Simplify Your Outdoor Spaces With These Stunning Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas
A lush, inviting yard doesn’t have to come with a long to-do list. With the right low-maintenance landscaping ideas, you can enjoy a stunning outdoor space that requires minimal upkeep, giving you more time to relax and less time pulling weeds or dragging hoses.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in landscape solutions for busy homeowners in Bergen County and beyond. Our goal? To create a yard that looks great year-round with minimal effort from you.
Want a low-maintenance landscape plan designed just for you? Call us at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to get started today.
Why Choose Low-Maintenance Landscaping?
If you’re juggling work, family, and daily life, you may not have the time—or desire—to spend hours on yard work. Low-maintenance landscaping offers a smart alternative, combining natural beauty with practical design.
Key Benefits:
- Reduces weekly lawn and garden chores
- Cuts down on water use and utility costs
- Decreases the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides
- Increases your home’s curb appeal and property value
- Creates a more sustainable and environmentally friendly yard
Whether you’re planning a new landscape or updating your current one, small changes can make a big difference.
1. Swap Out Traditional Lawn for Ground Covers
Turfgrass can be one of the most labor-intensive features of any yard. Mowing, edging, fertilizing, and irrigating all take time—and often money. Replacing parts of your lawn with hardy ground covers is a simple way to cut down on upkeep.
Great Ground Cover Options:
- Creeping thyme – drought-tolerant, fragrant, and soft underfoot
- Sedum – excellent for sunny, dry spots
- Pachysandra – ideal for shade
- Ajuga – offers seasonal color and spreads easily
These ground covers require little maintenance once established and add rich texture to your landscape.
2. Choose Native Plants for Effortless Beauty
Native plants are naturally suited to New Jersey’s climate and soil conditions, which means they need less water, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native species.
Easy Native Plants to Consider:
- Black-eyed Susans
- Coneflowers
- Switchgrass
- Joe-Pye weed
- Bee balm
The right garden designers can help you select plants that provide long-lasting color, attract pollinators, and require minimal intervention.
3. Incorporate Mulch for Weed and Moisture Control
Mulch is a simple but powerful tool in low-maintenance landscaping. It suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and regulates temperature—all while giving your beds a clean, finished look.
Tips for Using Mulch:
- Apply 2–3 inches around trees, shrubs, and flower beds
- Use organic mulch (like shredded bark or wood chips) to enrich soil
- Avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks
Mulch should be included as part of every sustainable landscape plan to keep gardens thriving with less work.
4. Install Hardscaping for Structure and Style
Hardscape features add visual interest and reduce areas that require watering or mowing. Plus, they create functional zones for relaxation and entertaining.
Low-Maintenance Hardscape Ideas:
- Stone patios or walkways using natural flagstone or pavers
- Decorative gravel beds or river rock borders
- Retaining walls with built-in seating
- Raised planters for simplified gardening access
Expert designers will help you balance hard and soft elements to match your aesthetic and maintenance goals.
5. Use Perennials That Return Every Year
Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted every season, perennials come back year after year—saving time and money while providing vibrant color and texture.
Easy-Care Perennials:
- Daylilies
- Hostas
- Coral bells
- Peonies
- Sedum
Design planting beds with staggered bloom times to ensure your landscape stays colorful throughout the growing season.
6. Opt for Drip Irrigation or Smart Systems
Watering your lawn and garden doesn’t have to be a chore. A professionally installed drip irrigation system or smart sprinkler controller can do the work for you, with less waste and better results.
Benefits of Smart Watering:
- Conserves water with targeted delivery
- Prevents overwatering and runoff
- Supports plant health with consistent moisture
- Can be programmed or managed remotely
These systems are perfect for busy homeowners who want green, thriving landscapes with minimal effort.
7. Limit High-Maintenance Features
Some landscape elements may look great initially, but require a lot of attention. If low-maintenance is your goal, you may want to rethink:
- Large annual flower beds – replace with long-blooming perennials or shrubs
- Water-hungry turf – reduce lawn size and focus on functional areas
- Decorative ponds or waterfalls – opt for simpler fountains or birdbaths
At Borst, we design landscapes that fit your lifestyle—not the other way around.
Low Maintenance Doesn’t Mean Boring
These low-maintenance landscaping ideas aren’t about doing less—they’re about doing more with less effort. With smart design and high-quality materials, you can have a yard that’s simple to care for and stunning to look at year-round.
Let Borst Design Your Effortless Outdoor Space
Our team at Borst Landscape & Design specializes in creating beautiful, practical outdoor spaces that match your vision and your schedule. From native plantings to elegant hardscapes, we’ll design a landscape that enhances your property and simplifies your life.
Call us today at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online for your free consultation and discover how easy a beautiful yard can be.