1. Design to thrive<\/span><\/h2> Not sure where to start to create a low-maintenance landscape? Start with design. <\/p>
Or, better yet, start with a designer. If you want to create a comprehensive landscaping plan for your yard, it\u2019s a good idea to call in an expert. A good landscaping contractor\/designer will pay attention to your landscaping needs and work the design around your goals and vision.<\/p>
Advantages of hiring a landscape designer:<\/strong><\/p> - Technical expertise<\/li><\/ul>
Designers know how to deal with plant spacing, water needs, slope, erosion, drainage issues, and sourcing materials.<\/p>
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>
They have a knack for creating color balance and interest throughout the growing season, varying texture, mature plant height and width, adding focal points, and how the design complements the house.<\/p>
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>
They are experts at making sure the design will work technically, aesthetically, and meet your property maintenance goals.<\/p>
Hiring a landscape designer may cost more up-front than DIY, but if you want to reduce your landscape maintenance long-term, this investment will more than pay you back in time and hassle in the long run.<\/p>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $3,298<\/strong>. It may be much less or significantly more depending on the scope of your project.<\/p> 2. Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/span><\/h2> ![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_2490111998_fef5123dcf_c.jpg\")
Chris Feser | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Hardscaping is any non-living element in your lawn. When you see pavers, pergolas, decks, or fountains, these are considered hardscaping. Hardscaping increases function, provides visual interest, and creates defined spaces in the lawn.<\/p>
Planning for hardscaping is an ideal way to reduce the maintenance in your lawn. Think of a patio, deck, or walkway. Once these elements are installed, there is very little upkeep, especially when compared with the living elements, such as plants or grass. Another popular hardscaping addition is an outdoor kitchen. This is another hardscape feature that increases the functionality and enjoyment of your outdoor space.<\/p>
Don\u2019t forget about paint when you think of hardscapes. Wooden elements such as benches, pergolas, and outdoor chairs are prime candidates for a splash of paint. Think of paint as a tool to add more low-maintenance color and visual interest to your property.<\/p>
Advantages of hardscaping:<\/strong><\/p> - Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Adds color, shape, and texture to the lawn (bricks, pavers, boulders, flagstone, painted wood)<\/li>
- Increases outdoor living space and enjoyment (seating walls, patios, fire pits, decks)<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely. An installed patio, for example, will cost an average of $3,595<\/strong>, but that cost varies widely depending on the size of the patio and the materials you choose. For example, a basic 80-square-foot patio may cost as little as $576<\/strong>. If you want something larger, around 400-square-feet, and choose more costly materials, plan to spend as much as $8,800<\/strong>.<\/p> 3. Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/span><\/h2> A slope or incline in the lawn can be a prime opportunity for low-maintenance landscaping. Most homeowners are eager to find low-maintenance solutions because weed-eating a slope (assuming it\u2019s too steep for mowing) is difficult and time-consuming.<\/p>
Not only will you save time cutting the grass, but you\u2019ll have the opportunity to add something beautiful and functional to your lawn.<\/p>
Ideas for landscaping a slope:<\/strong><\/p> - Install stone steps up the slope and fill the areas around the steps with mulch and plants that help control erosion<\/li>
- Install a retaining wall<\/li>
- Install terraces along the slope<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies. A professionally installed retaining wall costs from $3,623-$9,582<\/strong>.<\/p> 4. Use focal points<\/span><\/h2> ![\"Flowers](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_19388515249_f3f310e350_c.jpg\")
akuppa | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Focal points help take up space and provide function and beauty in your lawn. Think of common focal points and the advantages they provide:<\/p>
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>
Trees provide a natural focal point in the landscape. All you need underneath is some mulch and a few other small plants to fill in the mulched area.<\/p>
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>
Benches, seating walls, and outdoor seating areas make a great focal point in the lawn. Seating is usually combined with some type of hardscaping, such as crushed gravel or a patio, which makes it a low-maintenance option for your lawn.<\/p>
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>
Pools, fire pits, and water features are other focal points in the lawn. Pools and water features aren\u2019t particularly low-maintenance unless you hire a landscaping service<\/a> to do the upkeep.<\/p> Pro Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget to add outdoor lighting to highlight pools and other focal points where friends and family may gather into the evening hours.<\/p> Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely depending on the project. You can buy a bench starting around $60<\/strong> new, or go thrifting and find a bargain for much less.<\/p> 5. Nurture native plants<\/span><\/h2> ![\"native](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_23595420768_1249d710b5_c.jpg\")
Tejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Native plants have many benefits to offer homeowners looking to add low-maintenance elements to their lawns. Native plants are usually defined as plants that have existed in a particular area before European settlement. As you may imagine, plants that have lived in a particular area for so long can mostly take care of themselves and so are beneficial to add to a low-maintenance lawn.<\/p>
Advantages of native plants:<\/strong><\/p> - Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Need little or no supplemental watering<\/li>
- Few or no pesticides or chemicals<\/li>
- Often provide desirable habitats for local pollinators and small wildlife<\/li><\/ul>
Native trees:<\/strong><\/p> - American holly (Ilex opaca<\/em>)<\/li>
- Mountain maple (Acer spicatum<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native flowering plants:<\/strong><\/p> - Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis<\/em>)<\/li>
- Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native shrubs:<\/strong><\/p> - Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia<\/em>)<\/li>
- Sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native deer-resistant flowering plants:<\/strong> <\/p> - Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa<\/em>) <\/li>
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>) <\/li>
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis<\/em>) <\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> A professionally installed flower bed will cost anywhere from $585-$3,300<\/strong>.<\/p> 6. Grow ground cover<\/span><\/h2> Grass is a many-splendored thing, but there are places where it just won\u2019t grow. In these instances, ground covers are often a good option. Ground covers can sometimes replace grass, but they are more often used in between large pavers or underneath shady trees. They can help stabilize soil, prevent weeds, and some will attract pollinators. <\/p>
Native ground covers:<\/strong><\/p> - Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides<\/em>)<\/li>
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi<\/em>)<\/li>
- Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens<\/em>)<\/li>
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> You\u2019ll pay from $3.50-$15.50 per square foot <\/strong>for someone else to install the plants (labor and materials).<\/p> 7. Go mad with mulch<\/span><\/h2> ![\"new](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_3176196458_dcb05b4605_c.jpg\")
Paul Harrison | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Mulch is a four-season tool landscapers use in most lawns, low-maintenance or not. You can choose from organic mulches such as bark or shredded wood, or you can choose an inorganic mulch like stone, rocks, or gravel.<\/p>
Advantages of mulch:<\/strong><\/p> - Inexpensive<\/li>
- Helps retain moisture<\/li>
- Reduces weeding<\/li>
- Keeps roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter<\/li>
- Adds color to the lawn year-round, enhancing curb appeal<\/li>
- As it breaks down, organic mulch adds organic matter to the soil<\/li>
- An easy DIY project – not necessary to hire a professional<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Plan to spend $3-$7 per bag<\/strong> or $15-$75 per cubic yard<\/strong> for the mulch. Delivery will cost from $43-$146<\/strong> and varies depending on their mileage costs. If you DIY, the labor is free, but if you hire it out, you\u2019ll pay from $39-$71 per hour<\/strong> in labor costs.<\/p> 8. Reduce your grass<\/span><\/h2> ![\"backyard](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_36737972384_d6c75b461b_c.jpg\")
Tejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> If you love a beautiful lawn but the mowing, edging, blowing, and seasonal chores are taking up too much of your time, consider reducing the amount of grass in your landscape. Your HOA may not let you plant a pollinator meadow in the front yard, but you can add flower beds, plant trees, and grow ground cover to reduce the amount of mowable space.<\/p>
If you\u2019re removing a small patch of grass, you can likely do this with a shovel or spade. For larger jobs, hire a local Hartford professional<\/a> or rent a sod cutter.<\/p> Advantages of shrinking your lawn space:<\/strong><\/p> - Less time mowing, edging, and blowing (or less money to pay someone else to do it)<\/li>
- Reduce seasonal watering<\/li>
- Saves money on chemicals, fertilizers, and grass seed each year<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost: <\/strong>Plan to pay $1.50 per square foot<\/strong> to remove and dispose of old grass. Or, you can rent a sod cutter for around $70 for four hours<\/strong> with a $150 deposit<\/strong>. If you remove it yourself, you just need a spade or shovel, which you probably already have in your garage. If not, you can pick one up for under $20<\/strong>.<\/p> The final word on low-maintenance landscaping in Hartford<\/h2>
