How To Have A Beautiful Yard Without The Hassle
Pretty much everyone would agree that a well-groomed yard is a beautiful and enjoyable feature of a home. But getting it to look great takes a lot of work. Certain people love doing outdoor work, enjoying the sun and getting exercise while they're at it. But others are a lot less keen on it. The people of the latter group might hire a landscaping service for their yard upkeep, but for those of that group who plan to handle it all themselves, proper planning and use of efficient materials can greatly reduce the time and work needed while still making for a great-looking yard.
From the people who dislike yard work, the most common complaint you will likely hear from them is how much time and energy they have to spend mowing the lawn. It can be sweaty, hard work that takes quite awhile if the yard is big. The classic yard consists of a type of grass, such as Bermuda, Bahia or Kentucky Blue, covering most of the surface area, with plots set aside for flowers, trees or decorations. But there are actually some plants that serve as great substitutes for grass, often requiring less upkeep.
Clovers are a type of plant that fits the bill perfectly. In American neighborhoods, a clover lawn would be a rare sight. But there are numerous benefits that come from trading out that grass for clovers. The most immediate benefit is the reduction in time spent mowing. Clovers need to be mowed far less than grass. In addition to this, they don't need as much water to thrive, they stay green in every time of year, and the elements they put into the ground are beneficial to nearby plants. If you have the chance to check out a clover lawn, see for yourself.
Watering is probably the next biggest disadvantage of owning a lawn. It can cost quite a bit to keep a lawn green, particularly in hot, dry climates. Few people still have to do by hand, instead relying on automated sprinkler systems. But even these can be excessive in their water usage, tacking on extra charges to your water bill. Underground irrigation systems are a great alternative, using a lot less water by getting the moisture directly to where it's needed. Some newer homes have the system built-in, and it can installed relatively simply into older homes.
Another good tip is to design your yard with plants that are suited to your area and its yearly climate changes. Well-placed trees can make a good yard look great, but they often come with lots of extra maintenance to keep them looking nice. That is why, if you want a beautiful feature like a tree without too much extra hassle, it is important to choose the types of trees that will thrive well on their own with low-maintenance. Trees often chosen for this purpose include the pagoda dogwood, paperbark maple and Japanese hemlock.
Every yard requires work from someone, in some form. If you don't hire a professional service, there's no completely hassle-free way to have a great-looking yard. But with smart planning and choices, you can greatly reduce the amount of effort you'll need to put into making it vibrant, lush and beautiful.
From the people who dislike yard work, the most common complaint you will likely hear from them is how much time and energy they have to spend mowing the lawn. It can be sweaty, hard work that takes quite awhile if the yard is big. The classic yard consists of a type of grass, such as Bermuda, Bahia or Kentucky Blue, covering most of the surface area, with plots set aside for flowers, trees or decorations. But there are actually some plants that serve as great substitutes for grass, often requiring less upkeep.
Clovers are a type of plant that fits the bill perfectly. In American neighborhoods, a clover lawn would be a rare sight. But there are numerous benefits that come from trading out that grass for clovers. The most immediate benefit is the reduction in time spent mowing. Clovers need to be mowed far less than grass. In addition to this, they don't need as much water to thrive, they stay green in every time of year, and the elements they put into the ground are beneficial to nearby plants. If you have the chance to check out a clover lawn, see for yourself.
Watering is probably the next biggest disadvantage of owning a lawn. It can cost quite a bit to keep a lawn green, particularly in hot, dry climates. Few people still have to do by hand, instead relying on automated sprinkler systems. But even these can be excessive in their water usage, tacking on extra charges to your water bill. Underground irrigation systems are a great alternative, using a lot less water by getting the moisture directly to where it's needed. Some newer homes have the system built-in, and it can installed relatively simply into older homes.
Another good tip is to design your yard with plants that are suited to your area and its yearly climate changes. Well-placed trees can make a good yard look great, but they often come with lots of extra maintenance to keep them looking nice. That is why, if you want a beautiful feature like a tree without too much extra hassle, it is important to choose the types of trees that will thrive well on their own with low-maintenance. Trees often chosen for this purpose include the pagoda dogwood, paperbark maple and Japanese hemlock.
Every yard requires work from someone, in some form. If you don't hire a professional service, there's no completely hassle-free way to have a great-looking yard. But with smart planning and choices, you can greatly reduce the amount of effort you'll need to put into making it vibrant, lush and beautiful.
About the Author:
A beautiful yard can be a fantastic compliment to an already great-looking home. If you want to be in your dream home before you start working on that dream lawn, you may find what you're looking for at Colliers Hill, a beautiful community in Erie, Colorado.