Creating a Low Maintenance Landscape

When designing a landscape, a key consideration is how much maintenance you would like to take on. All plants require some amount of care, but some require more than others. Make a true assessment of just how much time you want to spend on weekly upkeep. If you are not a homeowner who enjoys garden and lawn work, steer toward a low-maintenance landscape.

Organic mulches are recommended to reduce weeds as well as moderate soil temperatures. They also retain moisture, lessening your watering chores. Most commonly organic mulch is in the form of a type of bark mulch. Double shredded hardwood mulch is a common and easily sourced option in southern Wisconsin, but there are many other organic options. Landscape fabric is not recommended to separate one organic material from another (ie.soil and bark mulch). 

Inorganic materials are those that do not decompose naturally, like stone, can be used in place of organic mulches for weed control. There should be a barrier between the soil and the stone layer to prevent mixing of the two. This type of mulch does not retain moisture and can reflect light, potentially damaging plants. Plants that enjoy dry arid conditions tend to do best in stone mulches.  

Perennial groundcovers can be used in place of mulch in many cases provided they are in the right environment and planted at the right spacing. Utilizing the recommended spacing can reduce or eliminate the need for the addition of mulch in the landscape bed. Groundcovers can be utilized to add additional color and interest around shrubs and trees as well.

Properly planning for the mature size of trees, shrubs, and perennials will ensure lower maintenance in the future. Placing plants too closely will ensure there is more pruning and upkeep in your future. Overall, a more natural aesthetic requires less maintenance. Unnatural plant forms like gumdrops and rectangle hedges increase the amount of maintenance needed.