The benefit of low-maintenance landscaping is that your lawn looks after itself (for the most part), so you don\u2019t have to. By implementing some of these ideas and strategies, you\u2019ll have a beautiful, functional lawn all year long with less maintenance to worry about.<\/p>
Here\u2019s a Bonus Tip #9: The ultimate way to have a low-maintenance lawn is to <\/em>hire a Hartford lawn care service<\/em><\/a> to do it for you. Our lawn care pros will mow, edge, blow, and help you install low-maintenance lawn care elements so you can spend your free time doing what matters most.<\/p> Main Photo Credit: Victor Camilo | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/p> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column] \t\t\t[\/et_pb_row] \t\t[\/et_pb_section]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019re…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":4278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
If you\u2019re interested in a low-maintenance lawn, that\u2019s probably because you want to spend your time doing other things like playing golf at Goodwin Golf Course or doing yoga on the Riverfront. Here are some ways your lawn can thrive on a low-maintenance diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Design to thrive<\/a><\/li>
- Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/a><\/li>
- Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/a><\/li>
- Use focal points<\/a><\/li>
- Nurture native plants<\/a><\/li>
- Grow ground cover<\/a><\/li>
- Go mad with mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Reduce your grass<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
1. Design to thrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not sure where to start to create a low-maintenance landscape? Start with design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or, better yet, start with a designer. If you want to create a comprehensive landscaping plan for your yard, it\u2019s a good idea to call in an expert. A good landscaping contractor\/designer will pay attention to your landscaping needs and work the design around your goals and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of hiring a landscape designer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Technical expertise<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Designers know how to deal with plant spacing, water needs, slope, erosion, drainage issues, and sourcing materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
They have a knack for creating color balance and interest throughout the growing season, varying texture, mature plant height and width, adding focal points, and how the design complements the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
They are experts at making sure the design will work technically, aesthetically, and meet your property maintenance goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiring a landscape designer may cost more up-front than DIY, but if you want to reduce your landscape maintenance long-term, this investment will more than pay you back in time and hassle in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $3,298<\/strong>. It may be much less or significantly more depending on the scope of your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/h2>\n\n\n\nChris Feser | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHardscaping is any non-living element in your lawn. When you see pavers, pergolas, decks, or fountains, these are considered hardscaping. Hardscaping increases function, provides visual interest, and creates defined spaces in the lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning for hardscaping is an ideal way to reduce the maintenance in your lawn. Think of a patio, deck, or walkway. Once these elements are installed, there is very little upkeep, especially when compared with the living elements, such as plants or grass. Another popular hardscaping addition is an outdoor kitchen. This is another hardscape feature that increases the functionality and enjoyment of your outdoor space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget about paint when you think of hardscapes. Wooden elements such as benches, pergolas, and outdoor chairs are prime candidates for a splash of paint. Think of paint as a tool to add more low-maintenance color and visual interest to your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of hardscaping:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Adds color, shape, and texture to the lawn (bricks, pavers, boulders, flagstone, painted wood)<\/li>
- Increases outdoor living space and enjoyment (seating walls, patios, fire pits, decks)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely. An installed patio, for example, will cost an average of $3,595<\/strong>, but that cost varies widely depending on the size of the patio and the materials you choose. For example, a basic 80-square-foot patio may cost as little as $576<\/strong>. If you want something larger, around 400-square-feet, and choose more costly materials, plan to spend as much as $8,800<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A slope or incline in the lawn can be a prime opportunity for low-maintenance landscaping. Most homeowners are eager to find low-maintenance solutions because weed-eating a slope (assuming it\u2019s too steep for mowing) is difficult and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only will you save time cutting the grass, but you\u2019ll have the opportunity to add something beautiful and functional to your lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideas for landscaping a slope:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Install stone steps up the slope and fill the areas around the steps with mulch and plants that help control erosion<\/li>
