What To Consider When Landscaping On A Budget
Size of the Yard
This is one of the logical approaches to this question. The larger the yard, the more your landscaping is going to cost. Any landscaping plan usually begins with a thorough site analysis that takes into consideration all of the important factors that will influence the design.
Consider the size and shape of your landscape and work your way up from there, taking care to take notice of distinguishing elements such as slopes or peaks along the process.
To decide where you can group plants based on their water requirements, analyze the drainage patterns, and evaluate the soil moisture levels.
Outside Style/Design of Your Home
Looking at your homes architecture is a great place to start when choosing a theme for your garden. Having a guiding style or theme can help unite your landscape and direct the placement and selection of plants.
Work with a focal point, such as a new or old sculpture or a stunning plant or tree, to compliment the lines and style of your homes architecture.
DIY or Hiring?
Choosing the DIY path for yard landscaping is going to save you money. There are no labor costs, no one suggesting what materials you have to buy and how fast you have to buy them.
However, unless you have extensive experience in landscape design, you are far better off at the very least consulting with a landscape design professional. Your landscape is much more than just a collection of plants it is a way of life.
Grow An Edible Garden
An edible garden can cut your grocery bill because you will be eating what you grow instead of buying those fruits and vegetables in store. While a cost-effective garden may take time and energy to maintain, a good harvest will have you reaping the rewards.
Cost: You can buy your gardens seeds for as little as $2 a pack. Establishment costs will vary depending on the gardens size, whether you decide to install a fence, and whether you choose to build a raised garden bed. Keep in mind that while you may have to pay upfront to establish your garden, it will begin to pay for itself as you grow your fruits and vegetables.
Create Pathways To Reduce High
Like the rocks above, pavers are decorative stones used to create pathways that need little or no care.
“A stepper in a natural shape looks really great in a lot of contexts,” Landis says. Traditional house styles like bungalows, colonials, and Victorians tend to go well with more natural pavers, like flagstone.
If your house is more on the modern side, opt for some rectangular or square pavers.
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How To Dry Up A Wet And Muddy Yard
Building a French drain is the most effective method of drying off a wet or muddy yard. It is a pipe that is installed in the ground to drain rainwater from your yard. It is a simple and cost-effective solution that you can implement on your own to limit the amount of water that runs through your yard.
Q: Who Can Install A Lawn Sprinkler For You

A: There are quite a few people that offer lawn sprinkler installations in your area. The thing is that most of these companies are quite expensive and you will end up paying much more than what they are worth. If you have the knowledge of what to do, then you can install a lawn sprinkler yourself in your backyard. Just make sure that you do not drill any holes or create a mess while installing it if there is anything wrong with your sprinkler, then it is best if you hire someone to fix it as soon as possible.
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Damian has major in architecture design and environment. Day to day, he works on several projects related to home improvement and property. As a consultant or a man who is charged with building safety and indoor-outdoor appeal
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Try A Potted Or Raised Garden
If you arent able to grow much grass or you simply dont want to try, then try building out a raised garden instead! Not only will you be able to take up a lot of space in your yard and cover up any bare spots of lawn, but youll also have flowers, herbs, and vegetables as a reward. All you need to do is trade in a lawnmower for a watering can and some seedlings and youll be ready to rock!
What Is The Cheapest Way To Cover A Backyard
Hopefully, these cheap no-grass backyard ideas have filled you with inspo for your own space. But, here’s a few more budget-friendly pointers to bear in mind.
- There are some great ground cover plants that require much less maintenance than grass. Plant them in between paving or amongst gravel for a boost of green.
- Speaking of gravel, pea gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest ground covers to lay and complements all styles of plot. You can find lots of inspiration in our garden gravel ideas feature.
- Factor in long-term costs. Artificial turf or composite decking may cost more initially, but will need very little maintenance once it’s installed.
- Use reclaimed materials where you can.
- If possible, it’s always worth taking care of at least some of the labor when giving a backyard a makeover. For example, you could learn how to build a fire pit, how to build decking, or simply paint your own fences.
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Use Objects To Add Color Instead Of Flowers
Color is the secret to a stunning yard, but that doesn’t mean you need to plant a garden full of labor-intensive dahlias.
It means choosing bright pots, benches, bird baths, Adirondack chairs anything that just sits there and looks lovely while you pour the cocktails.
And if you decide to pop some colorful flowers into your colorful pots, what could be better a better backdrop to your finally realized cocktail party?
