- 12 Steps to a Low-Maintenance Orlando Landscape<\/a>
- 1. Hello, Hardscapes!<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Mulch Ado About Nothing<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Go Native<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Get Into Ground Cover\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Put the Art in Artificial Grass<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Xeriscaping Marks the Spot<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Contain Yourself<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Rain, Rain, Go Away (Into a Rain Garden)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Pretty in Perennials\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Forever and Evergreen<\/a><\/li>
- 11. The Irrigation Sensation That\u2019s Sprinkling the Nation<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Rock \u2018n Roll<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Orlando<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
12 Steps to a Low-Maintenance Orlando Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>
1. Hello, Hardscapes!<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"stone](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/stone-patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A hardscape is any landscape feature that isn\u2019t a plant. Retaining walls<\/a>, stone pathways, and outdoor living spaces such as patios<\/a> and decks are all examples of hardscapes. There are even small hardscaping projects, such as fire pits, that are suitable for homeowners to DIY themselves.<\/p>
The great thing about these features is they don\u2019t require any maintenance, and they fill empty space that would otherwise contain grass and other plants you would have to take care of. <\/p>
Installing a hardscape is a simple, one-time job that looks great and even increases property value<\/a>. Outdoor living spaces are especially valuable and useful in Orlando, where it almost never gets too cold to spend time outside, even deep into winter. Here are a few articles to help your hardscaping juices start to flow:<\/p>
- 21 of the Best Fire Pit Ideas<\/a>
<\/li>- 12 Small Patio Ideas to Revamp Your Outdoor Living Space<\/a>
<\/li>- How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?<\/a>
<\/li>- 9 Pergola Ideas to Add Shelter and Style in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Though it might seem like extra work in the meantime, you\u2019ll want to lay a solid foundation<\/a> for hardscaping features. You don’t want projects made from flagstone or pavers<\/a> to give you problems down the line. You\u2019ll save time and money in the long run by preventing issues like shifting or breakage. <\/p>
2. Mulch Ado About Nothing<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/bark-mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mulch<\/a> doesn\u2019t just look pretty. It also prevents weeds and helps your plants get the moisture they need, creating a well-kept garden bed with much less work on your part.<\/p>
You can use organic mulch, such as wood chips, that will eventually break down and add nutrients to the soil, but you\u2019ll have to replace it every spring. Alternatively, you could use an inorganic mulch like rocks or rubber that will never need replacing. <\/p>
For even stronger protection against weeds and even less maintenance, consider laying landscape fabric<\/a> under your mulch. Some landscape fabrics (or weed barrier alternatives<\/a>) can effectively smother weeds for several years without any upkeep.<\/p>
3. Go Native<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Several](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sabal-palm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re looking for Florida-friendly, low-maintenance plants, think local. Florida native plants that grow naturally in Orlando\u2019s climate will require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Essentially, native plants can fend for themselves<\/a> without much help from you. <\/p>
Orlando has many beautiful, low-maintenance native trees, shrubs, and flowers<\/a>, including:<\/p>
- Sabal palm (pictured)
<\/li> - Azaleas<\/a>
<\/li>- Violets <\/li> <\/ul>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Native grasses will require less work, too. Some of the best grass types<\/a> for a low-maintenance lawn in Orlando are bahiagrass, Zoysia grass, and centipedegrass.<\/p>
4. Get Into Ground Cover <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Dark](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/image-58-e1605229145902.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Most Orlando homeowners will agree that mowing the lawn<\/a> is the most annoying yard chore. Mowing requires hard labor and, even worse, in the middle of the summer, temperatures can reach 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. <\/p>
If you\u2019re sick of mowing, consider replacing traditional grass with a ground cover plant. Ground covers can give you a lush, healthy lawn without all the hassle. Stunning ground cover plants<\/a> that do well in Orlando\u2019s USDA hardiness zone include English ivy (pictured), periwinkle, and creeping phlox.<\/p>
5. Put the Art in Artificial Grass<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"backyard](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/artificial-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Perfect Grass<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If a ground cover lawn alternative<\/a> is still too much work for you, artificial grass might be your solution. While ground cover plants still need sunlight and some water to survive, artificial grass is literally maintenance-free. Simply install it (or have a professional install it for you), and you\u2019re done. <\/p>
Though artificial grass can get quite expensive<\/a>, it can be worth it for the lawn mower-less future it presents. It\u2019s an especially good option for homes with children and pets who constantly crash through your yard like a hurricane<\/a>, destroying every blade of grass in their path. <\/p>
6. Xeriscaping Marks the Spot<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"xeriscaped](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/xeriscaping-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Downtowngal<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Xeriscaping looks like a big, scary word, but it\u2019s actually quite simple. A xeriscape<\/a> is a water-wise garden that uses drought-tolerant plants and hardscapes to reduce water use. With xeriscaping, your yard will look good year-round with no watering from you.<\/p>
This gardening practice is more common in areas that suffer from drought (Orlando can\u2019t relate), but adhering to water restrictions isn\u2019t all xeriscaping is good for. Xeriscapes are extremely low-maintenance, and they can save you big bucks on your water bill. <\/p>
