Build a Low Maintenance Backyard

Brown spots? Weeds? Dirt patches? Are you tired of spending endless hours maintaining your backyard?

Low maintenance landscaping is the answer to creating a beautiful outdoor space without the constant upkeep. Homeowners are increasingly turning to simplified landscaping strategies and concepts that save time and energy while still providing a beautiful and functional backyard. From lawn alternatives (like turf!) to drought-tolerant plants, there are countless ways to design a backyard that looks great with minimal effort.

Our team shares some of the top ideas, tips, and secrets we’ve used over the years to build beautiful yards with minimal upkeep. We’ll explore the key planning factors, such as how to simplify your landscape design and map out steps to optimize your lawn, paver by paver and step by step. You’ll also learn about some easy plants, plant alternatives, and hardscape features we trust for maximum beauty and minimal upkeep. When we’re done, you’ll have all the tools necessary to transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat that doesn’t require constant attention.

Simplify Your Landscape Design

Less is more. Being able to start off with a streamlined design in mind to build from is an ideal initial step when creating any yard. By incorporating smart design principles and elements, you can achieve an attractive outdoor space that saves you time and money while also being environmentally friendly.

Reduce Lawn Areas

One effective way to simplify your landscaping is to minimize grass lawn areas. Grass lawns typically require consistent mowing, watering, and care to keep up a plush appearance. Traditional grass lawns can be reduced or complemented with other options. Here are some alternatives to supplement, offset, or replace traditional lawn space:

• Artificial turf:  Modern options like Go Turf’s Natural 70 offer a lush, durable, realistic-looking (and feeling) surface that compliments many native grasses in Colorado.
• Ground covers: Low-growing plants like thyme or dwarf cinquefoil can replace portions of grass, providing a lush look with less maintenance.
• Native plants: Embracing native species can create a thriving landscape that requires minimal intervention

Use Hardscaping Elements

Streamline your yard by incorporating hardscaping elements; elevating form and function. Hardscaping refers to the non-living components of a landscape, such as:

• Paving stones: These durable materials come in various colors and shapes, perfect for creating low-maintenance patios. Paving stones can create a durable, long-lasting patio or walkway that withstands heavy foot traffic and weathering.
• Gravel paths: Charming and easy to maintain, gravel walkways add rustic appeal to the landscape. Gravel paths offer a natural and permeable surface that can enhance drainage and reduce the build-up of mud or puddles.
• Retaining walls: Made of stone, brick, or concrete, these walls serve both functional and esthetic roles. These walls can be used to create level terraces for added visual and practical flair.
• Decorative rocks and boulders: These texturize and add a touch of natural beauty to your yard. Decorative rocks and boulders can serve as unique focal points, help define garden beds, and even serve as natural seating options.
• Outdoor kitchens: Bring the joy of cooking outdoors! Grills, pizza ovens, smokers, and even running sinks can all be installed and offer endless entertainment options.

Create Defined Outdoor Zones

Designing specific areas in the backyard can help optimize and organize the space while reducing maintenance demands:

• Patios and decks: These provide functional spaces for outdoor activities with minimal upkeep compared to grass.
• Mulch beds: Surrounding plants with mulch helps conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, and add an attractive element to the landscape.
• Storage solutions: Incorporating built-in benches with hidden storage or designated areas for tools can help keep the space tidy and organized.

Simplifying your landscape design with these low-maintenance strategies can provide numerous benefits setting up your yard for additional modifications and year-round utility.

Alternatives to Traditional Lawns

Artificial Turf Advantages

Of course, we are lovers of turf. For those seeking a grass-like appearance without the maintenance, artificial turf acts as an ideal alternative to natural grass, providing an extensive range of benefits.

Today’s artificial grass has come a long way, boasting an attractive, life-like appearance that closely resembles a well-maintained natural lawn. Its versatility and practicality make it a popular choice, even in high-traffic environments like doggy daycares, where real grass simply won’t thrive. At Go Turf, our artificial grass varieties come in a range of lengths, colors, and textures, catering to a wide array of applications.

By switching to artificial turf, you save on your water bill and free up valuable time, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces without the hassle of traditional lawn care.

And if you love golf, consider adding a putting green to work on your short game or have fun with the family.

Ground Covers

There’s a reason we mention these again. Ground covers are quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking to spice up their lawn areas. These low-growing plants spread quickly, filling grassless spaces and preventing weed growth. They’re an excellent option for areas where traditional grass struggles, such as slopes, shady yards, or problematic soil types.

Four of the most popular ground cover options include:

1. Thyme: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, thyme spreads slowly but offers a low-maintenance option.
2. Mazus: Ideal for shady sites with some foot traffic, it forms a dense green carpet with lavender blooms.
3. Golden creeping Jenny: This vigorous plant creates an eye-catching chartreuse carpet that turns red in winter.
4. Dwarf cinquefoil (pictured): Combines well with other ground covers and produces small, buttery gold flowers.

Meadow Gardens

Meadow gardens offer a sustainable and wildlife-friendly substitute to traditional lawns and artificial turf. These naturalized areas consist primarily of native plants, including both flowers and grasses. Benefits of meadow gardens include:

1. Low maintenance: They require no fertilizing and minimal supplemental water once established.
2. Wildlife support: Meadows provide habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
3. Versatility: Even small areas can be transformed into meadow gardens, including curbside strips or sunny spots.

