5 Tips for Homeowners Who Hate Yard Work
I’ll say it: I don’t love yard work. I do love to sit in my yard on a beautiful day. I don’t mind planting flowers once a year. But I don’t love pulling weeds and edging grass and mowing (and mowing) and bagging clippings and raking and . . . .
Some people love yard work. They find it peaceful and gratifying. And that’s great! But for the rest of us, here are some tips to keep your yard looking beautiful, but with minimal effort:
- Plant trees. Not the messy, flowering kind! Choose trees that are native to your area. Take care to plant where tree roots won’t disturb the foundation of your home. Consult experts at your local nursery for help selecting ideal trees for your property. Tip: when you go to the nursery, it’s a good idea to bring along a rough sketch of your yard, with approximate measurements.
- Plant drought-tolerant plants. Select shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other plants that are native to your area. These are low-maintenance, but they add loads of color and texture to your yard and look beautiful against a backdrop of trees.
- Hardscape. Create pathways out of stone or gravel; use decorative river rock for visual interest, or even consider installing a water feature. Most hardscape additions to your yard will require very little in terms of ongoing maintenance.
- Mulch. Wherever you have trees or plants, keep a nice, thick layer of mulch on the ground. Mulch helps to lock in moisture (here in Oregon, that means you don’t have to water nearly as much!), keeps the weeds at bay, and helps your hard to look tidy and cared for—with minimal effort. You can lay down mulch yourself in very little time, or have it professionally blown in at a reasonable cost.
- Container gardening. If you like the idea of a little green in your yard without the commitment of a full-blown lawn or garden, container gardening might be the ideal solution for you! Plant annual flowers, herbs, or small flowering plants and shrubs (like hydrangeas) in planters. Planters come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find something that complements your home’s exterior. You can also consider buying a pressure washer from unclutterer to clean up your little yard.
Of course, choosing a home with no yard is also a great option! Newer urban homes are often on small lots, which translates to less yard work. Condominiums usually have associated fees, but these fees cover ongoing maintenance like yard work, giving you the option to still enjoy a small green space without breaking a sweat! And of course, if you do have a sizeable yard, you can always hire a landscaping company to perform weekly or monthly yard maintenance for you. Whether you’re in the market for a home or condo with minimal yard space, or if you own a home and need a recommendation for landscaping, I’d love to help!
Sharon Bloudek 503-701-1000