Design With Maintenance in Mind

Maintaining the aesthetics of beautiful landscape design is crucial for most homeowners. From weekly lawn maintenance and annual seeding to more seasonal services such as spring fertilizing, summer trimming, autumn cleanups and winter pruning, each property requires additional, ongoing services to continue to flourish.

 

Minimal Maintenance a Top Request 

Communication is key to any design project, and many landscape architects will take into account a client’s maintenance preferences when framing an initial concept. Though these may vary from person to person, depending upon the size of the property, particular lifestyles and functional needs, a common request is to establish a design which requires relatively minimal upkeep throughout the year. 

While tasks such as seeding, watering, fertilizing, and clearing leaves to prevent grass rot are fairly standard practice no matter the installation, accommodations can be made to lessen the weekly outdoor workload. Perennials, for instance, are popular due to their flowering year after year. A seasonal succession of blooms, as well, provide added appeal to those who wish to have a consistent splash of color, no matter the weather. 

Mulch may be an added incentive for those wishing to prevent weeds; It also helps water flow directly to the roots. In general, the more diverse the foliage, the better the quality of the soil it inhabits. Investing in compost can also be beneficial in aiding the survival of flora during drought, floods, or other extreme conditions. If possible, it’s always best to use climate-specific grasses and shrubbery, as these will prove to be far hardier than alternatives.  

A Recipe for Landscape Success

For some, the desire to break up large expanses of grass has led to a proliferation of architectural design choices, such as patios, decks, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and arrangements of furniture. In instances where stonework comes into play, be sure to choose durable products known for longevity, as these will prevent weeds from cropping up in the vicinity. Along the same lines, crushed stone has proven to be a viable option for filling plant beds. 

Crucial to the process is to design with the mature size of plants in mind, allowing for appropriate spacing. This will eliminate subsequent need for pruning down the line. The success of any landscape design comes down to three main points: plant type, soil quality, and irrigation. It’s important to pay attention to flora ill-suited for their environment. Swap out these accordingly moving forward. 

The importance of irrigation should not be minimized, and existing systems should be evaluated prior to installing plants to determine the best layout. By reducing the size of water-thirsty lawns in favor of foliage surrounded by ground cover, or by collecting rain in barrels and cans to reuse as irrigation, your property can be both aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly. 

 


The key to successful, year-round maintenance is to consistently evaluate the property in question for quality control. The better you can gauge the grounds and the unique facets comprising it, the more proactive a role you can take in its cultivation. At Dodds & Eder, property managers pay regular visits to their clients to ensure all foliage is on track, immediately addressing any issues that arise. 

For more information on how to optimize your landscape design with ongoing maintenance, contact Dodds & Eder today.

Let Us Turn Your Landscape Dreams