10 Low-Maintenance Backyard Ideas
These outdoor spaces minimize yard work and keep the focus on fun
Whether you are hoping to conserve water, cut down on time spent weeding and mowing, or just want to make the most of your outdoor space, these 10 backyards prove that low maintenance doesn’t have to mean boring. They get it right with a party-ready bocce ball court, alfresco dining areas and more.
2. Small on Lawn, Big on Play
A central rectangle of lawn offers comfy play space for little ones without giving over the entire backyard to grass. Surrounding the center green in this design are native plantings, rock-filled gabion walls, bluestone paths and a seating area and deck.
Tour more of this backyard
A central rectangle of lawn offers comfy play space for little ones without giving over the entire backyard to grass. Surrounding the center green in this design are native plantings, rock-filled gabion walls, bluestone paths and a seating area and deck.
Tour more of this backyard
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3. Cool Urban Hangout
This small San Francisco backyard was transformed from a jumbled mishmash of potted plants and wonky brickwork into a flowing space ideal for relaxing with friends. An outdoor living room positioned at the highest point in the yard provides a lookout over neighboring Bernal Hill, while the Cor-Ten steel fire pit creates a welcoming spot to gather in the evening.
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This small San Francisco backyard was transformed from a jumbled mishmash of potted plants and wonky brickwork into a flowing space ideal for relaxing with friends. An outdoor living room positioned at the highest point in the yard provides a lookout over neighboring Bernal Hill, while the Cor-Ten steel fire pit creates a welcoming spot to gather in the evening.
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4. No Mowing Needed
Artificial turf forms the centerpiece of this city garden in New York, where a real lawn would be challenging to care for. Surrounding the artificial turf with real plants and trees, as seen here, is a good way to help the fake stuff blend in.
Artificial turf forms the centerpiece of this city garden in New York, where a real lawn would be challenging to care for. Surrounding the artificial turf with real plants and trees, as seen here, is a good way to help the fake stuff blend in.
5. Private Putting Green
For a golfer, having a private putting green may just be the ultimate backyard accessory. A seating area next to the artificial turf green allows spectators to lounge in comfort.
For a golfer, having a private putting green may just be the ultimate backyard accessory. A seating area next to the artificial turf green allows spectators to lounge in comfort.
6. Sweet and Petite
This Alabama backyard may be small but it still manages to pack in tons of features, from the raised deck dining area to the office shed. A hanging chair, gas fire table and mini-lawn area provide nooks to explore.
This Alabama backyard may be small but it still manages to pack in tons of features, from the raised deck dining area to the office shed. A hanging chair, gas fire table and mini-lawn area provide nooks to explore.
7. Room for Entertaining
This luxurious yard was designed with entertaining in mind, with a series of outdoor rooms spanning the length of the yard. Shown in the foreground is a stylish outdoor dining zone with ample room for more seating. A path stretches past planters and ends at an outdoor lounge area.
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This luxurious yard was designed with entertaining in mind, with a series of outdoor rooms spanning the length of the yard. Shown in the foreground is a stylish outdoor dining zone with ample room for more seating. A path stretches past planters and ends at an outdoor lounge area.
Shop for outdoor furniture
8. Chic Mediterranean
Enjoy leisurely alfresco feasts on your own Mediterranean-style patio. Here, a long table sits between two rows of olive trees with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen. The arrangement is ideal for preparing — and savoring — a meal.
Enjoy leisurely alfresco feasts on your own Mediterranean-style patio. Here, a long table sits between two rows of olive trees with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen. The arrangement is ideal for preparing — and savoring — a meal.
9. Hot Tub
Lush, green plantings and a hot tub nestled into a natural wood deck give this Portland, Oregon, backyard a Zen look. A board-formed concrete planter continues the clean-lined look.
Tour the rest of this backyard
Lush, green plantings and a hot tub nestled into a natural wood deck give this Portland, Oregon, backyard a Zen look. A board-formed concrete planter continues the clean-lined look.
Tour the rest of this backyard
10. Outdoor Cinema
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy dinner and a movie outdoors when it looks this good? Crisscrossing string lights overhead boost the ambiance and wide doors provide easy indoor-outdoor flow.
Tell us: What fun feature would you most like to add to your backyard? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Hang String Lights Outdoors
How to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden
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Who wouldn’t want to enjoy dinner and a movie outdoors when it looks this good? Crisscrossing string lights overhead boost the ambiance and wide doors provide easy indoor-outdoor flow.
Tell us: What fun feature would you most like to add to your backyard? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Hang String Lights Outdoors
How to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden
Find a landscape designer in your area
Shop for outdoor products
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With a bocce ball court, fire pit and minimal plantings, this water-wise Los Angeles backyard by is primed for parties. Lights around the court’s perimeter illuminate it at night and add to the ambiance.
25 Fun Backyard Design Ideas