=====[srform] Looking for a unique way to decorate your yard, but don’t have a lot of time to spend on it? We’ve all been there at some point. T...
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Looking for a unique way to decorate your yard, but don’t have a lot of time to spend on it? We’ve all been there at some point. The good news is you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to low-maintenance gardening.
However, to make a big difference that will last a long time, shrubs could be the answer to what you’re looking for. Often, they require little maintenance to keep them looking great. They also have benefits to your yard such as noise-reduction and privacy. For the gardener who wants a beautiful looking yard with easy care, here are a few low-maintenance shrub ideas.
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Caring For Your Shrubs
Of course, with any landscaping project, there will be costs associated. Shrub installation and maintenance is no exception. While you should consider that the type of shrub or shrubs you have chosen may change the costs and time it takes, it’s good to know the costs associated. Even a low -maintenance shrub needs to be trimmed from time to time. If you plan on contacting a landscaping pro to do the maintenance, most homeowners spend between $90 and $300 annually, depending on the frequency of work that needs to be done.
Low-Maintenance Shrubs For Landscaping
Adding shrubs to your landscaping can be the foliage addition you need. Most shrubs will last for many seasons, so you only have to worry about planning them once. Often, you can shop for them at your local home and garden store. From flowering shrubs to evergreen shrubs, there are many varieties to choose from.
An important factor to keep in mind when looking for the best low-maintenance shrubs is determining what might be native to your area. Native plants and shrubs generally grow better than others because they are made for that climate. In addition, they will protect the natural wildlife and plants in your area. Helpful insects such as bees and butterflies will thrive with a native shrub in your yard.
Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs are my personal favorite. Seasonally, they add a pop of color to your yard and easy-care flowering shrubs can be easier than growing a flower garden. There are a wide variety of low maintenance flowering shrubs. Here are a few you can include in your garden.
- Hibiscus
- Hydrangea Bush
- Lavender
- Weigela
- Forsythia
- Rose Of Sharon
To keep your flowering shrubs in the best condition, you’ll want to prune dead or dying flowers so more can bloom in their place. Also, check to see what kind of sun your flowering shrub will need to ensure they are able to bloom and grow.
Low-Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
For a look that lasts year-round, evergreen shrubs are a great choice. They maintain their look year-round. Though some maintenance may be needed for them to maintain their shape, some varieties only need to be trimmed annually. Here are a few low-maintenance evergreen shrub varieties to consider
- Arborvitae
- Dwarf Boxwood
- Cypress
- Blue Star Juniper
- Euonymus
- Holly
Low-Maintenance Privacy Shrubs
One of the best benefits to adding shrubs to your yard is if you’re looking to add some privacy. Privacy shrubs can be a great alternative to traditional fencing and add a unique feature to your yard. They also can help prevent noise from entering your yard, so you can create a more serene environment. When looking for low-maintenance privacy shrubs, you’ll want to choose species that won’t spread in your yard, as controlling them may be time-consuming and opposite of what you’d like in a plant. Here are a few ideas of low-maintenance privacy shrub plants:
- Wax Myrtle Tree
- Boxwood Hedges
- Buckthorn
- Thuja Green Rocket
- Emerald Arborvitae
Keep in mind, even though they are low-maintenance, privacy plants do require regular attention to ensure they are growing properly and maintaining their shape. However, contact a landscaping pro who can help and you won’t have to worry about it.
Test Your Soil
A low-maintenance shrub is truly low-maintenance when it’s growing properly. A great way to ensure that your shrub has the right nutrients to grow is with a soil test. Certain shrubs grow better with specific soil pH levels. A soil test is worth it for long-lasting plants such as shrubs. The average cost to test soil is $1,142. However, for a simple pH test, you may be able to use a DIY method that can save you money and help you determine if the shrub you choose with thrive in your yard.
Conclusion
Shrubs have many benefits such as privacy, beautiful foliage and often, are easy-care options. If you’re looking to improve your landscaping, but are not looking to spend a lot of time into caring for it, a low-maintenance shrub can be the right choice for you. Just remember, with any plant, tree or shrub in your yard, there will be some maintenance required to keep your landscaping looking healthy and great.
Looking for more easy landscaping ideas? Read DIY Landscaping: Save Money With These 5 Tips.
