Creating a beautiful landscape doesn't have to mean spending hours on end maintaining it. Fortunately, there are several ways to create a low-maintenance landscape in Iowa that looks great without requiring too much time and effort. One of the best ways to achieve this is by planting native plants that are adapted to the local climate. It's also important to consider the sun exposure and soil health before choosing plants, as only those that will thrive in the specific conditions of your property should be selected. Additionally, laying mulch and refreshing it every year can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering your plants. If you want to take it a step further, choosing rocks instead of mulch can make your landscape even more low-maintenance.

Incorporate Native Plants to Achieve a Low-Maintenance Landscape

Landscape bed in Des Moines, IA, with shrubs and flowers.

Incorporating native plants is an excellent strategy for creating a low-maintenance and sustainable landscape. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they thrive with minimal intervention and overall maintenance. This adaptation not only reduces your workload but also conserves resources, contributing to an eco-friendly garden.

Native plants often develop stronger defenses against local pests and diseases, eliminating the frequent need for chemical treatments and thus promoting a healthier environment. Their inherent resilience means they can handle local weather fluctuations, from droughts to heavy rains, with ease. Furthermore, these plants play a vital role in supporting biodiversity by attracting local wildlife like birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. This not only enhances the ecological value of your space but also adds dynamic beauty and movement to your landscape.

Consider the sun exposure and soil health before choosing plants for your low-maintenance landscape.

Another important factor to consider when creating a low-maintenance landscape is the sun exposure and soil health of your property. Different plants have different sun and soil requirements, so you'll want to choose those that will grow well in the conditions present on your property.

For example, if your property is mostly shaded, you'll want to choose shade-tolerant plants. Similarly, if your soil is sandy or clay-like, you'll want to choose plants that are adapted to those conditions. Choosing plants that are well-suited to your property's specific conditions ensures that they will thrive with minimal attention and maintenance because they're in an environment that is ideal for them.

Lay Mulch & Refresh It Every Year to Keep Your Landscape Low-Maintenance

Brown mulch on a landscape in Des Moines, IA, with plants and rocks.

Mulch is a great way to reduce the amount of maintenance required for your landscape. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which means your plants will be consistently moist and hydrated. As a result, you can get away with watering them less frequently! It also helps suppress weeds, which means you'll spend less time pulling them.

Additionally, mulch helps regulate soil temperature, which can help protect your plants from extreme heat or cold. However, it's important to refresh your mulch every year to ensure it continues to provide these benefits. If you want to get even more low-maintenance, consider choosing rocks instead of mulch. Rocks don't need to be refreshed every year, and they can add a unique and attractive element to your landscape.

Mulch helps give your low-maintenance landscape a polished and manicured look!

Give us a call today to sign up for our plantings and softscapes service!

If you're ready to create a low-maintenance landscape that will save you time and money while still providing beauty and enjoyment, you've come to the right place. At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we offer a plantings and softscapes service that will help you achieve a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape! Our team of experts will work with you to design a landscape that meets your specific needs and preferences while also being easy to care for. We'll help you choose the right plants for your property's sun and soil conditions, and install mulch or rocks to reduce the amount of maintenance required.

This service is offered to commercial and residential property owners, along with HOAs, in and around Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Ankeny, IA. Call us today (515) 289-2020 to schedule a consultation with our landscape professionals!