial grass vs real grass may surprise you. While artificial turf requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing, it can get hot in direct sunlight and requires regular cleaning to remove debris.

Real grass, on the other hand, provides a natural look and feel. Keeping on top of this low maintenance lawn idea turns out to be more efficient than taking care of turf. If you don’t want to continue the upkeep there, you can also always leave it to the professionals and outsource lawn maintenance so you won’t need to lift a finger!

Edging Your Landscaping

Adding edging to your landscaping can help define garden beds and pathways, making maintenance easier. Edging also helps prevent grass and weeds from encroaching on your garden beds, reducing the need for frequent trimming and weeding.

Adding to the list of reasons landscape edging makes for the perfect low maintenance backyard landscaping idea is their erosion control from rainy days as well as protecting your flower beds from being accidentally trampled.

Incorporating these low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas into your yard lets you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that requires minimal upkeep. As always, the NVS Landscapes team is ready to bring your vision to life and give you the backyard you’ve always wanted! Ready to get started?

Contact us using the form below to discuss services, or give us a call!