Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips

Whether you are an experienced landscaper, or attempting lawn and garden care for the first time, you want to create an attractive space that will need minimal maintenance. Here are a few tips for no-hassle landscaping.

1. Prepare the soil.

If you start a garden in an area where the soil consists highly of sand or clay, you will need to do some preparatory work before planting. Though this seems like a hassle at first, it is much better to put forth the effort at the beginning, rather than having to excavate the soil and replant everything next season. Save yourself time and money in the future by ensuring a healthy top soil at the start.

Rich, organic matter soil is always best for gardening, whether you are working with vegetables, flowers, or shrubs. Many counties provide compost piles which are an excellent source of healthy soil. Other gardeners choose to purchase organic matter soil from local nurseries. Your layer of healthy soil should be 4-6" deep, minimum. If necessary, you may need to remove some of your existing soil to make enough room for this hearty soil. Remember, by doing this now, you will be saving yourself hours and hours of re-work next year, when you find that your plants did not do well in the poor soil.

2. Control the weeds.

Pulling weeds is the most dreaded part of gardening, as well as the most time-consuming. Before you plant anything in your garden or landscaped area, be sure to lay a weed barrier. Landscaping fabrics which are spun-bound do best at preventing weed growth. The material is black and is sold in rolls at your local garden center. The cost of these weed barriers varies, but typically they cost about $.75 per rolled foot, the rolls being approximately 4' wide. Your investment will be well worth it, since the fabric lasts between 15-20 years.

Plants should be added to the area only after the landscaping fabric has been laid. Cut an X in the fabric and fold the corners under, then dig a hole for your plant. The opening should be about 4" wider than your plant, to facilitate easier watering. Though some weeds will grow up into this area, it will be a small job to remove them.

Finally, mulch such as cedar chips, tree bark, or even white rock should be laid over the landscaping material. This will give a pretty effect while serving as another protection from weeds.

3. Care for the plants.

Not only is daily plant watering unnecessary, but it may also be harmful. Frequent light watering will produce shallow roots which die easily when not watered for a few days. It is better to water your plants for a longer period of time, once or twice a week. Allowing water to soak deep into the soil will encourage healthy, deep root growth.

Fertilizer is important for healthy, vigorous plants. Shrubs tend to need little fertilizer, while grass absorbs soil nutrients more quickly. For less hassle, use shrubs and perennials and a slow-release fertilizer so you only have to do it once a year.

Shrubs should be cut back each spring. This will ensure a new, healthy growth at the beginning of each season. It is also wise to remove all dead leaves, branches, or twigs that have collected over the fall and winter months.

Landscaping is fun, but it can also be a hassle if it is entered into haphazardly. By doing it right the first time, you will enjoy a beautiful garden area that requires little maintenance.