27 Affordable And Low Maintenance Dallas Landscaping Ideas
Published: 25/07/2022 | Updated: 29/03/2023Grass and lush blooming plants in today’s climate and water restrictions aren’t exactly that easy to get or maintain – especially in Texas!
Most people nowadays go for xeriscaping their yards. Which can look a bit dry if not designed properly.
Whether you live in a small townhouse or have an expansive yard, there are plenty of Dallas landscaping ideas that can help bring your outdoor space up to par.
The best part? Some of these ideas won't even require an expert to make them happen!
Just take a look at some of our favorite low-maintenance Dallas landscaping ideas below:
Xeriscape landscaping
Xeriscaping is the most popular type of landscaping service that Dallas landscaping companies provide.
Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that uses drought-tolerant native plants and other water-saving techniques to keep your yard looking beautiful while saving you money on your water bill.
It's also an excellent way to combat heat because it doesn't require as much watering.
Choosing to go xeriscape with your yard doesn’t mean you’ll have it looking sparse! It can still look beautiful and lively. Replacing grass as a ground cover or adding rocks and pebbles to cover the majority of your ground can look very cohesive and artistic if done right.
Natural Grass Lawns For Dallas Landscape
In this imminent heat, it's natural that green lush grass isn't so common. You might want the best type of lawn for your Dallas landscape, but you also want it to be low maintenance and drought-tolerant.
The best way to accomplish both of these goals is by choosing one of the following types:
-
Bermuda grass—This grass grows quickly and can tolerate drought conditions better than other types. It's also resistant to disease but does not do well in shaded areas.
-
St. Augustine—A good choice for sunny areas that get lots of foot traffic because it tolerates heavy traffic well. However, it grows quickly enough to require frequent mowing.
-
Zoysia grass—This type will grow slowly, requiring frequent watering during hot summer months to thrive; however, this is still a great choice if you don't mind watering your yard every day or two throughout the summer months.
-
Cedar sedge—Not only is this type of sedge native to the climate of Dallas, but it's also an ornamental grass that will give color and life to your yard.
Lawn Maintenance Strategy for Dallas Homes
The first thing to know about your front and back yard is that they need regular lawn care.
If your lawn doesn't get the attention it needs, it will start to look shabby and unkempt.
After all, there's nothing worse than having a poorly maintained lawn. It can make a bad impression on potential buyers.
To make sure this doesn't happen, here are some of our favorite low-maintenance solutions:
-
Watering: Every day
-
Fertilizing: Once per week
-
Mowing: Once per week
Gravel, Pebbles, River Rocks as Ground Covers
You can use gravel, pebbles, and river rocks as ground cover around some stepping stones for a walkway to create a breathtaking landscape. Or use them underneath the plants to protect the soil from heat.
Not to mention wood, concrete, and pavers. All things you can incorporate with pebbles and succulents to create your perfect xeriscape yard!
There are so many ways to use them and so many other materials that you can use them with and mix & match within your yard to give you a semi-hardscaped ground to use for any family entertainment activities in your yard.
Rock Scape for Dallas, TX
Rockscapes are a great way to add interest to your landscape. They can be as simple or as complex as you like, but it helps to keep them simple if you're just starting.
Start by choosing rocks of different sizes, shapes, and colors that will blend well together. One thing we love about rockscapes is that they're very customizable—you can use whatever rocks you want!
A few plants can also help give it a more natural look, but they don't have to be fully-grown plants just yet; in fact, small pots and flower beds work perfectly well for this project.
One thing we highly recommend though, if you're considering hardscaping or rock-based landscaping, is that you consult with a landscaping company first. That will save you a lot of time and money.
Brick Scape for Dallas, TX
Similar to the use of rock-based landscaping, bricks are another great way to add visual interest to your new house.
They can be laid on their sides or laid in patterns or straight lines. Bricks can also be laid in different directions to create an interesting pattern.
A brick scape is low maintenance and will last for years if it is properly maintained with the right products. This could be the perfect home project for you if you want a house that is both unique and low maintenance.
Retaining Wall With BrickWork
If you are looking for another low-maintenance Dallas landscaping idea that is more elaborate than brick or rock landscaping, consider this one.
Retaining walls are excellent for creating space in your yard and providing privacy. They can be made from various types of materials including brick, stucco, or stone.
When choosing brick as the material for your wall, keep in mind that it's best to involve landscaping contractors with this project as they would know best about how to install a complementary drainage system, avoid the power lines, and set a proper base.
