Starting to feel burnt out with your weekly backyard tasks? Wondering if there’s a way to simplify your outdoor care routine? A beautiful backyard doesn’t have to mean hours of work every weekend. Homeowners can make strategic decisions to reduce backyard upkeep without sacrificing appearance.
Join us here at NeighborScape as we delve into some of our favourite practical tips for easy-to-maintain backyard landscaping in Ottawa. Read on!
#1: Embrace Hardscaping
If you’re looking for a backyard that looks stunning without the constant upkeep, focusing more on hardscaping can make a real difference. As we’ve discussed before, hardscaping refers to non-living, built additions such as decks, pergolas, interlock pathways, and fire pits. Softscaping, in contrast, refers to natural and living features like flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants.
Hardscape features are significantly easier to maintain. While that stunning hardwood deck may still require occasional staining and cleaning, it’s a far cry from the care needed to maintain flowering plants, new sod, and garden crops.
#2: Add Defined Edging to Garden Beds & Lawns
Small details can make a big difference. That’s why defined edges are one of the most practical ways to make a backyard look cleaner and more polished.
Defined edges also offer another benefit beyond a refined appearance: a clear separation between different areas of the yard. One of the most time-consuming yet overlooked backyard tasks homeowners perform is small touchups and trimming. Over time, grass and weeds can creep into nearby garden beds, plants, and other sections of the backyard. Defined edging helps keep these sections contained, reducing the need for constant tidying.
#3: Prioritize Native Plants
While exotic plants may give your backyard a unique touch, they’re often more difficult to take care of. More watering, more mulching, more trimming, and more around-the-clock care. Exotic plants that don’t naturally grow in the region aren’t naturally acclimated to the environment’s climate, soil, rainfall schedule, and countless other factors. To cut down on time and effort, we recommend planting native varieties instead.
Some native plant species in the Ottawa Valley region include:
- Wildflowers (Cardinal, Trillium, Asters, etc.)
- Shrubs (Elderberry, Dogwood, Juniper, etc.)
- Ground covers (Wild strawberry, Violets, etc.)
- Small trees (White Cedar, Maple, etc.)
While all are native, each plant has an ideal planting season, so make sure to double-check the planting information.
#4: Stay On Top of Lawn Maintenance
A lush, green lawn may look effortless, but there’s often a lot more work behind the scenes. As a part of effective backyard landscaping in Ottawa, consistent lawn care is essential for keeping your yard healthy and well-kept. Lawn maintenance tasks such as regular mowing, watering, and seasonal care are crucial throughout the warmer months.
Looking to spend your Saturday morning sleeping in, relaxing with family, or simply enjoying the sunshine? Scheduled lawn maintenance services can take that work off your plate.
At NeighborScape, we offer scheduled lawn maintenance for different schedules:
- Weekly Lawn Care: High-quality lawn care that you can count on every week.
- Bi-weekly Lawn Care: A reliable maintenance option for slower-growing lawns.
- Holiday Service: Come back to a lawn so stunning, it’s like you never left.
- End-of-Week Premium: Finish off the week with a freshly cut lawn and enjoy it all weekend long.
Revitalize Your Yard with NeighborScape
At NeighborScape, we’re proud to have served the Ottawa Valley for 20 years—and counting! Whether you’re looking for stunning custom construction, vibrant planting, laying fresh sod, or reliable lawn care, we’re here to help.
Take a look at some of our past projects and reach out to book your free consultation for backyard landscaping in Ottawa with our team.
