Maintaining a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be a constant struggle or time sink. With some smart landscape design choices, you can create a yard that’s not only attractive but also easier to mow and maintain. By implementing these ideas, you can significantly reduce the time spent on routine tasks like mowing, trimming, and watering. This time savings adds up quickly – imagine gaining an extra hour or two each week to focus on more enjoyable gardening projects or simply relax in your outdoor space.
Create Mulch Rings Around Trees:
One of the most effective ways to simplify lawn maintenance is by adding mulch rings around trees. This practice offers several benefits:
- Prevents mower and trimmer damage to tree trunks
- Reduces the need for string trimming around tree bases
- Improves soil moisture retention for trees
- Adds visual appeal to the landscape
When creating a mulch ring around a tree, extend the mulch 2-3 feet from the tree trunk and maintain a depth of 2-3 inches after settling. It’s crucial to keep the mulch from making direct contact with the tree trunk, instead tapering it gently to prevent moisture-related issues that could damage the tree’s bark. By ensuring the mulch ring’s depth is below the soil level of surrounding grass, you’ll help prevent emerging grass roots from competing. This approach promotes healthy tree growth and provides a protective zone that nurtures the tree while maintaining a clean, professional landscape appearance.
Install Mowing Strips:
Mowing strips are narrow, flat surfaces installed along the edges of garden beds, walkways, or other landscape features. These strips offer several advantages:
- Eliminate the need for excessive trimming
- Create a clean, defined border between lawn and other areas
- Prevent grass from encroaching into garden beds
You can create mowing strips using materials like brick, concrete, or stone pavers. Ensure they’re level with the lawn for easy mower access.
Use Groundcovers in Hard-to-Mow Areas:
For slopes, shady spots, or areas with poor soil conditions where grass struggles to grow, consider using groundcovers instead. Some benefits include:
- Reduced mowing and maintenance in challenging areas
- Improved erosion control on slopes
- Added visual interest to the landscape
Utilize the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design to help choose groundcovers that are well-suited to your local climate and growing conditions.
- Gardening Solutions: Groundcovers
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design
Design Curved Bed Edges:
Replace sharp corners in your landscape design with gentle curves. This approach offers several advantages:
- Easier navigation for lawn mowers
- Reduced need for trimming in tight spaces
- A more natural, flowing appearance to your landscape
When creating curved edges, use a garden hose to lay out the design before cutting the new edge.
Plant in Masses:
Group plants together in large masses or drifts rather than scattering them throughout the lawn. This design strategy offers several advantages:
- Reduces the number of obstacles for mowing
- Creates a more cohesive, visually appealing landscape
- Simplifies maintenance tasks like pruning and fertilizing
Choose plants with similar care requirements to further streamline maintenance.
By embracing these strategies, you’re not just making your lawn easier to care for; you’re also contributing to the health of our local ecosystems. So, take the plunge into Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, and watch your yard transform into a beautiful, low-maintenance haven that you can truly enjoy!
Follow Us!
We have several ways to connect. Join our UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, and Website
If you have any questions, please contact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 ext. 54142 or email masuccim@ufl.edu
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
3