Use Barks and Decorative Gravel
Decorative gravels come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes so you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. You can use decorative gravel for pathways, patios, flower beds, and other areas of your yard.
There are many different types of decorative gravels available, including crushed stone and larger pieces that look like pebbles.
You can also find decorative gravels made from recycled materials such as glass and plastic. These can add an interesting dimension to your landscape while helping reduce waste.
If you have children or pets, it’s important to use non-toxic decorative gravel. Many decorative gravels contain chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with your
skin or enter the soil. If you want to avoid these chemicals, look for products labeled as “non-toxic” or “safe for children and pets.”
Barks is another option for adding color and texture to your landscape. Barks come from trees and have a variety of uses in landscaping. You can use them as mulch, edging for beds or flower beds, and as ground cover in areas where grass won’t grow well.
Landscape Lighting for Dallas, TX
Landscape lighting can be used as a primary lighting source or to create accent lighting. When used well, landscape lighting can turn your yard into an entertainment area where friends and family gather for fun and relaxation.
When choosing lights for your yard, keep in mind that the type of light you choose will depend on what you want to achieve with them.
For example, if you’re looking for something that highlights certain areas of your yard, then spotlights are a good choice.
They focus all their energy on one particular spot, making it stand out from the rest of the space around it.
Spotlights are also useful if there’s something in your backyard that needs some extra attention—like a beautiful tree or perhaps even an outdoor sculpture.
Spotlights can also illuminate pathways so they aren’t dark at night when someone walks across them.
Invest in a French Drain System
This is an underground system that directs water, often from rain or melting snow, to areas where it can be absorbed into the ground.
It’s great for areas where you may have poor soil or drainage problems, or just want to prevent excess water from pooling on your property.
The cost of installation will vary based on the size of your landscaping project, but several landscaping companies specialize solely in French drains and can give estimates based on what you need and how much money you want to spend upfront.
So you'll be able to find a landscaping business that is within the reasonable price range or even compares quotes.
Lawn Maintenance With French Drains
A French drain works by redirecting excess water from your lawn away from the foundation of your home—which helps prevent moisture buildup and basement flooding—and into an underground gravel-filled trench that is strategically placed at various points around the perimeter of your yard.
French drains will help you up your lawn care game and keep other plants and flower beds around your patio or yard healthy and thriving all year long.
This is another reason why French drains are extremely useful for any Dallas landscaping project.
Consider Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation is a more efficient way of watering your lawn. Instead of spreading water over the entire lawn, drip irrigation disperses it at the roots of your plants.
This means that you use less water and are therefore more cost-effective. It's easy to install and maintain, and it's environmentally friendly as well—no need for sprinklers or hoses!
You can use this system anywhere in your front or back yard: on large expanses of grass or small potted plants alike.
There are many different kinds of drip irrigation systems. Some use a timer to turn on and off automatically, while others have an in-line valve that you can turn on or off as needed. You can also find systems that have a steady flow of water or one that pulses at certain intervals.
There are even systems that can be installed underground, making them perfect for areas that have poor soil drainage.
This type of drip irrigation is perfect for anyone who wants to conserve water and reduce their carbon footprint.
Don't Neglect Mulching Your Plants
Mulching is a great way to save time and money, not just because it reduces the need for mowing, but also because you can leave your lawn clippings on top of the grass instead of raking them up.
It's also better for the environment since decomposing clippings help fertilize the soil and reduce water runoff from rain.
Luckily, there are tons of ways to mulch! Gardening shops carry many types of mulch; you can even make your own by chopping up leaves (or other biodegradable materials) with a leaf blower and spreading them out over your yard in thin layers that will break down quickly over time.
The key to successful mulching is applying just enough material so that it covers all but about an inch or two of grass blades at any given point without being too thick—you want to be able to see through it when applied correctly!
Synthetic Grass for a Zero Maintenance Lawn
For homeowners who are looking for an alternative to natural grass, a synthetic turf is a great option.
Synthetic turf is made of 100% recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option. It's also easy to maintain and can withstand heavy use from pets and children.
If you're worried about allergies or want a low-maintenance solution for your lawn, synthetic grass may be the best choice for you!
Here are some reasons why synthetic grass might be your best option:
-
It's low maintenance and doesn't require watering.
-
Synthetic grass is more durable than real grass, so it can withstand the wear and tear of pets and children playing on it.
-
You can choose from different colors and textures depending on your preferences, including green blades or brown blades.
