How to Create a Low-Maintenance Backyard Without Sacrificing Style

You dream of a beautiful backyard. But maintaining that Instagram-worthy landscape isn’t realistic. You just don’t have time to water, weed, and mow all the time.

Wait… there’s good news!

You can absolutely have a low maintenance backyard that looks incredible.

In fact, a well-designed, low maintenance backyard can actually outshine traditional landscaping.

Let’s dive into:

Why Low-Maintenance Backyards Rock
The Materials You Need To Know
Tried and True Design Tips
Features Everyone Should Consider

Table of Contents

Why Low-Maintenance Backyards Rock

We spend 70 hours a year just mowing the lawn. That’s almost two entire weeks of work each year just cutting grass.

Yikes.

And think about how much time you spend watering, weeding, dead-heading flowers, pruning bushes, trimming trees, and planting new things.

Homeowners just want to kick back and enjoy their backyard.

That’s why low-maintenance landscaping is becoming more popular. Traditional landscaping is hard work. Anyone who dreams of a pretty backyard wants to spend more time relaxing in it and less time sweating over it.

People are starting to figure out that low maintenance doesn’t mean boring. It just means being smart about how you build your outdoor space from the start.

The Materials That Make Your Life Easier

Your choice of materials can make or break your low maintenance backyard dreams. This is where most people go wrong.

But not you.

Let’s take a look at some of your material options that actually reduce upkeep.

Composite Decking

You know composite decking for outdoor spaces is a great investment. By working with a reputable composite materials supplier, you get decking that will withstand the elements year after year without fading, cracking, or splintering.

Standard decking has a lifespan of around 25 years. Pressure treated wood? About 10-15 years. You read that right.

How do composites last so long?

The manufacturing process uses recycled wood fibers combined with a durable polymer. This stands up to heavy foot traffic, ultraviolet rays, rain, and snow much better than regular wood.

No decking maintenance means:

You don’t have to stain and seal your deck every year
You won’t have pesky splinters
Won’t have to replace warped or rotting boards

People are starting to notice. The composite decking market is growing by 16.6% each year. As homeowners learn the benefits, demand is increasing.

Native Plants

Landscaping with plants that thrive in your region will save up to 80% of your water bill once they’re established. Native plants are adapted to your local environment. That means you don’t have to tend to them as much.

But here’s the best part…

Native plant species have already adapted to your area’s rainfall levels, soil conditions, and temperature changes.

When you landscape with flora that grows wild in your area already, you don’t have to fight nature to keep your plants alive.

Hardscaping Materials

Using stone or gravel for pathways, groundcover, and even patio areas adds beauty to your backyard without requiring maintenance. Hardscaping also offers benefits like improved drainage and limiting weed growth.

Smart additions like stone paths can:

Replace areas of grass you’d otherwise have to mow
Add dimension and interest to your outdoor space
Create spaces dedicated to entertaining guests

Time-Tested Design Tips

Don’t underestimate the power of good design. Haphazardly planting things willy-nilly may look nice at first. But if you didn’t put any thought into your backyard design, it’ll start to feel like work again.

Create Zones

Group areas of your backyard by purpose and maintenance needs. Spend your time and money where people will see it. There’s less need for fancy materials at the far edges of your yard.

Near your house is where you’ll spend most of your time. Focus your efforts there.

As you move further away from your home, you can transition into mulch and low-litter plants that look nicer but don’t require much attention.

This doesn’t just apply to landscaping vs deck vs patio materials.

Think about creating conversation areas. Or defining spaces for cooking outdoors vs just relaxing.

Think Outside the Grass Lawn

Putting down traditional grass as your backyard’s groundcover is a surefire way to increase maintenance.

Think about alternatives like ground covers.

Rolling yards of creeping thyme or moss provide full coverage without you needing to mow.

These alternatives also help suppress weeds and can even reduce how much you need (or have to) water your backyard.

Once they’re established, you can basically forget about these ground covers exist.

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

A two to three-inch layer of mulch around your landscaping will work wonders. Mulch retains moisture in the soil so you don’t have to water as often.

Weed growth is also inhibited by mulch. It can even temper soil temperatures during hot summers and cold winters.

Unlike compost, hardwood mulch will only need to be topped off every few years as it breaks down.

Don’t Leave Out The Extras

Materials and design play a huge role in your low maintenance backyard. But there are a few extras that can help you dream things up.

Automate What You Can

Irrigation systems used to be pretty simplistic. Turn on in the morning. Turn off when you leave for work.

Now? Irrigation is smart.

Many sprinkler systems can adjust how much water your landscaping needs based on recent weather conditions. That means your plants get just enough hydration without you having to monitor rainfall.

You won’t have to lug around a hose every morning or worry about drought stress on your plants during heat waves.

Make the Most Out Of Your Deck or Patio

Outdoor living areas are hot right now. If you have the room, a deck or patio can extend your living space into the backyard.

No grass to cut = less maintenance.

Not only do decks and patios offer low-maintenance benefits. Data shows that having an outdoor living space can increase your home’s value.

When comparing real estate listings, the ones with built-in decks consistently sell for more money.

Buyers are looking for reasons to spend more on a home. If you provide them with features they know they won’t have to work to maintain, they’re more likely to pay the asking price.

Include areas for seating, comfortable furniture, and even lighting so you can use your backyard at night.

Don’t forget about your deck or patio when designing your backyard.

Low-Maintenance Lighting

Want landscape lighting that you never have to think about? Solar powered options are becoming more popular.

You don’t even need special wiring. As long as your lighting fixtures are in a spot that gets sun for most of the day, they’ll illuminate properly at night.

And modern solar lighting is bright.

Look for quality builds that use weather resistant materials. This will help your fixtures last for years with little to no maintenance.