If you’re a parent (especially if you have more than one child), you’ll easily relate to the following: No time to breathe, doing a hundred things at once, having barely any time for yourself, etc., etc.
Now, if that’s the case, how can you even fathom thinking about spending your weekends pulling weeds and fussing over flower beds? It just isn’t possible. Work, kids, meals, and to-do lists that never seem to end don’t leave you with enough energy (or time) for landscaping.
But yeah, the good news is (also the reason why we’re here) is that landscaping doesn’t have to mean hours of digging, trimming, and watering. What you want is a space that works for your family and feels like a place you actually want to spend time in. Clean, neat, cozy, and relaxing.
This article is the shortcut to just that. You’ll learn about some really simple landscaping strategies that save time and cut down on chores, but still make your yard look put together.
Planning and Design
Before you pick up that shovel, take a moment and think about what you want out of your yard and how it fits into your daily life.
How much time do you realistically have each week to maintain your backyard? With kids, work, and everything in between, probably not much. This is exactly why your landscaping should match your lifestyle. If you don’t have a lot of time to maintain it, then you can’t fill it with exotic plants and expect it to look good.
What do you use your yard for? Do your kids run wild and need space to play, or do you want a quiet corner to relax? Once you have a clear idea of how your space should function, you can start thinking about what to plant.
Native plants are ideal because they’re low-maintenance. They’re accustomed to the local weather and don’t need endless babysitting. Also, go for perennials, so you don’t have to replant them every season.
Ground covers are another good idea because they help fill bare spots and cut down on mowing. If your lawn is taking up too much of your weekend, you can shrink it and swap in gravel paths or mulched garden beds instead.
There’s also the possibility of breaking the yard into zones, like a play space for kids, a chill zone for you, and maybe a small garden. This way, it doesn’t all blend into one huge mess.
Landscaping Tips That Save Time
A messy yard is not a pleasant sight, but keeping it tidy doesn’t have to be a big deal. Here are some tips that save time and are easy to do.
1. Mulch Your Garden Beds
Search “mulch for sale near me” online, check for the listed local suppliers, and you’ll do yourself a huge favor when you buy it. Mulching is one of the simplest ways to cut down on yard work. It helps lock in moisture so your plants stay hydrated for longer, it blocks sunlight so there’s fewer weeds, and it even keeps the soil at a steady temperature.
Natural mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, and straw work great, plus they’re also safe for pets and kids. Reapply it once or twice a year, and things will always look fresh.
2. Install Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses
Dragging a hose around the yard every evening is nobody’s idea of fun, especially when you have a dinner to make and kids to deal with. A drip irrigation system or a simple soaker hose set up can completely take that task off your plate. These systems deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, exactly where it’s needed. No waste, no mess, and no standing around.
3. Use Raised Garden Beds
If you want to grow herbs, vegetables, or even a small garden patch, raised beds are your best friend. They keep your garden organized, you don’t need to bend as much, and they make it easier to manage weeds and pests. Thanks to the contained structure, the soil doesn’t wash away, and seasonal cleanup is super quick.
You can even use them to teach your kids about gardening in a way that’s fun and approachable.
4. Choose Hardscaping Carefully
Grass looks beautiful, but it’s one of the most high-maintenance features in any yard. Replace some of that lawn with hardscaping like stone walkways, gravel seating areas, or a small patio. This’ll drastically cut down on the time you need to spend mowing, watering, and edging, plus, hardscaping also adds functional areas where your family can hang out.
For some good ol’ relaxing, you can also add a sandbox for the kids, a freepit (fire pits are always nice), and comfy chairs or beaches. Even logs will do; just place a comfy pillow on each of them.
Conclusion
It’s true – landscaping can be a tedious time-sucking monster. And as a parent, you barely have any time for yourself, let alone a seemingly bottomless pit such as landscaping.
And it’s not even as if you’re competing for a Yard of the Year Award. You simply want a nice space that looks good but doesn’t eat up all your free time. And the good news? You can absolutely have that. With just a little bit of smart planning and choices, you’re set.
A bit of mulch here, some nice plants there, perhaps some hardscaping, and already you’ll have a yard that’s less of a chore or a bore, but instead you now have an ideal place that makes you truly happy.