Landscaping for Privacy in Just The Right Spot
Privacy is a concern for many homeowners in Dallas, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one.
Don’t let your budget get in the way of enjoying your backyard, front yard, or garden. Some excellent landscaping options will help you keep unwanted eyes off your property and turn your home into a private paradise.
A fence is one of the most effective ways to give yourself privacy from neighbors and passersby on the street. It can be as simple as bamboo fencing or ornate wrought iron gates depending on what style suits your taste best.
If you don’t want something so permanent then there are other options available such as hedges which provide privacy without having to spend money on them every year like what a fence would require.
However, do bear in mind that these plants need frequent trimming so make sure before purchasing anything that this would suit both your needs and lifestyle or not.
Add Furniture and Decor to Your Dallas Home
Some people like to have some furniture in their backyard, while others prefer a simple garden that is free of any furniture. However, if you are looking for a versatile space that can be used at any time of the day or night, then adding some pieces of furniture will go a long way.
Asides from enhancing your front yard, patio, or decking area with a relaxing aura, it also protects you from direct sunlight when outdoors during summertime.
The most important thing about choosing furniture is that it should be comfortable enough for everyone who will use them; this includes children as well as adults.
In addition to comfortability, there are other factors such as size and material used in making these items which must be considered before buying them.
When purchasing items such as tables and chairs, make sure they are not too big or too small for your front yard or patio.
Use Herbaceous Plants
Herbaceous plants are plants that die down to the ground after flowering. They are perennial and grow from a rhizome or seeds.
Herbaceous plants can survive in various conditions because they have evolved to do so over time.
When choosing a herbaceous plant for your Dallas landscape, consider what you want it to do: Add color. Serve as a privacy screen? Provide food for bees?
If you're unsure about what kind of herbaceous plant is right for your garden space, find landscapers or gardeners who will help you decide which type will work best with your needs and preferences.
Cluster Your Plants
If you're looking for a way to make your garden look more attractive and easier to maintain, try clustering your plants together.
Placing them in clusters will help you save money by reducing the amount of maintenance required for each plant.
If you have a garden that's filled with individual plants, it can be difficult to keep track of them all as they grow and change over time.
Plants that grow in clusters include azaleas, lilacs, hydrangeas, and other flowering shrubs. The benefit of clustering these plants is that they can help you save a lot of time and reduce maintenance costs for each plant.
Best Native Trees for Dallas, TX
If you're looking for trees instead of natural grass lawns, we've got you covered.
These trees will bring some of the best features of your hometown into your backyard—without all the hassle of having to mow them every week.
-
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): This tree grows well in the southeastern United States, including Texas! It can grow up to 150 feet tall and has beautiful foliage in the springtime.
-
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides): Cottonwood is an easy-to-grow tree with bright green leaves that turn golden yellow or orange in autumn. It also produces small flowers that attract birds and butterflies in springtime.
-
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Also known as Judas tree, this flowering shrub thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9 depending on the variety. Its white blossoms will appear before its leaves during springtime.
-
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos): This fast-growing oak species can reach heights between 50 feet and 80 feet depending on the quality of the soil. Its smooth bark makes it stand out from other oaks when they shed their leaves each winter season; however, this feature makes it vulnerable to fire damage during hot summers if there aren't any nearby sources of water.
Finally, don't laze up on tree pruning because it's essential for the health of your trees.
Prune your trees and shrubs in the spring, fall, summer, and winter. After a storm, if they need it.
Best Native Shrubs and Hedges for Dallas
If you're looking to maximize your landscape aesthetics while minimizing your maintenance time and headaches, native plants may be the way to go.
Native plants have evolved to thrive in the local climate, so they're used to our soil and water conditions. This means they can survive on less frequent watering and are more resistant to pests and disease.
They also attract wildlife like birds and butterflies that help pollinate surrounding flowers, which helps encourage additional growth in your yard.
Here are some of the native plants to Dallas, Tx, and Fort Worth:
-
Green Antelopehorns
-
Prairie Verbena
-
Antelope Horns
-
Pinkladies
-
Texas Bluebonnet
-
Poison Ivy
-
Osage Orange
-
Indian Blanket
-
Texas Paintbrush
-
Texas Vervain
-
Palm leaf winecup
Keep reading to find out more about a wide range of special succulents and native shrubs that can do an excellent job of maintaining the beauty of your yard, effortlessly!
Get a Flower Bed of Aeoniums
So just because we didn't talk about succulent plants, yet, it doesn’t mean you should only have only green plants in your yard!