To create a meadow garden, experts recommend a mix of 60-65% native grasses and 35-40% flowering perennials. This combination provides texture, movement, and visual interest throughout the growing season.

Smart Watering Solutions

Drip Irrigation Systems

At the heart of any water-wise yard is a drip irrigation system. This targeted approach delivers water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing evaporation and runoff. By programming your system to water at optimal times, you can maximize efficiency and keep your greenery flourishing. By applying water slowly and consistently, drip irrigation can use up to 50 percent less water compared to conventional methods.

Key benefits of drip irrigation include:

1. Water conservation
2. Time-saving
3. Elimination of wind drift
4. Easy installation and adaptability
5. Enhanced plant growth

To set up a basic drip irrigation system, homeowners need components such as emitter lines, backflow preventers, filters, and pressure regulators. It’s important to design the system to water the entire root zone of plants, not just the base, to encourage healthy root development. Fortunately this is a specialty of our Go Scapes team, so if you have questions we encourage you to reach out.

Rain Barrels

Unsurprisingly, rain barrels offer a natural way to capture and store precious rainwater. They can help reduce run-off into streets and waterways while providing an alternative water source for plants. Rain barrels typically hold 50-55 gallons of water and can be positioned under downspouts to capture roof runoff.

Key features for rain barrels and rainwater collection are:

• They can lower water bills by reducing municipal water use for plants.
• Rainwater is slightly acidic and may contain minerals beneficial to plants.
• Water from rain barrels should only be used on non-edible, ornamental plants due to potential contamination.

To maintain your rain barrel system, make sure to:

• Clean the barrel annually, preferably in fall.
• Remove debris and scrub the interior with a detergent solution.
• Ensure the barrel is empty before winter to prevent freezing and cracking.

Xeriscaping Techniques

For those seeking a sustainable yet natural approach, Xeriscaping techniques leverage native, drought-tolerant plants that are perfectly adapted to your local climate. These resilient species require far less water to stay healthy, allowing you to create a stunning backyard that’s in harmony with its environment.

Key xeriscaping techniques include:

• Amending soil with organic matter to improve water retention.
• Applying mulch to slow down evaporation and retain moisture.
• Reducing turfgrass areas, as lawns often consume the most water in landscapes.
• Choosing native or drought-tolerant plants that require less water.

By implementing these smart watering solutions, homeowners can create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes while conserving water and reducing their environmental impact.

Pick Your Plants Carefully

Native and Drought-Tolerant Species

When designing a low maintenance backyard, it’s important to carefully select plants and trees that are well-suited to your local climate and require minimal upkeep. In Colorado, for example, drought-tolerant and native species are ideal choices.

Some excellent low maintenance plant options include perennials like purple coneflowers (pictured), blanket flowers, and Russian sage.

These hardy plants require infrequent watering and can thrive in Colorado’s dry conditions. Plants like sedum and creeping thyme also make great low-effort additions.

For trees and shrubs, consider native species like Rocky Mountain juniper, mountain mahogany, and sumac. These adaptable options need little pruning or maintenance once established. Non-native but drought-tolerant choices like Chinese pistache and Japanese maple can also work well.

The key is to research plants that are suited to your specific growing area, and meet your aesthetic goals, but don’t overwhelm your efforts (or yard).

Perennials Over Annuals

Perennials are an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping. They offer 3 major advantages:

1. Longevity: Some perennials, like peonies and iris, can live for 50 years or more if left undisturbed.
2. Resilience: Perennials are generally more resistant to temperature fluctuations and varying moisture levels.
3. Pollinator-friendly: Many perennials attract beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.

To maintain perennials, give them a good pruning in the fall for stronger growth the following year. Some native perennial options to consider are butterfly weed, bee balm, and phlox.

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a highly effective and strategic approach to cultivating a thriving, self-sustaining garden ecosystem with minimal intervention required. By thoughtfully pairing complementary plant species that can coexist harmoniously, gardeners can create a synergistic environment where the plants’ individual needs are naturally met through their symbiotic relationship.

This holistic method of planting groups plants with similar light, water, and nutrient requirements together, allowing them to collectively establish a balanced, self-regulating system. Through the strategic placement and combination of compatible flora, gardeners can minimize the need for hands-on maintenance tasks such as frequent watering, fertilizing, or pest control.

Companion planting harnesses the inherent strengths and cooperative qualities of different plant varieties, resulting in a lush, resilient, and largely self-sufficient garden landscape.

With the right flora selection and strategy, you’ll not only save countless hours and energy but also reap the rewards of a picturesque landscape year-round.

The Finishing Touches

Creating a low-maintenance backyard doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. In fact, with the right strategies, you can design an outdoor retreat that requires nominal upkeep while providing a serene, natural-infused hideaway. At Go Turf, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality artificial grasses to suit your every need and full landscaping services to help tackle your whole project from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to tackle a DIY installation or prefer our full-service approach, we have the perfect option for you.

From lush pet-friendly turfs to durable sports surfaces and meticulously manicured putting greens, we have the expertise to guide you towards the ideal solution for your project.

Ditch the hassle of maintaining a natural lawn and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space all year round. Let our team of experts help you bring your vision to life.

Explore our comprehensive artificial grass collection and discover the perfect fit for your home or business. Request a complimentary consultation today.

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