5 Steps to a Low Maintenance Yard

I was recently asked to give a presentation to the Carlsbad Networking Group, Networking Momentum, on low maintenance yards. In the presentation I was able to highlight five steps that are equally important to achieving such a goal.

Step 1 - Plan, or a Landscape Design.

This provides you with an overall road map; even if you can't do it all now, it's good to have a strategy. A good landscape design will combine your wants with your functional needs , take into account both the good and bad of your yard, have colors and plants that work with the hardscape, and reflect your personality.

Step 2 - The Hardscape

This is all the non-growing things in your yard - Patios, walkways, fire pits, decks, patio covers, and fireplaces. We have such a wide range of beautiful materials and unique designs available to us that this element is very important to get right. It's also likely to be the most expensive part so the planning and design of it is very important.

Step 3 - The Plant Selection

The right plant in the right place is vital to a happy, healthy landscape. There are different styles of plants, and this is an important part of the design process. Plant selection is a complex choice involving many factors such as size and shape when mature, sun and water requirements, flower and foliage texture and color, season of interest and cold and heat hardiness.

Step 4 - Irrigation

Since water is our most precious resource, managing its use in the landscape is really important. A well designed irrigation system uses drip and sprinklers appropriately, and uses a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjust watering schedules according to weather conditions

Step 5 - Soil Health

Compost is used to improve the soil, providing drainage, nutrients, aeration, and correcting the pH balance on our very alkaline soil. Follow up by applying organic fertilizers, root stimulators, beneficial mycorrhizae, and weed treatments. Finally apply 2" of wood chip mulch to get plants off to a great start, reducing irrigation costs, suppressing weeds and continuing to improve soil as it breaks down over time.

About The Yard Fairy:

Diane E Downey is the owner of The Yard Fairy Inc, a North San Diego County based award winning landscape design and installation company creating low water, low maintenance landscapes that are as functional as they are pleasing to the eye. To arrange your consultation with The Yard Fairy, please call 760 804 1661 or email info at yardfairy.com today.

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