These beautiful flower-looking succulents Aeonium, also known as Tree Houseleek; bloom in various beautiful colors.
This beautiful succulent has reddish brown edges and sometimes it even blooms in dark reddish brown flowers.
Aeoniums can withstand very high temperatures, up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit! And they can live for 3 years and up to a decade! So you don’t have to worry about replacing them for a long time.
Consider Planting Senecio Mandraliscae
Since most people can’t pronounce these scientifically complicated names, we’ll refer to them as Blue Chalksticks, which is also the name you can use to get them at the stores.
These gorgeous succulents also bloom in color, adding a beautiful shade of greenish blue to your yard.
They're also able to survive in very high temperatures that can reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit and can thrive for a long period.
Consider Having a Flower Bed of Sempervivum
Also known as Houseleek, there are over 40 species of Sempervivum alone! And they also grow in various colors, adding different shades to your yard and still keeping it drought resistant!
Unlike the previous succulents we mentioned, these beauties only live for 3 years. But they can survive very hardy cold weather, as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit!
As a defense mechanism against the cold weather, their rosettes change to darker colors and close a little tighter.
Include Cereus in Your Dallas Landscape
Cereus can grow both indoors and outdoors. And as we previously mentioned, going xeriscape with your yard doesn’t mean you don’t get to have beautiful flowers.
Other than looking beautiful and perfectly fitting if you’re just interested in the Greens & Whites color scheme, they can withstand Dallas’s cold climate dropping to 39 degrees Fahrenheit and extreme heat in the summer reaching over 115 degrees Fahrenheit!
Not to forget that our main focus is having plants that bloom but still survive on minimal water, Cereus cacti can survive up to three weeks with no water!
Create a Top-Notch Garden Using Crassula Ovata
Crassula Ovata is commonly known as the Jade Plant or the lucky tree. Some even call it the Money tree!
This one needs a bit of extra care so if you’re looking for something with low to zero maintenance, this won’t fit in your shopping cart.
The Jade plant is a succulent that can survive in temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But they can’t live in drafty areas in the winter so they’ll need to be moved away from cold windows if grown indoors.
Other Dallas landscaping Tips
If you are looking for landscaping ideas that will make your outdoor space more attractive and inviting, you have come to the right place. ShrubHub's experts have got some great tips for you on how to get started on your home improvement project.
To start things off, let’s talk about what makes a good landscape design. In general, it is important to have a well-thought-out plan in mind before starting anything else.
And if you're planning to remodel your yard, then planning becomes an even more crucial step.
Planning is also important because it can help save money when building or remodeling your house or business property by making sure that every item purchased goes with the other items.
If you're looking for some suggestions on how to plan a landscape design, then here are some things to help you start your design process:
-
The first thing to think about is your budget. Are you going to spend a lot of money on the project or do you want it done cheaply? Will you be doing the work yourself or hiring professional help?
-
The second thing to think about is what you want your yard to look like. Do you want something modern, traditional, or something else? Will it be a large project or a small one?
-
Once you have an idea of what your landscape design should look like, then start thinking about how much space will be needed for the different plants and trees that will go into the yard.
Consider Investing in Professional Landscapers or Landscape Contractors
Landscaping is a big investment, but hiring a professional team or landscape contractors can be the best way to ensure that your landscape is well-maintained and looks its best.
Before choosing one, there are some things you should consider.
It's important to find someone who will work with you on a budget and within your time frame, someone who has excellent customer service, and verified reviews.
Landscaping pros will always be happy to tell you about their experience working with clients like yourself and how they plan on managing your project.
You can also ask about maintenance visits, and the cost of maintenance services so that you're not surprised by any unexpected fees between visits!
If they're able to provide you with all the information you need professionally and help you understand the scope of their services, then they will most likely do an amazing job remodeling your backyard.
Don't Know Where to Start?
Finding landscaping pros in your area or nearby locations can be hard, especially if you live in one of the popular locations around Dallas, TX. No one wants to end up with a huge bill that will most likely break the bank.
If you don't want to be tied up with expensive local contractors, then it's time for you to check out our website www.shrubhub.com. ShrubHub is a full-service company that provides quality landscaping services to many homeowners around the world.
With ShrubHub's professional services, you can design your perfect yard at an affordable price. Our experts will walk you through the design process step-by-step until you're satisfied with your new landscape design!
Don't miss our 70% discount on your first 3d yard design and contact us today for a free consultation session!