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Landscaping 101

Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Discover low-maintenance landscaping ideas like using barkdust, rock gardens, and gravel paths to reduce upkeep and enhance your yard's appeal.

Looking at your yard, it’s sometimes overwhelming to think about all the upkeep. All those hours pulling weeds, watering plants, and mowing the lawn mean less time you spend enjoying your yard! Here are some tips and ideas for low-maintenance landscaping which will look great and requires minimal upkeep.

Use Bark Dust or Mulch for Ground Coverage

Mulch and barkdust are excellent options for covering large areas quickly while giving your yard a clean, finished appearance. Even if you don’t have many plants, a fresh layer of mulch makes existing flowers and shrubs pop.

More than just decorative, mulch also helps prevent weeds, retains soil moisture, and regulates soil temperature. Once spread, it requires very little attention. You only need to refresh your mulch or barkdust every two to four years, making it one of the lowest-maintenance landscaping tools available.

We carry barkdust and mulch in a range of colors and textures. Not sure how much to order? Use our online calculator to estimate how much you’ll need.

Add a Rock Garden

Rock gardens add visual interest and texture to your yard while keeping maintenance to a minimum. After the initial installation, they require little ongoing effort. Many of the plants suited for rock gardens, such as sedums and ornamental grasses, are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Decorative rocks and river rock come in a variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to customize the look to fit your personal style. A well-designed rock garden stays beautiful all year round, regardless of the season.

Create More Paths

Gravel paths are a smart way to reduce the amount of lawn you have to mow. Like rock gardens, gravel paths are mostly a one-time project. Once installed, they can last for years with minimal upkeep. Pea gravel and crushed stone both offer natural charm and are available in multiple colors and textures.

Paths can help define different zones in your yard, guide foot traffic, and cut down on the size of your lawn. Not sure which type of gravel to use? Check out our post on choosing the right gravel for your project.

Plant Drought-Tolerant Natives

Native plants are naturally adapted to your local climate, meaning they generally require less water and fertilizer than non-native species. Once established, these plants often thrive with minimal intervention. Look for grasses, shrubs, and perennials suited to the Pacific Northwest that will thrive on rainfall alone.

Use a Weed Barrier Under Mulch or Rock

Installing a landscape fabric or weed barrier beneath your mulch or gravel helps reduce weed growth even further. It’s an easy step that pays off long-term, especially in high-maintenance areas like garden beds and gravel pathways.

Whether you’re just getting started or want to upgrade your existing landscape, our team at Schlegel Barkdust & Landscape Supplies is here to help. Contact us today for product recommendations, delivery options, and expert advice.