- Install a retaining wall<\/li>
- Install terraces along the slope<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies. A professionally installed retaining wall costs from $3,623-$9,582<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Use focal points<\/h2>\n\n\n\nakuppa | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFocal points help take up space and provide function and beauty in your lawn. Think of common focal points and the advantages they provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Trees provide a natural focal point in the landscape. All you need underneath is some mulch and a few other small plants to fill in the mulched area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Benches, seating walls, and outdoor seating areas make a great focal point in the lawn. Seating is usually combined with some type of hardscaping, such as crushed gravel or a patio, which makes it a low-maintenance option for your lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pools, fire pits, and water features are other focal points in the lawn. Pools and water features aren\u2019t particularly low-maintenance unless you hire a landscaping service<\/a> to do the upkeep.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPro Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget to add outdoor lighting to highlight pools and other focal points where friends and family may gather into the evening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\nApproximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely depending on the project. You can buy a bench starting around $60<\/strong> new, or go thrifting and find a bargain for much less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Nurture native plants<\/h2>\n\n\n\nTejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nNative plants have many benefits to offer homeowners looking to add low-maintenance elements to their lawns. Native plants are usually defined as plants that have existed in a particular area before European settlement. As you may imagine, plants that have lived in a particular area for so long can mostly take care of themselves and so are beneficial to add to a low-maintenance lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of native plants:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Need little or no supplemental watering<\/li>
- Few or no pesticides or chemicals<\/li>
- Often provide desirable habitats for local pollinators and small wildlife<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Native trees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Technical expertise<\/li><\/ul>
Designers know how to deal with plant spacing, water needs, slope, erosion, drainage issues, and sourcing materials.<\/p>
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>
They have a knack for creating color balance and interest throughout the growing season, varying texture, mature plant height and width, adding focal points, and how the design complements the house.<\/p>
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>
They are experts at making sure the design will work technically, aesthetically, and meet your property maintenance goals.<\/p>
Hiring a landscape designer may cost more up-front than DIY, but if you want to reduce your landscape maintenance long-term, this investment will more than pay you back in time and hassle in the long run.<\/p>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $3,298<\/strong>. It may be much less or significantly more depending on the scope of your project.<\/p>
2. Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/span><\/h2>
Chris Feser | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Hardscaping is any non-living element in your lawn. When you see pavers, pergolas, decks, or fountains, these are considered hardscaping. Hardscaping increases function, provides visual interest, and creates defined spaces in the lawn.<\/p>
Planning for hardscaping is an ideal way to reduce the maintenance in your lawn. Think of a patio, deck, or walkway. Once these elements are installed, there is very little upkeep, especially when compared with the living elements, such as plants or grass. Another popular hardscaping addition is an outdoor kitchen. This is another hardscape feature that increases the functionality and enjoyment of your outdoor space.<\/p>
Don\u2019t forget about paint when you think of hardscapes. Wooden elements such as benches, pergolas, and outdoor chairs are prime candidates for a splash of paint. Think of paint as a tool to add more low-maintenance color and visual interest to your property.<\/p>
Advantages of hardscaping:<\/strong><\/p>
- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Adds color, shape, and texture to the lawn (bricks, pavers, boulders, flagstone, painted wood)<\/li>
- Increases outdoor living space and enjoyment (seating walls, patios, fire pits, decks)<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely. An installed patio, for example, will cost an average of $3,595<\/strong>, but that cost varies widely depending on the size of the patio and the materials you choose. For example, a basic 80-square-foot patio may cost as little as $576<\/strong>. If you want something larger, around 400-square-feet, and choose more costly materials, plan to spend as much as $8,800<\/strong>.<\/p>
3. Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/span><\/h2>
A slope or incline in the lawn can be a prime opportunity for low-maintenance landscaping. Most homeowners are eager to find low-maintenance solutions because weed-eating a slope (assuming it\u2019s too steep for mowing) is difficult and time-consuming.<\/p>
Not only will you save time cutting the grass, but you\u2019ll have the opportunity to add something beautiful and functional to your lawn.<\/p>
Ideas for landscaping a slope:<\/strong><\/p>
- Install stone steps up the slope and fill the areas around the steps with mulch and plants that help control erosion<\/li>
- Install a retaining wall<\/li>
- Install terraces along the slope<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies. A professionally installed retaining wall costs from $3,623-$9,582<\/strong>.<\/p>
4. Use focal points<\/span><\/h2>
akuppa | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Focal points help take up space and provide function and beauty in your lawn. Think of common focal points and the advantages they provide:<\/p>
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>
Trees provide a natural focal point in the landscape. All you need underneath is some mulch and a few other small plants to fill in the mulched area.<\/p>
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>
Benches, seating walls, and outdoor seating areas make a great focal point in the lawn. Seating is usually combined with some type of hardscaping, such as crushed gravel or a patio, which makes it a low-maintenance option for your lawn.<\/p>
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>
Pools, fire pits, and water features are other focal points in the lawn. Pools and water features aren\u2019t particularly low-maintenance unless you hire a landscaping service<\/a> to do the upkeep.<\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget to add outdoor lighting to highlight pools and other focal points where friends and family may gather into the evening hours.<\/p>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely depending on the project. You can buy a bench starting around $60<\/strong> new, or go thrifting and find a bargain for much less.<\/p>
5. Nurture native plants<\/span><\/h2>
Tejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Native plants have many benefits to offer homeowners looking to add low-maintenance elements to their lawns. Native plants are usually defined as plants that have existed in a particular area before European settlement. As you may imagine, plants that have lived in a particular area for so long can mostly take care of themselves and so are beneficial to add to a low-maintenance lawn.<\/p>
Advantages of native plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Need little or no supplemental watering<\/li>
- Few or no pesticides or chemicals<\/li>
- Often provide desirable habitats for local pollinators and small wildlife<\/li><\/ul>
Native trees:<\/strong><\/p>
- American holly (Ilex opaca<\/em>)<\/li>
- Mountain maple (Acer spicatum<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native flowering plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis<\/em>)<\/li>
- Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native shrubs:<\/strong><\/p>
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia<\/em>)<\/li>
- Sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Native deer-resistant flowering plants:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa<\/em>) <\/li>
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>) <\/li>
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis<\/em>) <\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> A professionally installed flower bed will cost anywhere from $585-$3,300<\/strong>.<\/p>
6. Grow ground cover<\/span><\/h2>
Grass is a many-splendored thing, but there are places where it just won\u2019t grow. In these instances, ground covers are often a good option. Ground covers can sometimes replace grass, but they are more often used in between large pavers or underneath shady trees. They can help stabilize soil, prevent weeds, and some will attract pollinators. <\/p>
Native ground covers:<\/strong><\/p>
- Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides<\/em>)<\/li>
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi<\/em>)<\/li>
- Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens<\/em>)<\/li>
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> You\u2019ll pay from $3.50-$15.50 per square foot <\/strong>for someone else to install the plants (labor and materials).<\/p>
7. Go mad with mulch<\/span><\/h2>
Paul Harrison | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Mulch is a four-season tool landscapers use in most lawns, low-maintenance or not. You can choose from organic mulches such as bark or shredded wood, or you can choose an inorganic mulch like stone, rocks, or gravel.<\/p>
Advantages of mulch:<\/strong><\/p>
- Inexpensive<\/li>
- Helps retain moisture<\/li>
- Reduces weeding<\/li>
- Keeps roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter<\/li>
- Adds color to the lawn year-round, enhancing curb appeal<\/li>
