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Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Busy Homeowners

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June 19, 2023

Want a stunning yard but don’t have hours every weekend to maintain it?

You're not alone. Many homeowners crave a well-designed outdoor space that looks great year-round—but with as little effort as possible.

At Salas Outdoors, we help clients create low-maintenance landscapes that look amazing without the hassle. In this blog, we’re breaking down simple, sustainable landscaping ideas that keep your property looking fresh with minimal upkeep.

1. Choose Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants

One of the best low-maintenance landscaping decisions is to use native Texas plants or drought-tolerant species. These plants thrive naturally in your climate, require less water, and are more resistant to local pests and disease.

Great options include:

  • Lantana
  • Mexican Feather Grass
  • Texas Sage
  • Yarrow
  • Black-Eyed Susan

These plants flourish with minimal watering and pruning—making them ideal for a “set it and forget it” landscape.

2. Install Rock Beds or Mulch Over Grass

Grass requires weekly mowing, fertilizing, and irrigation. Want to skip all of that? Reduce the size of your lawn and install:

  • River rock beds
  • Decomposed granite paths
  • Decorative gravel or mulch zones

These surfaces suppress weeds, reduce water use, and give your yard a clean, modern aesthetic without the upkeep of turf.

3. Use Artificial Turf in High-Traffic Areas

Love the look of green grass but hate mowing? Artificial turf is a fantastic alternative for areas like:

  • Play zones
  • Side yards
  • Dog runs
  • Entertainment spaces

Modern turf looks realistic, feels soft underfoot, and never needs to be watered or mowed. Plus, Salas Outdoors can install it professionally for optimal drainage and longevity.

4. Install a Drip Irrigation System

Instead of standing with a hose or dealing with unreliable sprinklers, a drip irrigation system delivers water exactly where it’s needed—at the root level.

It reduces waste, prevents overwatering, and works well with:

  • Garden beds
  • Flower pots
  • Foundation plantings

Drip systems are low-maintenance, automated, and perfect for drought-conscious homeowners who want to save water and time.

5. Add Hardscaping for Structure and Style

Hardscapes like patios, retaining walls, and pathways require almost zero maintenance—and they make your yard more functional and beautiful.

Consider adding:

  • Flagstone walkways
  • Paver patios
  • Retaining walls for visual interest
  • Seating walls or built-in planters

Hardscapes minimize the amount of planted areas you need to manage while increasing property value and curb appeal.

6. Choose Evergreen Shrubs and Ground Covers

Evergreen plants offer year-round color with very little work. Plant low-growing evergreens or creeping ground covers like:

  • Asian Jasmine
  • Juniper
  • Monkey Grass (Liriope)
  • Sedum

These spread naturally, fight off weeds, and rarely need trimming—ideal for borders, slopes, or between pavers.

7. Opt for Raised Beds and Containers

Raised garden beds and containers let you grow flowers or herbs without the labor of traditional gardens. Benefits include:

  • Easy weed control
  • Better drainage
  • Less bending and kneeling

Salas Outdoors can help design elevated planters that match your outdoor aesthetic while keeping maintenance a breeze.

8. Keep It Simple: Less Is More

A minimalist design is not only trendy—it’s easier to care for.

Stick to:

  • Simple plant palettes
  • Clean lines and borders
  • Grouped plantings in threes or fives

The fewer plant types and zones you maintain, the less work you’ll have to do. It also makes your yard feel more cohesive and calming.

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Contact us today to schedule your consultation—we’ll make it easy.