Landscaping That Looks Great Without All the Work
At ProLawn, we hear it from nearly every customer: “I want something that looks great, but I don’t want to be out here every weekend taking care of it.” And we get it. Even around my own patio, I’ve leaned into low maintenance because it keeps things cleaner and easier — and gives me more time to enjoy my outdoor space.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to trade beauty for simplicity. With smart design, native plants, and durable materials like natural stone, you can have a beautiful landscape that doesn’t require constant work.
The Quick Version
Want an outdoor space that looks good without becoming your second job? With the right landscape design, a low maintenance landscape filled with native species and low maintenance plants is absolutely possible.
What Actually Makes a Low Maintenance Landscape Work?
First off, “no maintenance” doesn’t exist. But a low maintenance landscape? That’s absolutely doable here in Central PA, even with the crazy weather swings, dry spells, and patchy soil we see around the region.
Here’s what makes a landscape low maintenance:
- You’re not out there every weekend
- It survives hot summers and cold winters without drama
- It retains soil moisture and suppresses weed growth
- It uses durable materials that don’t rot or shift quickly
And believe me, there are plants out there that basically take care of themselves. Some I’ve planted, I barely touch for years. The key is choosing the right plant for the space.
If you’re looking for low maintenance landscaping ideas, you’re in the right place.
Design Principles That Save You Hours of Yardwork
Choose Plants That Can Handle Themselves
Native plants are always my go-to. They’ve adapted to our local climate, which means less watering, less worrying, and a better chance of thriving with minimal effort and minimal maintenance. I also use drought tolerant plants like sedum and lavender, along with evergreen shrubs, dwarf conifers, and ornamental grasses because they stay tidy and don’t need to be trimmed every month.
The key? Avoid plants that stretch, flop, or need constant deadheading. I stick with perennials that don’t care if you skip a week or three. These low maintenance plants are perfect for raised garden beds or front yard focal points.
Smarter Bed and Border Design
Wider garden beds give plants space to fill in, so you’re not constantly shaping or shearing them back. I always recommend putting down a thick layer of mulch — and if you really want to keep weeds down, apply Preen or another pre-emergent herbicide before you mulch. This combination helps preserve soil moisture and supports healthier plants.
But skip the landscape cloth. Weed barrier sounds good in theory, but once weeds start rooting in the mulch on top, it becomes a pain. We’ve ripped out enough failed fabric to know it doesn’t last. Instead, use mulch or wood chips and refresh them as needed.
Use natural stone, river rock, or pea gravel for bed edges. These durable materials hold up year after year and give your front yard clean, sharp curb appeal.
Rethink Traditional Turf
If you’re tired of mowing and watering, artificial turf is one of the best low maintenance options. I’ve used it in spots where real grass just won’t grow — like shady areas, sloped backyards, or narrow side yards — and it works.
Ground cover is another smart move for slopes or awkward corners. Or go for a rock garden with drought resistant plants, gravel or paver paths, and minimal upkeep. Anything that doesn’t require gas, water, or weekly attention is a win in my book.
8 Landscaping Ideas I Recommend All the Time
- Evergreen shrubs near entries, hardscaping, and fences to up your curb appeal year-round
- Raised garden beds with low maintenance plants like lavender or dwarf grasses
- Rock gardens using natural stone, drought tolerant plants, and pea gravel
- Mulched flower beds filled with native plants to suppress weeds
- Artificial turf for high-traffic spots or areas with poor soil quality
- Ornamental grasses that look good in every season and don’t need pruning
- Drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering with less water waste
- Ground cover and dwarf conifers in hard-to-mow corners of your front yard or backyard
What You Still Have to Do — But Not Much
Even low maintenance landscaping needs a little seasonal work. In early spring, I give most shrubs a trim, refresh the mulch, and check for any early weeds. After that? Things mostly take care of themselves.
No endless trimming. No fussy flower beds. Just a few hours each season to keep your beautiful landscape looking sharp.
Why This Approach Works So Well
Here’s what you get when you design a low maintenance landscape the right way:
- Healthier plants with fewer pests and diseases
- Less water use and better support for soil quality
- Lower environmental impact by avoiding chemicals
- A yard that still looks great and requires minimal upkeep
And most importantly: more time to actually enjoy your outdoor space.
Your Yard Can Look Amazing Without Taking Over Your Life
I’ve built landscapes like this for years — and I’ve done it at my own place too. A beautiful landscape doesn’t have to be high-maintenance. You just need the right mix of landscaping ideas, durable materials, and plants that thrive with less water and less maintenance.
As a professional landscaping company in Central PA build you something that looks great and practically takes care of itself.
Reach out to ProLawn today and we’ll help you design a low maintenance landscape that still turns heads.
