Many people enjoy having a lovely backyard where they can relax and spend time with family or friends. However, taking care of that space can be a real chore. You may want to have a lush green lawn with a large deck and lovely foliage or flowers; however, the thought of maintaining it all sure is overwhelming. Fortunately, you can take steps to make caring for your yard much simpler and less labor-intensive. Check out these six low-maintenance swaps to improve your backyard.
1. Use Composite Decking
Relaxing on the deck with a nice cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day is a lovely vision. What some homeowners may not realize is that there is a great deal of work involved in maintaining a wooden deck. It needs to be washed and scrubbed regularly. It also requires re-painting and waterproofing every so many years. There is an alternative that will last much longer than wood and that is easier to take care of. Composite polymer decking is a synthetic material that doesn’t need to be painted. Its color won’t fade. Plus, it’s cool to the touch and still looks beautiful. It’s a great alternative that will let you have fun on your deck with less worry and work.
2. Add Artificial Turf
Mowing the grass can be a real headache for many. If it’s not one of your favorite chores, you may be pleased to know that you can still have a lovely lawn without ever having to water and mow it again. Consider artificial grass in Houston or wherever you live, a quick Google search will bring you many options to find the best financial choice for your home. Synthetic turf looks like real grass. It maintains its color even in a sunny climate and won’t fade due to pet waste. There’s no need for fertilizing, and it doesn’t have to be watered. So, it’s environmentally-friendly. You can reclaim your weekends now that you don’t have to mow.
3. Have Less Yard
You can also decrease the size of your yard with some clever landscaping. Stone pavers or brick can be used creatively to build a walkway or a makeshift patio. These types of structures also limit the need for weeding. They can be customized to create one-of-a-kind features that complement your home and show off your personality.
4. Choose Plantings Wisely
If you love having beautiful flowers in your yard but don’t like having to replant each year, consider adding perennials to your garden instead of annuals. These varieties will grow back year after year on their own. Look for options that are hardy and drought-resistant if you want to increase your chances if you aren’t always the best at staying on top of watering. Do some research to be sure you’re picking plants and flowers that are easy to maintain and that will grow well in your yard’s soil and climate.
5. Kill Weeds Before They Grow
Weeding can be a real hassle. There are ways you can lessen the need for this chore. For example, adding a layer of mulch to your flower beds is an efficient way to keep weeds at bay. You can also apply a weed-control solution to slow their growth. If you must weed, investing in the right tools will make a big difference to how much effort you’ll need to expend. Ergonomic weeders give you leverage and make the job easier. Weeding after a good rain can also make weeds easier to pull.
6. Automate Watering
If you despise watering or are forgetful, an outdoor project you may want to invest in is installing an automated irrigation system. This system involves a hose and fittings that can deliver water to your plants automatically, as the name suggests. You can even put these systems on a time to ensure your flowers and plants receive just the right amount of hydration when it’s needed. Automating your watering will save you a lot of work. It may even save the life of your beloved blossoms if you tend to forget the task of watering on a regular basis.
Consider these low-maintenance swaps for your backyard if you’ve felt overwhelmed by maintenance and upkeep. Just a few changes will allow you to keep your relaxing retreat without the worry and effort of traditional yard work. You’re sure to find the investment to be well worth it.
