Low-maintenance backyard landscaping ideas to try at home

by Marsha Collins-Mroz 05/28/2025

Even for experienced gardeners, it can be easy to spend too much time keeping up with your backyard. Landscaping ideas can inspire but also inhibit - how can you find time to take care of such a stylish outdoor space?

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to create a low-maintenance landscape without it feeling lazy. With the right plant and design choices, you can even create a backyard garden that does your work for you. Here are some great tips for a low-maintenance backyard:

Drought-tolerant perennials

One of the simplest ways to cut your time spent on your garden is by reducing the amount of watering you need to do. Luckily, there are plenty of drought-tolerant plants you can introduce to your landscaping design that can go longer in between watering sessions.

To get the most out of the least amount of water and care, try planting some drought-tolerant perennials. Shrubs like butterfly bush and Russian sage are perfect for areas with full sun, where the soil will dry out more quickly.

Lawn alternatives

Another helpful backyard landscaping idea to cut back on garden maintenance is to get rid of your grass lawn. Not only will you save time and effort not having to weed, mow and water it, you’ll have the opportunity for creating interesting textures and plant combinations in the same space.

For shady patches of your yard, try planting moss. Most mosses are virtually maintenance free but create a lush, soft surface for the ground. In more sunny areas, ground cover crops like stonecrop, lamb’s ear and creeping thyme do well with a slew of backyard landscaping ideas.

Rock gardens & hardscape elements

Introducing hardscape elements like natural stone is a simple backyard landscaping idea for a low maintenance outdoor living space. Rock gardens are made up of stone and drought tolerant plants, either arranged in artistic or organic designs. Mixing a variety of different textures, colors and shapes of stone adds aesthetic appeal without adding more living things to take care of.

A stone patio or backyard fire pit are also low maintenance hardscape elements to consider. While they take more time and effort to install, they require very little upkeep and maintenance.

These are only a few low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas you can try. With the right choice of plants and decorative elements, you can make sure you work smarter rather than harder in maintaining your outdoor space.

About the Author
Author

Marsha Collins-Mroz

“Whether moving across town or around the world.. My Global Partners and I will handle all the details”

Marsha Collins-Mroz, Broker, "Global Partners in Real Estate"

Marsha brings her combined 46 years of successful real estate brokerage experience and expertise to every transaction. Recognizing the overwhelming demand for personalized and objective consulting services and assistance, Marsha expanded her business model to a national and international scale. She consults and oversees the acquisition and disposition of primary residences, vacation/second homes, and commercial real estate. And presents on U.S. opportunities in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her personally vetted network of Global Partners are uniquely skilled and positioned to assist with the needs of her clients; focusing on advancing their knowledge of local markets and opportunities, empowering them to make informed decisions.