THE #1 THING CLIENTS ASK FOR

It happens in almost every interaction I have with prospective clients. During the inquiry process I’ll be going through a list of questions, and ask something along the lines of “So what are you looking for”? And I’ll get the anticipated response…”I want something with LOW MAINTENANCE”. Great, I love that! Yet it can be such a loaded question. There are many ways to purposefully design a yard to be low maintenance, but I’ve found that it means different things to different people. Too often it just means people want to “set it and forget it”, but low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance! Clients may mean that they don’t want to mow grass, but large areas of rock/mulch could require hours of weeding/grooming to keep it looking pristine. Maybe they don’t mind lawn care, but have trouble staying on top of plant upkeep and bed maintenance. It’s important that I understand their desired level or type of maintenance, so I can assist them in choosing a landscape that will offer satisfaction for years to come.

In this post, I’ll be highlighting a few common styles/methods to achieve low maintenance landscaping, and the pros and cons to each that should be considered.

Xeriscaping is a popular trend in which a landscape is designed with slow growing, drought tolerant plants, and usually large expanses of rock ground cover or hard surfaces. Done well, this is an effective way to limit your maintenance requirements, and will save you money in the long run. However, this is not always the best option for our region, or for every property.

Things to consider when choosing this method…

Pros

• Very low maintenance once established.

• Can maintain visual interest year round.

• Requires little water or pesticides.

• Can create unique habitats for wildlife.

Cons

• Upfront cost is greater than traditional methods.

• Can be filled with leaves/dirt if close to large shedding trees, or windy areas.

• Will limit available play spaces for children and pets.

• May not be allowed in some developments.

Maintenance Requirements

• Watering and care of the new landscape until established.

• Occasional pruning.

• Occasional removal of leaves, dirt, and debris.

• Top up of mulch (if used), or grooming of rock beds that may be worn in or disturbed.

On the other end of the spectrum is Naturalization. In this style, low maintenance is achieved by allowing native plant species to dominate the landscape and prevent weeds and undesirable species from flourishing. This can be an effective way to reduce upkeep and create a vibrant ecosystem on your land. Use of locally sourced accent materials (rocks, driftwood, pavers, lumber, etc), will all help to make the landscape blend into its surrounding habitat. Benefits include: reduced pesticide use, increased wildlife habitats, pollinators, fruit bearing plants, and of course no-mow-zones. Take it a step further, by directing and capturing rainwater to reduce consumption, and run off issues. While there are many positives to this style, there is a fine line between natural and unkempt. Smart design and purposeful planting will keep everything in harmony, so nothing looks out of place.

Pros

• Low maintenance once established.

• Environmentally friendly.

• Provides habitats for many animals and insects.

• Can absorb pollutants and prevent runoff from leaching into waterways.

• Opportunity to produce food for humans and wildlife.

• Reduced maintenance costs.

• Creates a wonderful space for exploration and curiosity.

Cons

• Can look untidy and messy.

• Can be difficult to get established.

• WIll likely require “tinkering” to balance the ecosystem and prevent overgrowth of certain plants or wildlife.

• More expensive than traditional landscaping.

• Could attract unwanted wildlife and pests.

Maintenance Requirements

• Watering and care of the new landscape until established.

• Occasionally clearing walkways and paths that may be overgrown.

• Possible removal of invading species.

• Plant installation or removal to balance the ecosystem.

Synthetic or Artificial Turf isn’t necessarily a style/method on its own, but can be incorporated into almost any project to create low maintenance landscaping. Synthetic grass comes in all shapes and sizes, and is the epitome of low maintenance technology. While beginning as a sport field product (AstroTurf), it has evolved into a commercially available consumer product used in a variety of applications such as rooftop terraces, dog runs, and residential landscapes.

There are many views regarding its use, and a number of pros and cons to consider before utilizing it on your next project.

Pros

• No watering, or mowing required.

• Modern products can look very real.

• Can be used for outdoor recreation.

• Won’t get stained by pets.

• Looks good all the time.

Cons

• Is very expensive and difficult to install.

• Doesn’t promote natural habitats.

• Low quality products can look unsightly.

• Damage can be difficult to fix and doesn’t self heal like a natural lawn.

Maintenance

• Occasional dirt and debris removal

• Occasional re-brooming to lift matted fibers.

• Washing & deodorizing regularly if used for pets.

Minimal Landscaping is another method of achieving low maintenance landscaping.

While similar to xeriscaping in the use of more hard surfaces and less organic materials, it doesn’t necessarily focus on drought tolerant plants or even no grass. Simply put, minimal landscaping would be created using a limited palette of plants and materials with organized geometry to create a pleasing landscape that requires minimal upkeep. 

This style emphasizes a “less is more” approach and can feel very spacious and inviting. Repetitive patterns and limited palette aid in bringing a sense of calm and harmony. As with every style, the actual design is critical in making this style work, and the installation can be very time consuming to ensure perfect geometry and placement.

Here’s a few notable qualities to consider when choosing this method.

Pros

• Lower cost compared to other low maintenance methods.

• Less water and chemicals needed for upkeep.

• Low maintenance and upkeep costs.

Cons

• Can look plain if not designed well.

• Difficult to install (precision needed for intricate geometry)

• Less habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Maintenance

• Some watering and upkeep needed. 

• May include lawn areas that require weekly trimming.

• Occasional cleaning and grooming to ensure a pristine look.

I hope this helps you understand more about common styles/methods of low maintenance landscaping, and the pros and cons to each that should be considered. I still recommend doing your own research and speaking to qualified landscape professionals when planning your next landscape project. 

While I do my best to portray this topic accurately, it is by no means comprehensive. This is a compilation of my years of experience, research, and personal observations.