- As it breaks down, organic mulch adds organic matter to the soil<\/li>
- An easy DIY project – not necessary to hire a professional<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Plan to spend $3-$7 per bag<\/strong> or $15-$75 per cubic yard<\/strong> for the mulch. Delivery will cost from $43-$146<\/strong> and varies depending on their mileage costs. If you DIY, the labor is free, but if you hire it out, you\u2019ll pay from $39-$71 per hour<\/strong> in labor costs.<\/p>
8. Reduce your grass<\/span><\/h2>
Tejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> If you love a beautiful lawn but the mowing, edging, blowing, and seasonal chores are taking up too much of your time, consider reducing the amount of grass in your landscape. Your HOA may not let you plant a pollinator meadow in the front yard, but you can add flower beds, plant trees, and grow ground cover to reduce the amount of mowable space.<\/p>
If you\u2019re removing a small patch of grass, you can likely do this with a shovel or spade. For larger jobs, hire a local Hartford professional<\/a> or rent a sod cutter.<\/p>
Advantages of shrinking your lawn space:<\/strong><\/p>
- Less time mowing, edging, and blowing (or less money to pay someone else to do it)<\/li>
- Reduce seasonal watering<\/li>
- Saves money on chemicals, fertilizers, and grass seed each year<\/li><\/ul>
Approximate cost: <\/strong>Plan to pay $1.50 per square foot<\/strong> to remove and dispose of old grass. Or, you can rent a sod cutter for around $70 for four hours<\/strong> with a $150 deposit<\/strong>. If you remove it yourself, you just need a spade or shovel, which you probably already have in your garage. If not, you can pick one up for under $20<\/strong>.<\/p>
The final word on low-maintenance landscaping in Hartford<\/h2>
The benefit of low-maintenance landscaping is that your lawn looks after itself (for the most part), so you don\u2019t have to. By implementing some of these ideas and strategies, you\u2019ll have a beautiful, functional lawn all year long with less maintenance to worry about.<\/p>
Here\u2019s a Bonus Tip #9: The ultimate way to have a low-maintenance lawn is to <\/em>hire a Hartford lawn care service<\/em><\/a> to do it for you. Our lawn care pros will mow, edge, blow, and help you install low-maintenance lawn care elements so you can spend your free time doing what matters most.<\/p>
Main Photo Credit: Victor Camilo | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/p> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column] \t\t\t[\/et_pb_row] \t\t[\/et_pb_section]","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":4278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
If you\u2019re interested in a low-maintenance lawn, that\u2019s probably because you want to spend your time doing other things like playing golf at Goodwin Golf Course or doing yoga on the Riverfront. Here are some ways your lawn can thrive on a low-maintenance diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Design to thrive<\/a><\/li>
- Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/a><\/li>
- Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/a><\/li>
- Use focal points<\/a><\/li>
- Nurture native plants<\/a><\/li>
- Grow ground cover<\/a><\/li>
- Go mad with mulch<\/a><\/li>
- Reduce your grass<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
1. Design to thrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not sure where to start to create a low-maintenance landscape? Start with design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or, better yet, start with a designer. If you want to create a comprehensive landscaping plan for your yard, it\u2019s a good idea to call in an expert. A good landscaping contractor\/designer will pay attention to your landscaping needs and work the design around your goals and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of hiring a landscape designer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Technical expertise<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Designers know how to deal with plant spacing, water needs, slope, erosion, drainage issues, and sourcing materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
They have a knack for creating color balance and interest throughout the growing season, varying texture, mature plant height and width, adding focal points, and how the design complements the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
They are experts at making sure the design will work technically, aesthetically, and meet your property maintenance goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiring a landscape designer may cost more up-front than DIY, but if you want to reduce your landscape maintenance long-term, this investment will more than pay you back in time and hassle in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $3,298<\/strong>. It may be much less or significantly more depending on the scope of your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chris Feser | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Hardscaping is any non-living element in your lawn. When you see pavers, pergolas, decks, or fountains, these are considered hardscaping. Hardscaping increases function, provides visual interest, and creates defined spaces in the lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Planning for hardscaping is an ideal way to reduce the maintenance in your lawn. Think