When homeowners envision their dream landscape design, a less-than-ideal thought often comes to mind: the maintenance of the space. Decks require routine sweeping and powerwashing to keep the area free of debris and ensure protection; light bulbs must be replaced periodically to maintain their brightness; and patio fireplaces need to have ashes removed regularly for safe use.
But that’s not to say that every backyard oasis introduces these labor-intensive measures. Homeowners can now have their staycation oasis and take back upkeep time thanks to low-maintenance options.
Here’s how Green Impressions helped one Northeast Ohio homeowner achieve a low-maintenance landscape that aligned with a grand vision.
Designing a Low-Maintenance Staycation Oasis
When landscapes are already home to hardscape structures, landscape designers have the challenge of working with and around these preset conditions. In one case, a Westlake home had a lumber deck that was dated, weathered and required heavy maintenance, as well as an in-ground pool and backyard steps to account for.
The first step to a low-maintenance landscape was to remove the existing deck and replace it with a raised Unilock patio featuring decorative banding and radius-curved stairs. A cedar pergola with Corinthian-style fiberglass tiles was built above the patio space to frame the area and provide an added layer of protection outdoors.
Further adding to the comfort and ambiance of the low-maintenance landscape were gas fire bowls, LED step lights and a free-standing seating wall with different bands and borders—all elements that create the perfect space for entertaining guests.
Make Your Low-Maintenance Landscape Dream a Reality
Having the landscape of your dreams doesn’t have to take up all of your free time. By taking advantage of low-maintenance landscape trends like those highlighted here, you can give your backyard the look you want without all the hassle.
Looking for inspiration for your own low-maintenance landscape? You’ll find plenty of ideas in our 2018 Lookbook—a resource that features several examples of the landscapes we’ve helped design for clients. Download your free copy today.
