Low Maintenance Backyard Designs

Fence Alternatives

• Fences can be expensive projects. Rather than hiring a contractor for this big project or attempting to do it yourself, consider alternatives that add beauty and privacy to your backyard. Install cheap, wooden lattices and then cover them with fast-growing vines, such as ivy. Planting several quick-growing bushes, such as honeysuckle, creates tall hedges. Plant decorative trees featuring flowering blooms or fruits around the property's perimeter for privacy.

Lawn Alternatives

• Designate a few small grass areas and then fill the rest of the yard with other features, such as gardens and seating areas. Design pathways around the yard with inexpensive items, such as brick or concrete blocks. If you have a larger budget, use decorative stone or natural materials, such as slate rocks. Create sitting areas around outdoor fireplaces or fire pit. Use groundcover plants, sand or gravel in place of grass.

Flowers and Garden Ideas

• Native flowering plants create a water-friendly garden in your low-maintenance yard. Native plants don't require excessive watering or fertilizing. Try a small container garden on your back porch. Move these containers around the yard for different light intakes.

Accessories

• Accessories add color and style to your low-maintenance backyard. Consider gazing balls, birdbaths or birdhouse. Hanging a bright-colored hammock between two trees creates a relaxing spot in your yard. Adding glow-in-the-dark, stained glass yard stakes puts a personal touch in the yard.