The Secrets to a Low-Maintenance, High-Style Back Yard

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We love a beautifully designed back yard. Outdoor dinners under twinkling lights, some comfy patio furniture, and a fire pit for good measure? Yes please! The part that we don’t love is all the mowing, pruning, weeding, and watering that goes into maintaining it.  Luckily, you don’t have to choose between style and your sanity. With a few intentional design choices, you can have a low-maintenance back yard that looks like it came right out of a magazine.

Here are our favorite design secrets to create a yard that’s both beautiful and easy. 

1. Start With Low-Maintenance Back Yard Materials

The foundation of your yard really sets the maintenance schedule. If you’re tired of mowing and patching every week, it’s time to rethink your surfaces. 

Consider a paver patio rather than a yard full of grass. Pavers can add sophistication to your yard without needing the constant upkeep. Large-scale pavers with clean lines can give you a modern look, while natural stone offers a more organic look.

Composite decking is a favorite of ours as well. Though it looks like real wood, it won’t splinter, fade, or need yearly staining. 

If you’re looking for the ultimate simplicity, concrete can definitely be stylish. Consider stained or stamped concrete for extra flair. 

Not sure what to choose? A combination of these materials can give your low-maintenance back yard the dimension it needs to stand out!

Low maintenance back yard with traditional kitchen and sauna, designed by brick&batten.

2. Ground Covers Better Than Grass

Ok, so you can’t get rid of all that lush greenery. And why would you want to? However, there are ways to maintain that gorgeous landscape without the constant mowing. A few low-maintenance options include:

  • Creeping Thyme or Clover: These are low-growing, resilient, and smell amazing all summer long!
  • Artificial Turf: Yes, turf. Artificial turf has come a long way, and new versions feel surprisingly real underfoot. 
  • Mulch and Decorative Gravel Beds: These are simple ways to suppress weeds and add some instant texture to your layout. 

Design your yard like a layered outfit. Combine textures and stick to a neutral palette with a statement piece (a nice fire pit, anyone?) to create a polished look. 

Simple yard design on modern home by brick&batten

3. Plant Smarter, Not Harder

You can have a nice garden without a high-maintenance watering schedule. You’ll want to first focus on native plants that thrive in your climate. These plants will grow easily with minimal assistance on your part. 

You can also add in some evergreens, ornamental grasses, and succulents to build texture and interest throughout the year. Consider your seasons, though – if you live in an area with bitter winters, you may want to consider hardier plants. 

If you don’t want to put in the work for a full garden, no worries! Try container gardening with a few outdoor planters to add color without having to dig beds around your house.  

Pro Tip: Just like other home elements, you want to plant in layers. Put the taller grasses or shrubs toward the back, and shorter perennials or pots at the front for a nice visual.

4. Functional (and Fashionable) Furniture

If the local spiders enjoy your outdoor furniture more than you do, it’s time for an upgrade. 

When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture for your low-maintenance back yard, you want pieces that are comfortable and long-lasting. First, look at the furniture’s base. Look for materials like:

  • Powder-coated metal
  • Water-resistant teak wood
  • All-weather wicker

Once you have a safe, solid base, you can look for comfort. Look for cushions with removable, weather-resistant covers that are easily washable. You should also consider neutrals for your furniture, so your accessories (like throw pillows) can really stand out. 

For small spaces, consider stackable or foldable furniture that can easily be put away when not in use. This makes both navigating your yard and storage much easier. 

5. Low-Maintenance Back Yard Lighting

Don’t forget the lighting! Though you may not always think about it, lighting is key to creating a warm, inviting ambiance in your yard. It’s also the piece that extends your hangout hours. 

Lighting your yard doesn’t have to be difficult. Consider adding:

  • Solar Path Lights: Perfect to prevent trips or getting lost in the evenings!
  • String Lights: Simple yet cozy for any outdoor area.
  • LED Uplighting: To highlight trees or your favorite architectural features. 
  • App-Controlled Fixtures: Can make controlling your outdoor lighting as easy as the press of a button.

Remember, you don’t need to light up your yard like a Christmas tree. Just a few well-placed lights can turn your yard into a cozy, resort-style escape. And if you’re not sure where to start, our exterior design services can help you out!

Traditional ashwood home with small back yard, designed by brick&batten.

6. Define Your Zones

The secret to any high-style backyard is thoughtful zoning. Identify each functional area of your yard and determine how to best divide them while still keeping them cohesive. 

For example, an outdoor rug can help define a dining area, while a gravel fire pit circle can set aside an area for lounging and chatting after dinner. Multi-functional pieces can work wonders here: think planters that double as dividers, or benches with hidden storage. 

All those open-concept living tips you applied inside your house? Apply them outside, too. Once everything is in its place, your yard will feel much more intentional.

7. Minimal But Mighty Decor

Take it from us: You don’t need to fill every inch of space to make a statement. 

In fact, filling up every inch is pretty much guaranteed to make your space feel cluttered. You want it to feel stylish, but breathable. 

Use a few bold pieces like oversized planters or sculpted fountains that stand out, rather than dozens of tiny knick-knacks. These are also more likely to stay safe (and put!) in the event of a storm or a strong breeze. 

A well-placed outdoor rug that’s UV- and mildew-resistant can tie an area together nicely. Then, just focus on a few key details like throw pillows or tabletop decor that you can swap out with the seasons. The less you have to maintain, the more time you’ll have to sip a cold drink and enjoy your handiwork. 

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Back Yard Low-Maintenance

A stunning yard doesn’t have to come with a weekly to-do list. With a little bit of strategy and a few key design choices, your low-maintenance back yard can be just as beautiful as a high-maintenance one. 

Ready to make it happen? So are we. Reach out to brick&batten today to get started on your virtual home exterior design. 

Author

Alexis Bishop is a professional writer and journalist based in East Tennessee. As a writer for over a decade, she has created content on a wide variety of topics ranging from tech to healthcare for small businesses. As a journalist, she primarily follows the latest music and entertainment trends and has written for publications like WUOT, K FUSE, and Teen Vogue.  Outside of writing, Alexis has worked as a secondary science teacher and a professional development consultant in higher education. She is also a homeowner passionate about home design and regularly finds herself DIYing throughout her house on the weekends. 

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