Q: How To Make Backyard No Grass
A: Start with the grass. If your backyard is covered in grass, then you have more options than if it is not. Once you have checked out our previous article on How to Make Your Grass Greener, and you still want to makeover your backyard without any grass, the next thing you can do is get rid of all the grass in it. You can do this by using one of the following methods:
You could use a weed killer that will kill off all the blades of grass in your backyard. If you are not comfortable using weed killers, then there are some natural ways to get rid of the blades of grass growing in your yard for good. You can start by adding some flowering plants in your backyard that are known to kill off all the grass in your yard these include: Rosemary Mints
Detailed Instructions:
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Opt For Fragrant Ground Cover Plants
For areas where daily usage isnt important, fragrant chamomile lawns are popular, but require a sunny spot and free draining soil. They also go a little patchy in wet summers, and for this reason scented thyme lawns are preferable, which need similar conditions and also dont tolerate heavy foot traffic, but are generally a lot tougher and more reliable. If the soil is prepared properly, thyme grows fast, too. A spring planting of small coffee cup-sized plants spaced 15-25cm apart will see a pleasing effect the following year, and in 18 months, the carpet should be at its best.
If you go for low-growing varieties such as Thymus serpyllum Snowdrift or Pink Chintz, you shouldnt need to trim them either. But if you want to keep the plants bushy, trim after flowering with shears, or if you have a lawn mower with a height setting, use this carefully. For a thyme tapestry effect, plant each variety in large teardrop-shaped drifts and mix them up throughout the design.
If you dont need to walk on parts of the lawn at all, seas of weed-smothering ground cover plants such as bugle , pennyroyal , self-heal , and even ivy works well. White clover is a possible option, too, and useful to feed both the bees and your soil. If you want to go to extremes, rip up the lawn in favor of one giant open border instead, where theres room for multi-layered mixed plantings.
No Grass Backyard Ideas
It might be hard to imagine a backyard without grass but let me tell you, it is utterly possible. As a matter of fact, it is a growing trend for modern architecture and landscaping right now and labeled these designs as the no-mow garden and backyard. This is a valid alternative in building your dream backyard because we have to admit, maintaining the turf requires more than just money but also a considerable amount of effort. And if you have been dying of what you can transform your backyard into, here are no grass backyard ideas you can count on.
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Q: Can You Do Your Makeover Yourself
A: Yes, you basically can do your own backyard makeover. You will just have to be very careful with the types of chemicals that you are using as it is better to be safe than sorry. If you do not have enough knowledge about what to do, then it is recommended that you hire a professional landscaping company this will make sure that your yard looks good and requires little maintenance.
There are quite a few factors that need to come into play when deciding how much space to allocate for a garden like the type of plants and flowers you want to grow, if you want grass or gravel and if there are kids playing in the area, etc.
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Low Maintenance Backyard Landscaping Ideas Without Grass

Backyard landscaping Ideas Without Grass
Maintaining your backyard nice and neat can sometimes be challenging. Successfully growing healthy, lush, green, grass can sometimes be a challenge, especially in areas lacking an irrigation system. Its also a challenge to constantly mow and maintain.
Luckily, there are many other options for landscaping, without including grass or other high maintenance plants. These beautiful, clever and sustainable options, can make your backyard a true oasis of relaxation, and you wont even notice that the grass isnt there. Following these landscaping ideas can bring you a unique and amazing looking backyard that you wont have to spend a ton of time maintaining.
1. Building A Patio
One of the best options to skip grass in your backyard would be building a patio. Patios can be used in a number of ways and enjoyed no matter the time of the year.
Whether, you just need an area to relax or invite people over to entertain, building a patio gives you a good opportunity to include your own outdoor kitchen, with a grill, fireplace, meat smoking station or whatever your ideas might be. There arent many backyard landscaping options, that will allow you to include outdoor cooking areas, but Patios are perfect for that.
2. River Rock Or Boulder Gardens
3. Low Maintenance Garden Beds, Potted Plants, And Trees
4. Xeriscaping
Different types of succulents and other drought-resistant plants are used in planning this kind of landscape, including
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Opt For Natural Perennial Ground Covers
Tired of weeding the lawn? Skip the weed killers and opt for dense spreading perennial ground covers instead.
According to Jonas Sickler of ConsumerSafety.org, weed killers can be both costly and hazardous to your health. Harsh chemicals in Roundup can sicken pets and has been linked to cancer, Sickler says. Weed killers arent just bad for your health they also pack a punch to your bank account at over $20 .
