DESIGN
Spend more time enjoying your outdoors and less time working on it
While some people consider an expansive lawn low-maintenance, others cringe at the thought of spending every Saturday afternoon mowing and edging it. Finding what works best for you is key. In this article, we'll share effective strategies to reduce your yard work so you can spend time outdoors with your loved ones doing the things you enjoy. Keep reading to find out how…
When creating a low-maintenance landscape in Utah, it's best to start by evaluating your property. Knowing the type of soil you have and how much sunshine and water your property gets will help determine the design of your landscape.
Take note of any existing plants and features that demand high maintenance or may not thrive in Utah's climate. By identifying these elements, you can make informed decisions about what to keep, remove or replace.
Define what low-maintenance means to you. Knowing how much maintenance work you can tolerate will guide your design choices and ensure a successful outcome.
When creating a low-maintenance landscape, one of the most effective strategies is to focus on native and drought-tolerant plants. Native species, in particular, have evolved to thrive in Utah's conditions, making them resilient and well-suited for low-water and low-maintenance landscapes.
Unlike delicate imports, native plants need minimal watering, fertilizing and pest control, reducing the need for constant upkeep. Consider incorporating a variety of native plants such as sagebrush, penstemon and yucca, which add beauty while supporting the local ecosystem.
Managing your water usage is essential in Utah. Choosing drought-resistant plants helps, but installing an irrigation system with a smart controller is a game-changer that will make your life much easier.
This technology adjusts watering based on weather conditions and plant requirements. Grouping plants with similar water needs together and creating separate irrigation zones ensures that each area receives the appropriate amount of water without wasting resources.
A nice, thick layer of mulch can significantly reduce the need for watering and maintenance. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth and provide insulation for plant roots.
Various types of mulch are suitable for Utah landscapes, including wood chips, straw or shredded bark. Each offers similar moisture retention and weed control, so choose the one that suits your design’s aesthetics.
While hardscapes are generally considered low-maintenance compared to plants, some hardscape materials require more upkeep than others.
Wood decks, for example, require regular staining or sealing to protect them from weathering, fading, and rot and need to be cleaned regularly. Natural flagstone or cobblestone patios need regular weeding and cleaning may be necessary to keep the surfaces tidy.
It's important to consider the level of maintenance required for hardscape materials when designing your landscape. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, ask your designer to recommend materials that require minimal upkeep.
To make routine maintenance tasks simpler, make sure to include pathways so it’s easier to move about your property. Consider low-maintenance lawn alternatives, such as artificial turf, native grasses or ground covers, which require less overall upkeep.
Keeping up with seasonal maintenance tasks, such as cleaning up debris, pruning and fertilizing, on a regular basis helps prevent issues, ensuring the long-term health of your landscape.
How pristine does your landscape need to be? If you can tolerate a lawn with few stray weeds it’ll be easier to maintain than one that’s weed-free. You need to ask yourself if the time, effort and expense needed to maintain the “perfect” lawn and gardens are worth it.
Many people prefer a more natural approach to landscaping, believing small imperfections give a landscape character and beauty.
As you can see, it is possible to minimize the amount of maintenance your new landscape needs. While it’s not possible to have a landscape that’s 100% maintenance-free, having someone else do the work will make it feel like it is!
At Sunline Landscapes, we help create outdoor spaces for your lifestyle, and that includes low-maintenance options. Of course, we also offer full maintenance services, so you can have the landscape you want without compromise. Book a consultation and we’ll see how we can help.