Succulents<\/a> and drought-tolerant native plants such as black-eyed Susans or Fakahatchee grass do well in xeriscaped garden beds.<\/p>
7. Contain Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"three](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/container-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Needpix<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A container garden, in which you arrange potted plants in your yard, is easier to care for than a traditional flower bed. You can plant a container garden<\/a> without any digging or hard labor. <\/p>
You\u2019ll also find it easier to protect potted plants from weeds and pests than plants in the ground. Not to mention it\u2019s much easier to replace a potted plant if the old one dies or you simply want a seasonal change of color. <\/p>
Container gardens are a great landscaping option for people with limited mobility, such as seniors or people with disabilities. They won\u2019t have to get on their knees in the dirt to care for these plants. <\/p>
8. Rain, Rain, Go Away (Into a Rain Garden)<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Rain](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rain-garden-james-steakley-1024x684.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> While a rain garden<\/a> does require some effort to build, you can basically forget about it once it\u2019s established, making it a perfect low-maintenance landscaping solution. <\/p>
A properly placed rain garden will collect your property\u2019s stormwater runoff and therefore won\u2019t need additional watering from you to thrive. <\/p>
Because rain gardens reduce flooding and help control erosion<\/a>, they also can save you from the hassle of dealing with larger landscape issues in the future. <\/p>
9. Pretty in Perennials <\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/tickseed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial plants are a one-and-done solution for adding colorful flowers to your garden. Unlike annuals, perennials<\/a> come back year after year on their own. All you have to do is plant them and make sure they get the proper water and sunlight, and you\u2019ll have a reliable landscape plant for years to come. <\/p>
Orlando has many low-maintenance native perennials, including:<\/p>
- Tickseed, Florida\u2019s state wildflower (pictured)
<\/li> - Blanket flower
<\/li> - Blazing star<\/li> <\/ul>
10. Forever and Evergreen<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/buttonsage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Evergreen plants come in all shapes and sizes, from towering trees to hedge-friendly shrubs<\/a> to low-growing ground covers. <\/p>
No matter what evergreen plants you choose for your low-maintenance landscape, you can rest assured that \u2014 and rest easy because \u2014 they\u2019ll look their best year-round, since they don\u2019t shed leaves. <\/p>
If you\u2019re looking for shade or specimen trees<\/a> that won\u2019t require cleanup come fall, there are many Florida native species of evergreen trees that could be perfect for you. Palm trees<\/a>, for example, are low-maintenance and diverse.<\/p>
11. The Irrigation Sensation That\u2019s Sprinkling the Nation<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"three](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/automatic-irrigation.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ildar Sagdejev<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Even if you don\u2019t have a water-wise landscape, you won\u2019t ever have to worry about watering your lawn or garden if you install an automatic irrigation system. All you\u2019ll need to do is set a timer, and your sprinklers will take care of watering your landscape for you. <\/p>
Having sprinklers installed can be expensive<\/a>, and regular use will drive up your water bill, but they\u2019ll save you hours of work in the garden and increase your home\u2019s property value<\/a>.<\/p>
12. Rock \u2018n Roll<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Zen](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1280px-Zuihou-in2-1-1024x768.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Hiro2006<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Instead of a flower bed or other traditional garden, consider a rock garden<\/a> for your low-maintenance landscape. The focal point of a rock garden is not plants but (you guessed it) rocks, stones, and boulders<\/a> of different shapes and sizes. <\/p>
You can design your rock garden<\/a> in any style that suits your home. The best part is you don\u2019t have to water, fertilize, weed, or prune rocks. <\/p>
You can include plants in your rock garden as accent pieces, but these will still require far less effort to maintain than a full-on garden bed filled with shrubs<\/a> and flowers. <\/p>
FAQ About Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Orlando<\/strong><\/h2>
How Do I Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Orlando?A low-maintenance Orlando landscape is of little use if you\u2019re swatting mosquitoes while you\u2019re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few tried-and-true tips on getting rid of mosquitoes<\/a> in your Florida yard:
What Maintenance Does a Landscape Need?<\/strong>A typical Orlando landscape requires lawn mowing, watering grasses and plants, weeding, fertilizing, pruning trees and shrubs, preventing pests, and removing leaves and other debris.
What is a Good Budget for Landscaping in Orlando?<\/strong>Ideally, you should spend 5% to 10% of your home\u2019s value on landscaping. Since the average value of a home in Orlando is about $388,557<\/a>, a good landscaping budget for here would be about $19,428<\/strong> to $38,856<\/strong>. (Keep in mind these numbers include all landscaping costs, from materials to installation).\u00a0
When to Call a Landscaping Professional<\/strong><\/h2>
If you\u2019re just getting started with your low-maintenance landscaping plans, a professional Orlando landscaper<\/a> in Orlando can help you come up with a beautiful design that suits your home, your needs, and the level of effort you\u2019re willing to put into your yard.\u00a0<\/p>
Alternatively, you could create whatever landscape you want and hire a regular lawn care service<\/a> to maintain it for you. You\u2019ll still have a low-maintenance landscape (as far as you\u2019re concerned, anyway), but without limitations on plant types and design options. <\/p>
However you choose to construct your landscape, remember that the less maintenance your yard needs, the more free time you\u2019ll have to enjoy it.<\/p>
- Violets <\/li> <\/ul>
- 12 Small Patio Ideas to Revamp Your Outdoor Living Space<\/a>
- 2. Mulch Ado About Nothing<\/a><\/li>
- 1. Hello, Hardscapes!<\/a><\/li>