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Low Maintenance Modern Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

a front yard

While homeownership has its perks, it’s no walk in the park. It can feel like there are a million things to manage inside and outside the home. When times get busy, yard maintenance is often the first to fall through the cracks. If yours is starting to look unruly, maybe it’s time to update it with a low-maintenance look.

With low-maintenance landscaping, you can save yourself hours of yard work. Not only is it practical, but you will have a beautiful yard you can show off to your neighbors and guests. If you need extra help, contact a landscaping specialist.

Too Busy to Maintain a Yard? These Low-Maintenance Modern Front Yard Landscaping Ideas Can Help

As life gets busier, more homeowners turn to low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping. If you want to do the same, the ideas below can help transform your yard into a hassle-free oasis.

But before you get started, think about how you want to use your yard. Will it be a place for your kids to run around and play? Or is it for entertaining guests on the weekends? Once you’ve sorted out your priorities, you can plan the space better and achieve your desired look.

Consider Other Lawn Alternatives

Sprawling green lawns are beautiful. But they require a lot of money and maintenance. Even if you stick to a strict watering and fertilizing schedule, grass can still decide to turn yellow on you. Fortunately, there are lawn alternatives you can try.

For example, you can use hardscaping elements like a patio, porch or deck. That will give your yard more functionality and lessen the green areas you need to keep alive. You can also turn it into a Zen garden and beautify it with succulents, rocks and gravel. If you still want the lushness of the grass, you can consider ground-cover plants like honeysuckle, clover or moss.

Consider Artificial Turf

Artificial turf gives you the beauty of a green and lush look with none of the regular upkeep. Sell that lawn mower and enjoy a pop of green all year long.  Artificial turf throughout your yard nestled among flower and shrub beds brings an inviting space to entertain and play anytime of year without the headache of maintaining or watering.

Go for Fuss-Free Plants

Some plants are drama queens. If you don’t want to deal with that kind of frustration, choose fuss-free plants. Native plants are your best option because they flourish in your area’s soil and climate. They are also more resistant to local pests. They can thrive with little maintenance.

Drought-tolerant plants are another low-maintenance alternative you can explore. They will keep their lively appearance even when temperatures soar in the summer. Aloe vera is one option, loved for its eye-catching succulent leaves. For those who prefer colorful blooms, you can adorn your yard with angelonia, lantanas and coneflowers.

Plant Drought-Tolerant Trees

If you’re wondering how to spruce up your plain yard, a tree or two can liven things up. They can elevate the look of your property without adding too much work to your plate, especially once fully developed. Opt for drought-tolerant variants to keep your yard work to a minimum. Jacarandas, frangipanis and crape myrtles are some examples.

Before you plant them, consider their full-grown size and ensure you have enough room in your yard. If you’re working with limited space, you can always grow trees in pots. That will also let you control the type of soil you grow them in.

Install Patio Pavers

Massive lawns require a lot of upkeep. If yours requires too much of your time, you can use pavers to decrease your lawn space. They’re easy and affordable to install and will beautify your property. You can get them in various colors, shapes and sizes, letting you create a unique look.

The best part is they require little care. Concrete, brick, limestone and flagstone pavers have impressive durability. They can withstand harsh weather and wear and tear, lasting a lifetime.

Install an Irrigation System

If you don’t have time to maintain your turf but also can’t bear to let go of it, an irrigation system can solve that dilemma. Installing one will boost the health of your turf and plants, supplying them with the right amount of water at the right time. It also maintains soil balance and minimizes fungus, weeds and diseases.

If you want a low-maintenance yard but don’t know where to start, landscaping specialists can help. They will create your dream yard with plants, trees and materials that are easy to care for. You can also schedule regular maintenance with them to keep your yard in its best shape.

a small front yard

Landscape Ideas for Small Front Yards

Small yards can still be very charming if you know how to use the area. With the right plants and hardscaping materials, you can create an illusion of more space and boost curb appeal.

Here are some ideas to help inspire you.

Create Layers

Adding layers to your yard will create depth and make the space look bigger. Arrange your plants according to size and shape, factoring in their final form once full-grown. Combining different plant textures and colors can also make things more interesting. In addition, you can use window boxes and planters to create space for more greenery.

Add Rocks and Other Hardscaping Materials

Don’t be afraid to play with hardscaping materials of various shapes and textures. You can try adding large boulders to your flower beds to elevate their look. That requires zero extra maintenance. You can also experiment with bricks and pavers for your retaining wall and walkway, mixing vertical and horizontal lines. That creates more dimension and lends a more eye-catching look to your yard.

Create Privacy

Just because you have a small yard doesn’t mean you can’t have any privacy. Upright shrubs and tall perennials along your front walk will lend a touch of privacy to your home. If you want pops of color to greet your guests, you can plant flowering shrubs like oakleaf hydrangeas, weigelas and red-barked dogwood. You can finish with a border of pavers for an added touch of elegance.

Add a Patio

Even small yards can have a patio. You can add a small one to your front yard as part of the entrance. It can also be a separate seating area if you don’t want it attached to your home. Add comfy chairs and a table to your patio to create a welcoming space for your family and friends. Everyone can gather there to relax and admire the front yard herb garden.

If you’re unsure how to maximize your small yard, turn to the pros for help. A landscaping specialist can recommend plants, hardscaping elements and installations to elevate your property’s beauty and functionality.

a front yard patio

Benefits and Uses of a Front Yard Patio

A front yard patio can make a beautiful house even more attractive. But it’s not just for curb appeal or impressing your neighbors. Here are some practical benefits and uses of installing one.

It Boosts Property Value

Having a well-designed patio is an attractive feature for prospective buyers. It can increase your home’s value, boosting your earnings if you sell your property in the future. Wooden patios are a popular choice among homeowners for their affordability. It’s easier to recoup costs when you use mid-level materials like wood.

It’s a Chance to Spend Time Outdoors

There’s no excuse not to go outside anymore when you have a covered front yard patio. With chairs and a table, you can spend relaxing afternoons in your yard with a glass of cold lemonade. You can also use it for entertaining guests. With ambient lighting and a fire pit, you’re ready for a cozy barbecue night with friends.

It Is a Chance to Unwind

When life gets stressful, a patio can be a peaceful refuge from your worries. It’s a chance to go out, breathe fresh air and clear your mind.

Contact a Professional for Your Yard Troubles

Do you need low-maintenance modern front yard landscaping ideas? Or maybe you’re struggling to maximize the space in your small yard? Whatever your yard problems, a landscaping specialist can come to the rescue. A landscaping professional has the tools and expertise to execute the yard transformation of your dreams.

ABC Can Create The Yard Of Your Dreams

If you’re the type of homeowner who relishes a beautiful yard but doesn’t look forward to the work that goes into creating it, ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you design the yard and side yard of your dreams. Afterward, our team of lawn care service experts can help you maintain it so your yard retains its curb appeal.

J Zambo

J Zambo joined ABC in 2023 with over 20 years of experience. He is the Lawn & Tree Division Manager, overseeing Lawn Maintenance and Care, Landscaping, Tree and Holiday Lighting for all ABC Austin branches. Before ABC, he was the Vice President of Aloha Arbor Care and Hawaii Landscape Services. J is an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. His favorite quote is “So shines a good deed in a weary world” by Willie Wonka.

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