Tips for Creating a Low-Maintenance Outdoor Landscape Design
On February 22, 2023 by Walter PowellCreating an outdoor landscape doesn’t have to require hours of back-breaking labor. With a few simple low-maintenance tricks, you can turn your yard into an enjoyable place to spend time.
One of the most crucial low-maintenance landscaping tips is choosing the right plants that thrive in your region and soil type. Selecting native plants that require little water and have natural defenses against pests will keep your garden looking great for years.
Choose Plants That Don’t Need Much Water
A low-maintenance outdoor Los Altos landscape design must use plants that require less water. Choosing plants that are right for your soil and environment is simple.
For example, many agaves have deep-set roots that absorb moisture from the ground and store it within their foliage. It makes them drought-tolerant and ideal for hot arid climates.
These plants are also known for their beautiful colors and are great additions to any yard or garden. Other plants that don’t need much water include bougainvillea, Lantana, and Portulaca.
To create a low-maintenance outdoor landscape, consider choosing plants native to your region. These plants have evolved to survive in your particular climate and soil conditions, and they’re also less likely to be susceptible to pests like weeds. Whether working on an outdoor landscape design or just trying to create a more low-maintenance space, choosing plants that don’t need much water is essential. It will help you save time and energy and make your garden easier to maintain.
An excellent place to start is with shrubs, groundcover plants, and perennials that don’t need a lot of water. A few popular choices include cistus, oleander, Mexican orange tree, perovskites, cinquefoil, and escallonia.
Some flowering annuals are also low-maintenance, including golden marigolds. This bright-yellow biennial doesn’t require a lot of water and is an excellent choice for sunny gardens.
Another flowering plant that doesn’t require a lot of water is statice. It is a trailing plant that’s an excellent choice for using along a garden wall or to fall over raised beds.
If you need help choosing plants that don’t need a lot of maintenance, you can consult your local extension office or your favorite gardening magazine. The key is selecting plants suited to your region and soil type.
Add Mulch
Mulching is a great way to keep your garden looking lush and green. It also helps retain moisture and protects your topsoil from washing away in storms.
The type of mulch you use can make a difference. It’s best to choose a mulch that adds nutrients to the soil. The most common options are shredded bark, wood, or stone.
You can try nut hulls or cocoa bean shells if you want something different. These can be a little more expensive and may not work well with certain plants, but they can smell good.
You can also choose to use a mixture of different materials, such as leaves or shredded leaves (leaf mold). It does a great job of suppressing weeds and will help prevent the spread of diseases.
You can also use other green or dried plant materials such as cut cover crops, pine needles, and dry grass clippings. These are easy to chop into small pieces before spreading over the soil surface. This mulch will decompose over time and release nutrients into the soil as they mellow.
Choose Plants That Don’t Need Much Pruning
One of the best ways to create a low-maintenance outdoor landscape design is by selecting plants that don’t need much pruning. It will save you time and money and keep your garden neat.
The best low-maintenance shrubs are easy evergreens that will settle into any soil with minimum fuss. They will only require watering when it’s scorched and an occasional light trimming.
Another great way to add a little drama to your garden is by choosing hedging that offers maximum visual impact and requires minimal maintenance. For an elegant touch, try box hedging or laurel hedges.
These shrubs are also a good choice for adding height to a space, so they are an excellent option for creating some extra curb appeal. You can also choose a variety of different sizes to ensure there’s a perfect match for your space.
Choose Plants That Don’t Need Much Fertilizing
Plants that thrive on minimal fertilizing will save you time, money, and frustration. They’ll grow stronger and healthier without the added work of applying fertilizer every week.
If you’re unsure how much a particular plant needs, it’s best to test your soil. It will tell you whether or not it requires fertilizing and, if so, what fertilizer to use.
For example, some plants require more nitrogen than others. Nitrogen helps plants photosynthesize, promotes healthy foliage and flowering, and encourages fruit growth.
However, some plants need much less fertilizing, so it’s essential to know the specific nutritional needs of each plant.
For example, Anthuriums are highly decorative plants with glossy leaves that can tolerate a light application of a quarter-strength fertilizer once a year. Some flowers require more phosphorus, so read the fertilizer instructions carefully.
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