Check out these cheap ground covers that are beautiful and low-maintenance:
Cheap Natural Perennial Ground Cover Options
- Early Snow Glories $2.40 per plant
Pro Tip: If your backyard is full of big, beautiful trees, you may want to choose shade plants that can handle living in their shadow, as not all plants can tolerate full or partial shade.
Q: Why Is Using A Lawn Sprinkler Important
A: Lawn sprinklers are essential in maintaining your lawn to make sure that it is green and healthy. If you have a lawn that isnt irrigated regularly, then the grass will start to grow out of control and turn yellow. The good thing about installing a lawn sprinkler is that you can water your yard whenever you want without doing any work this means that you wont have to put any effort into making over your backyard or spending too much money on it.
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How Do You Do A Simple Landscape
Cimino suggests thinking about your yard like an amphitheater. Create a stack of plants that are tall in the back, then medium, with short plants in the front, she explains. You want to pay close attention to textures and colors, as the right assortment and balance of those two elements will add visual interest to the landscape design.
Simplicity is one of my favorite landscape strategies, as its underutilized but can be extremely effective, Yost adds. For a sophisticated look that requires minimal effort, she recommends creating masses out of pared-down complementary plantings. For example, layering boxwood with ornamental grasses will offer evergreen and structure, while there is whimsy and movement from the grasses, she says.
Here, browse 16 low-maintenance landscaping ideasfrom ornamental grasses to container gardensto gather inspiration.
Backyard Landscaping Ideas Without Grass
Backyard landscaping Ideas Without Grass
Maintaining your backyard nice and neat can sometimes be challenging. Successfully growing healthy, lush, green, grass can sometimes be a challenge, especially in areas lacking an irrigation system. Its also a challenge to constantly mow and maintain.
Luckily, there are many other options for landscaping, without including grass or other high maintenance plants. These beautiful, clever and sustainable options, can make your backyard a true oasis of relaxation, and you wont even notice that the grass isnt there. Following these landscaping ideas can bring you a unique and amazing looking backyard that you wont have to spend a ton of time maintaining.
1. Building A PatioOne of the best options to skip grass in your backyard would be building a patio. Patios can be used in a number of ways and enjoyed no matter the time of the year.
Whether, you just need an area to relax or invite people over to entertain, building a patio gives you a good opportunity to include your own outdoor kitchen, with a grill, fireplace, meat smoking station or whatever your ideas might be. There arent many backyard landscaping options, that will allow you to include outdoor cooking areas, but Patios are perfect for that.
2. River Rock Or Boulder Gardens
3. Low Maintenance Garden Beds, Potted Plants, And Trees
4. Xeriscaping
Different types of succulents and other drought-resistant plants are used in planning this kind of landscape, including
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Does Your Backyard Need A Low Maintenance Landscape
South Mountain Lawn & Landscape, Inc. is a landscaping contractor based out of Knoxville, Maryland and serving Frederick County and the surrounding area. Whether you want no grass or minimal grass, a beautiful new patio, a rock garden, or just a nice place to sit and relax amidst your garden, we can help you design and build an amazing backyard landscape.
If youd like to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your backyard landscaping design or installation ideas wed be happy to meet with you. Please call 301-834-4628 or fill out our online form and well get right back to you.
Creating Paths Within The Yard
of open cobbles or closed brick and stamped concrete break up yard areas yet can give the illusion of more space. One meanders along a path with bushes or plants defining it or directing the walker to a specific site such as a birdbath on a pedestal or Interesting Trees on the lot.
Combining pathways and ground covers or patios covers a no grass space in interesting patterns. A path can also lead to a yard alternative such as a pool or pond.
Check your community by-laws before undergoing drastic and expensive lawn changes. There are many options to going green. The irony is, not all are natural.
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This Timeless Landscaping Makes A Small Backyard With No Grass Feel Calming And Peaceful
In this following example, we wanted to show you another way of making a small backyard feel spacious and elegant even without planting any grass. The quick answer is to try and use Golden Goddess bamboos!
This plant species is small and non-invasive, so its slow growth makes it easy to take care of but perfect for a privacy screen.
Here, the trees provide a soothing and calming effect as they line up the steppingstones in a clean and neat way.
The path itself is a simple but lovely addition. This edging is 2X4 pressure-treated lumber and is a nice contrast against the grey color of the gravel and stones.
To finish up the space, dont forget to install some outdoor lights.