A new Harris Poll survey for the National Association of Landscape Professionals found that 75% of Americans feel it’s important to spend time outside in their yards. But that doesn’t mean that most of us want to spend a lot of time maintaining our yards. For many homeowners, the less work the better. While it’s key to add value with landscaping, that doesn’t mean all of your landscaping ideas have to involve a lot of TLC. In fact, there are quite a few that won’t require much work at all. Here are just a few tips that’ll improve the look of your yard without forcing you to spend all of your free time maintaining it.
Don’t Stick Only to Grass
There’s no doubt that a lush lawn can look fantastic, but lawn care takes up a good chunk of your time. If you want to maximize the impact of your green space without being chained to your lawnmower every weekend, feel free to use other materials throughout your yard. For instance: mulch, pebbles, moss, and clover can all lend themselves to a pretty and polished look but won’t require nearly as much maintenance (if any at all). They’re also a good way to add texture and color to an otherwise flat or small space.
Install an Automatic Irrigation System
We know watering your lawn and plants can feel like a chore. But nature obviously needs H2O to thrive. If you don’t want to spend every evening out back with a hose, you may want to consider installing an automatic irrigation and sprinkler system to make sure your grass and flowers don’t get too thirsty. You’ll never forget to water nor will you run the risk of overwatering. Plus, your kids will get to enjoy running through the sprinklers in the summer. Having a system professionally installed will also be a big bonus if you ever want to sell your home.
Incorporate Hardscaping
One of the best ways to add value with landscaping without making a commitment to a lot of maintenance? Hardscaping. You don’t want your entire yard to be comprised of gray stone, of course. But remember that the less lawn you have to care for, the more time you can actually spend enjoying your outdoor space. A patio, a walkway or path, or a stone wall can add visual interest and minimize the amount of maintenance you’ll actually have to do on a regular basis.
While there are countless ways to add value with landscaping, that doesn’t mean that every project has to come with a lot of upkeep. Your landscaping company can help you decide which ideas will work best with how much work you’re willing to put in. With their help, you can make some choices that will make your property look outstanding and will let you enjoy the space as much as possible.