of a patio, deck, or walkway. Once these elements are installed, there is very little upkeep, especially when compared with the living elements, such as plants or grass. Another popular hardscaping addition is an outdoor kitchen. This is another hardscape feature that increases the functionality and enjoyment of your outdoor space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget about paint when you think of hardscapes. Wooden elements such as benches, pergolas, and outdoor chairs are prime candidates for a splash of paint. Think of paint as a tool to add more low-maintenance color and visual interest to your property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of hardscaping:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Adds color, shape, and texture to the lawn (bricks, pavers, boulders, flagstone, painted wood)<\/li>
- Increases outdoor living space and enjoyment (seating walls, patios, fire pits, decks)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely. An installed patio, for example, will cost an average of $3,595<\/strong>, but that cost varies widely depending on the size of the patio and the materials you choose. For example, a basic 80-square-foot patio may cost as little as $576<\/strong>. If you want something larger, around 400-square-feet, and choose more costly materials, plan to spend as much as $8,800<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Find solutions to slippery slopes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A slope or incline in the lawn can be a prime opportunity for low-maintenance landscaping. Most homeowners are eager to find low-maintenance solutions because weed-eating a slope (assuming it\u2019s too steep for mowing) is difficult and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only will you save time cutting the grass, but you\u2019ll have the opportunity to add something beautiful and functional to your lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideas for landscaping a slope:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Install stone steps up the slope and fill the areas around the steps with mulch and plants that help control erosion<\/li>
- Install a retaining wall<\/li>
- Install terraces along the slope<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies. A professionally installed retaining wall costs from $3,623-$9,582<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Use focal points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
akuppa | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Focal points help take up space and provide function and beauty in your lawn. Think of common focal points and the advantages they provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Trees provide a natural focal point in the landscape. All you need underneath is some mulch and a few other small plants to fill in the mulched area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Benches, seating walls, and outdoor seating areas make a great focal point in the lawn. Seating is usually combined with some type of hardscaping, such as crushed gravel or a patio, which makes it a low-maintenance option for your lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pools, fire pits, and water features are other focal points in the lawn. Pools and water features aren\u2019t particularly low-maintenance unless you hire a landscaping service<\/a> to do the upkeep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget to add outdoor lighting to highlight pools and other focal points where friends and family may gather into the evening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Approximate cost:<\/strong> Varies widely depending on the project. You can buy a bench starting around $60<\/strong> new, or go thrifting and find a bargain for much less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Nurture native plants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tejvan Pettinger | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Native plants have many benefits to offer homeowners looking to add low-maintenance elements to their lawns. Native plants are usually defined as plants that have existed in a particular area before European settlement. As you may imagine, plants that have lived in a particular area for so long can mostly take care of themselves and so are beneficial to add to a low-maintenance lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of native plants:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Inherently low-maintenance<\/li>
- Need little or no supplemental watering<\/li>
- Few or no pesticides or chemicals<\/li>
- Often provide desirable habitats for local pollinators and small wildlife<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Native trees:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Hardscaping is hard to beat<\/a><\/li>
- Design to thrive<\/a><\/li>
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi<\/em>)<\/li>
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae<\/em>) <\/li>
- Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia<\/em>)<\/li>
- Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Mountain maple (Acer spicatum<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
- American holly (Ilex opaca<\/em>)<\/li>
- Other hardscaping <\/li><\/ul>
- Seating<\/li><\/ul>
- Trees<\/li><\/ul>
- Tying it all together<\/li><\/ul>
- Aesthetic planning<\/li><\/ul>