The best part of a resort is not having to do anything! In this backyard upkeep has been reduced to as close to zero as possible. A stacked limestone retaining wall and a variety of low-maintenance perennials and annuals compliment the pine forest backdrop. The “grass” surrounding the plunge pool is actually artificial turf which means it never needs to be weeded or mowed. Photography by John Wiese

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

For homeowners who want the look of wood with less upkeep, Clopay's Modern Steel Collection garage door delivers. The low-maintenance Ultra-Grain finish adds instant warmth and character. House by design build firm Epic Development in Atlanta. Photo by Brain Gassel.

A dry creek in the backyard of a Berkeley, CA home. Bringing movement and a retreat feeling to this backyard. This design is low-maintenance and low water. Such easy upkeep! Photo cred: Joshua Thayer

The owners of this property were avid entertainers who enjoy opening up their space for friends and family. The design's primary objective was to create an inviting space for mingling and socializing. Situated in Houston's West University area on a compact lot, our focus was on accommodating gatherings of varying sizes. The focal point of this design is a bubbling water feature, that enhances the space with a touch of color and soothing water sounds, complemented by a base of Mexican beach pebbles. Stamped and stained concrete compose the walkway and patio, purposefully designed to encourage conversation around the water feature and to provide a dedicated outdoor dining and gathering area. Understanding the owners' love for their canine companions, we integrated pet-friendly synthetic turf. This sustainable and low-maintenance choice offers a space where owners can enjoy quality moments with their beloved pets. We built a Western Red Cedar Fence around the property and installed Eagleston Holly trees at the perimeter for enhanced privacy. These trees will mature to an impressive 15 feet. Texas native plants, Loropetalum and Variegated Ginger, were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the design. In the evenings, carefully positioned soft LED lighting adds allure and highlights specific facets of the design. We obscured the A/C by installing an A/C screen that matches the Western Red Cedar Fence. The result of this design is an elevated space, ideal for hosting, while remaining low-maintenance and sustainable. This ensures that owners can fully embrace quality time with their family and pets, without the burden of extensive upkeep.

Sebastian Polanski
Beach style home design photo in Atlanta

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

Transforming the blank canvas of a basic builder’s backyard into a captivating retreat, we turned a grass-dominated space into an effortlessly elegant low-maintenance haven with a distinct Asian flair. At the heart of this metamorphosis is the expanded patio and walkway, featuring offset architectural pavers that not only captivate the eye but also contribute to a dynamic sense of flow throughout the elongated backyard. A key focal point is the thoughtfully designed rain garden, adorned with strategically placed boulders that manages stormwater runoff in an aesthetically pleasing way. The carefully curated plant palette plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired aesthetic. The deliberate choice of low grasses and foliage-forward perennials, coupled with the inclusion of small evergreen plants and vibrant Japanese maples, creates a harmonious blend of colors, shapes, and sizes. This contrasting arrangement not only ensures visual interest year-round but also infuses the space with a timeless allure inspired by Asian design principles. The result is a backyard oasis that transcends the ordinary, offering a serene escape with minimal upkeep requirements. The strategic combination of hardscape elements, lush greenery, and carefully selected plants transforms this space into a sanctuary where the beauty of nature meets the sophistication of thoughtful design.

Archadeck of Columbus used TimberTech Tropical Decking in Amazon Mist for this deck, the landing, and stairs to match the home’s siding. Our TimberTech decks offer total low-maintenance benefits, along with gorgeous finish choices. These new homeowners will spend many years enjoying their deck, with absolutely no yearly upkeep with sanding, staining, or painting.

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

This young family, with busy lives including sports, professions and travel... needed an easy to upkeep front, back and side yards. Weeds and forgotten yard toys piled high, we cleaned everything up and installed this simple solution to easy outdoor family time. The kids love the fire pit, while Mom and Dad enjoy only 10 minutes of focused, front yard mowing. SIde yards are for storage and only need a light weed spraying once in a while. Bamboo is growing to buffer their investment from a busy residential through-street bordering the backyard.

In preparation for an annual family gathering, our clients decided to upgrade their yard to include low-maintenance materials. Choosing wood composite decking retained the traditional look of wood while featuring the modern convenience of sustainability. TimberTech was selected for the plank flooring, multiple custom bench seating, and plant bases. In order to keep their guests safe at any time of the day, small round lights on programmable timers were installed to illuminate the wide decking stairs. Wanting to house the grill in an upscale way, a custom built-in stone enclosure topped with granite was created to face out into the entertainment area. This way, the chef of the house can have all the necessary conveniences while still being part of the fun. Now, these homeowners can focus more on entertaining and less on upkeep.

In this urban context, we were tasked with finding a low-maintenance landscape solution for our client who travels extensively for work. Our award-winning design created a new seating area centered around a fire pit with bench seating and built-in LED lights to create a destination in the landscape. Our design incorporated low-maintenance materials and hearty plantings to create a serene escape from the city that requires very little upkeep. Large planters display seasonal annuals and frame the raised deck area.

A high end gorgeous look without the hassle of continuous upkeep can be yours with DekTek Tile!
Example of a mid-sized backyard mixed material railing deck design in New York with no cover

In preparation for an annual family gathering, our clients decided to upgrade their yard to include low-maintenance materials. Choosing wood composite decking retained the traditional look of wood while featuring the modern convenience of sustainability. TimberTech was selected for the plank flooring, multiple custom bench seating, and plant bases. In order to keep their guests safe at any time of the day, small round lights on programmable timers were installed to illuminate the wide decking stairs. Wanting to house the grill in an upscale way, a custom built-in stone enclosure topped with granite was created to face out into the entertainment area. This way, the chef of the house can have all the necessary conveniences while still being part of the fun. Now, these homeowners can focus more on entertaining and less on upkeep.

This young family, with busy lives including sports, professions and travel... needed an easy to upkeep front, back and side yards. Weeds and forgotten yard toys piled high, we cleaned everything up and installed this simple solution to easy outdoor family time. The kids love the fire pit, while Mom and Dad enjoy only 10 minutes of focused, front yard mowing. SIde yards are for storage and only need a light weed spraying once in a while. Bamboo is growing to buffer their investment from a busy residential through-street bordering the backyard.

Set within a mature wooded setting in Elk River, this project focused on introducing structure and durability while maintaining a natural aesthetic. We installed a custom retaining wall system to define grade transitions and create usable space near the deck. A curved patio area with integrated stone detailing anchors the backyard and provides a clean, low-maintenance surface for gathering. Decorative rock beds were incorporated to reduce upkeep while complementing the wooded surroundings. The result is a structured, functional outdoor space that blends hardscape craftsmanship with the natural landscape.

A dry creek in the backyard of a Berkeley, CA home. Bringing movement and a retreat feeling to this backyard. This design is low-maintenance and low water. Such easy upkeep! Photo cred: Joshua Thayer