20 Easy Low-Maintenance Backyard Ideas

There are so many options when it comes to redecorating a backyard, but one of my favorite trends at the moment is the low maintenance look. In this article, I’m sharing some of my favorite ideas to inspire you and help you create the perfect effortless yard for yourself.

Low maintenance design works well for any size, so whether you’re working with a large garden or a tiny patio, this style will be a great choice for you.

Bring in Wood Elements

A wooden seating area can bring such a chill vibe to the decor you already have.

I just love using wood in a backyard! It adds such a rustic, easy-going feel to any space, which is exactly the vibe you want for a low-maintenance design.

I’m seeing this everywhere. Plus, these elements are so simple to clean and maintain, which is a huge win in my book.

You could think about swapping your current seating and dining furniture for wooden pieces to really get that relaxed look.

Use Potted Plants

You can place potted plants just about anywhere to create your own earthy escape.

You know, plants in pots are such an underrated secret weapon for easy gardening. I think they are actually simpler to take care of, and they bring so much life to any little corner you think needs a color boost.

They are a fantastic way to get that breezy backyard look by adding pops of color and texture without a lot of effort.

Plant Local Grass

When grass grows well in your yard, it makes it so much easier to maintain.

I get it, grass can be a tricky thing to manage because it often needs a lot of attention. But if you’re not quite ready to give up on having a lawn, I have a great tip for you. Consider planting grass that naturally thrives in your region.

You can do a little research to find out which types grow best where you live, and it will save you so much time on watering and fertilizing. All you’ll have to do is give it a trim when it gets a little taller than you like.

Invest in Mulch Beds

Mulch is so versatile and actually very beneficial for your outdoor spaces.

Mulch bedding is seriously one of the best low-maintenance choices you can make for your yard. Think about adding mulch bedding in different spots instead of grass.

There’s no cutting needed, and it’s pretty inexpensive to use around your home. As a bonus, mulch also helps fertilize your plants and even stops weeds from forming. Such a smart idea!

Choose Lasting Appliances

Good outdoor appliances are built to last for a really long time.

Let’s be honest, one of the best things about having a backyard is being able to create an outdoor cooking area you really love. The problem is, a lot of outdoor kitchens can be high-maintenance, which is the exact opposite of what we want.

To avoid that, you’ll want to pick appliances that are built to last a long time. When you do that, you won’t have to replace them often, and in turn, you won’t need to do as much upkeep on the space.

Incorporate Splashes of Color

You can put color anywhere in your backyard. The whole idea is to have fun and get creative with it!

The simplest way to upgrade your backyard and keep it low-maintenance is just to add some color! It’s amazing how color brings personality and character to any part of a home.

This trick also makes decorating so easy, because you can switch out colors whenever you feel like a change. Try adding a colorful rug or even some new throw pillows to really enhance your space.

Create an Outdoor Room

Pavement is great to use as it is usually neutral which means it works well in every setting it is placed in — I love using pavement because its neutral color means it looks great in any setting.

Carving out a living space in your yard is one of the best ways to get a low-maintenance design. It makes sense when you think about it: the more living area you have, the less landscaping you’ll have to worry about.

Instead of using grass to define the space, consider putting in pavement and stone. This is such a great solution because it cuts down on the greenery you need to trim and adds a touch of elegance at the same time.

Consider Using Stone

Stone is so easy to clean and has a very chic look, which is always a beautiful touch.

Just like I mentioned, the more indoor-style features you bring into your outdoor area, the less maintenance you’ll have on your plate. I love the idea of using stone as part of your backyard decor.

It’s super easy to clean, and it doesn’t get hot, which means it will stay cool even during the hottest summer months. You could create a stone walkway or even a whole seating area. So many possibilities!

Give Lavender a Try

Lavender is a fantastic natural bug repellent, making it an incredibly useful plant for the backyard!

Lavender is hands-down one of the best and easiest plants to have in a backyard. It gives off such a relaxing aroma that’s wonderful for aromatherapy and is just so beautiful to look at on its own.

And let’s not forget, that lovely lavender scent is also a natural bug repellent! The great thing about lavender is that it only needs watering once or twice a week if you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of rain.

Plant Some Veggies

You can decide whether to have a small veggie patch or a much larger garden area.

I know vegetables might be the last thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about low maintenance. But they are a brilliant way to get a double-duty element into your decor and design.

Most vegetables don’t need constant watering, which makes them easier to care for. And the best part is, after you pick them, they will just keep on growing.