How to Maintain a Low-Maintenance Landscape Without Sacrificing Style

Not everyone has hours each week to prune, weed, and water a high-maintenance yard—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a dull or barren landscape. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a stunning outdoor space that practically takes care of itself. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on how to design and maintain a low-maintenance landscape that still delivers maximum visual impact and function.

1. Choose Drought-Tolerant and Native Plants

One of the biggest time- and water-savers? Choosing plants that are built to thrive in your region’s climate. In Salt Lake City, that means drought-tolerant and native species that need less pampering.

Low-Maintenance Favorites for Utah:

• Lavender
• Russian Sage
• Yarrow
• Blue Fescue
• Serviceberry

Why it works: Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control—making them ideal for sustainable yards.

2. Reduce Lawn Areas

Grass is one of the most demanding features in any yard. Mowing, fertilizing, watering—it all adds up. Consider replacing some or all of your lawn with hardscaping, ground covers, or decorative gravel.

Alternatives to Grass:

• Mulched planting beds
• Artificial turf for small areas
• Paver patios and walkways
• Low-growing groundcovers like creeping thyme

3. Use Mulch to Your Advantage

Mulch is a powerhouse when it comes to reducing maintenance. It locks in moisture, prevents weeds, and gives garden beds a clean, polished look.

Mulching Tips:

• Use 2–3 inches around plants and trees
• Reapply annually in early spring
• Choose natural materials like bark or wood chips for best results

4. Install Drip Irrigation

Instead of watering by hand or using inefficient sprinklers, a drip irrigation system delivers water right to the base of your plants—minimizing waste and saving time.

Why Drip Works:

• Reduces evaporation and runoff
• Helps prevent disease by keeping foliage dry
• Can be automated for consistent care

5. Embrace Hardscaping Features

Hardscaping doesn’t just reduce the amount of plants to maintain—it also adds structure, value, and usability to your yard. Once installed, features like patios and retaining walls need minimal upkeep.

Low-Upkeep Hardscape Ideas:

• Stone walkways
• Gravel paths
• Retaining walls
• Built-in seating

6. Group Plants by Watering Needs

Strategically placing plants with similar needs in the same zones—known as hydrozoning—makes watering more efficient and prevents over- or under-watering.

Hydrozoning Examples:

• Keep drought-tolerant plants together
• Place thirstier plants in shadier, lower-lying areas
• Separate grass zones from perennial beds

7. Keep It Simple and Intentional

Minimalism is your friend in low-maintenance landscaping. Fewer plant varieties, simple color schemes, and open spaces make your yard easier to manage and more cohesive.

Design Tips:

• Repeat plant types for unity
• Use large groupings instead of many small ones
• Keep pathways wide and functional

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