Landscaping your garden for low maintenance
A low or ‘no’ maintenance garden is a dream of many garden owners. The question is, are zero maintenance gardens even a possibility and if they are what is the best way of achieving them?
It is understandable that with the pressures of work and family life time can be at a premium. The reality is a well kept garden with a variety of planting and immaculate spaces will take time and energy to maintain.
It is understandable that with the pressures of work and family life time can be at a premium. The reality is a well kept garden with a variety of planting and immaculate spaces will take time and energy to maintain.
Most people think of cutting the lawn when they think of garden maintenance. Lawn cutting does make up a large proportion of the time we spend working on our gardens. Having said this lawn cutting is relatively straight forward and a freshly cut lawn is extremely satisfying.
The truth is if you want a genuinely low maintenance garden space then some sort of robust surfacing should be installed. To cut out weeds ability to access light, water and substrate is the only guaranteed way to eradicate garden weeds. Garden surfacing can come in many forms and some are more potent in preventing weeds than others. In this article we lay out the best principles for landscaping your garden for low maintenance.
The truth is if you want a genuinely low maintenance garden space then some sort of robust surfacing should be installed. To cut out weeds ability to access light, water and substrate is the only guaranteed way to eradicate garden weeds. Garden surfacing can come in many forms and some are more potent in preventing weeds than others. In this article we lay out the best principles for landscaping your garden for low maintenance.
The problem with weeds
Since the dawn of agriculture mankind has cleared away wild forests to make way for growing crops. Since leaving hunter gatherer lives for farming we have battled with invasive weeds. This never ending war has continued to the present day. Weeds invade our lawns, flower beds, pots and allotments.
The reason weeds are so persistent in their ability to take over our gardens is simple. They are Mother Nature’s processes in action! This process is known as natural succession. If all land was left with no intervention of man it would all return to woodland within about 10 years. This is nature’s way of creating low energy input, self supporting ecosystems. The first part of this process is pioneering invasive weeds.
Weeds are invasive and persistent but they are not invincible! Landscape gardeners and home owners have two main options to eradicate weeds. The first is to spend time weeding the garden by hand leading to years of repetitive work. This is the traditional method and one of the reasons we hate weeding. The second is to landscape your garden in a way which takes away weeds fundamental, vital elements for survival. These elements include; sunlight, water, and soil once these are taken away so too are weeds.
The reason weeds are so persistent in their ability to take over our gardens is simple. They are Mother Nature’s processes in action! This process is known as natural succession. If all land was left with no intervention of man it would all return to woodland within about 10 years. This is nature’s way of creating low energy input, self supporting ecosystems. The first part of this process is pioneering invasive weeds.
Weeds are invasive and persistent but they are not invincible! Landscape gardeners and home owners have two main options to eradicate weeds. The first is to spend time weeding the garden by hand leading to years of repetitive work. This is the traditional method and one of the reasons we hate weeding. The second is to landscape your garden in a way which takes away weeds fundamental, vital elements for survival. These elements include; sunlight, water, and soil once these are taken away so too are weeds.
Landscaping your garden to prevent weeds
One of the biggest reasons people suffer with weeds is their gardens are offering too many opportunities for invasive species to take hold. Old broken patios, compacted planting beds and poorly kept lawns are all examples of places weeds can take advantage of. Weeds are extremely good at establishing themselves in places where other things do not.
For example if you have a lawn which is shaded too much by trees the grass will struggle and weeds will colonise. This is also true for planting beds. If the plants you want there are healthy and doing well they will soon crowed out any weeds trying to take hold. Landscaping your garden for low maintenance starts with planning out opportunities for weeds to take hold.
For example if you have a lawn which is shaded too much by trees the grass will struggle and weeds will colonise. This is also true for planting beds. If the plants you want there are healthy and doing well they will soon crowed out any weeds trying to take hold. Landscaping your garden for low maintenance starts with planning out opportunities for weeds to take hold.
Defined spaces
Many gardens have very poorly, defined spaces and landscape types. The more defined level and consistent a landscaped garden is the easier they are to maintain and prevent weeds from taking hold. This concept is extremely important when landscaping your garden for low maintenance. Too many times we look at potential new projects where the home owner is fighting a losing battle against weeds.
These gardens usually have uneven surfaces and extremely undefined areas full annual weeds and woody tree saplings. Once a garden is at this stage it is extremely difficult to get back into control. The only way to remedy this is to come up with a landscape strategy and implement a plan. Harrow and Hillingdon are experts in landscaping gardens for low maintenance in this way. Feel free to contact us here.
These gardens usually have uneven surfaces and extremely undefined areas full annual weeds and woody tree saplings. Once a garden is at this stage it is extremely difficult to get back into control. The only way to remedy this is to come up with a landscape strategy and implement a plan. Harrow and Hillingdon are experts in landscaping gardens for low maintenance in this way. Feel free to contact us here.
Gravel
Gravel can be an excellent surface which is easy to install and is relatively affordable for the homeowner. There are many different aggregates, materials and colours to choose from. Gravels can create extremely attractive garden spaces. A good example of this is Mediterranean style gardens with herbs and architectural plants. This can create a weed free surface which is very easy to maintain.
One of the reasons gravel surfaces fail in preventing weeds is they are not bases correctly. Gravel areas should be based with at least 50mm of compactable sub grade such as mot type one. If the area underneath is to be planted use less sub grade and allow for a good depth of gravel. We recommend at least 60mm. Gravel areas should also be based with a robust weed suppressant membrane. Gravel surfaces can be effective in suppressing weeds but they must be installed properly to be successful.
One of the reasons gravel surfaces fail in preventing weeds is they are not bases correctly. Gravel areas should be based with at least 50mm of compactable sub grade such as mot type one. If the area underneath is to be planted use less sub grade and allow for a good depth of gravel. We recommend at least 60mm. Gravel areas should also be based with a robust weed suppressant membrane. Gravel surfaces can be effective in suppressing weeds but they must be installed properly to be successful.
Concrete
Concrete has long been used as a way of covering extensive garden surfaces to provide a hard standing. Very often concrete is laid thinly to large areas such as sideways and around the home only to break up after a few years. Concrete is ideal for car ports and shed bases at the correct thickness but in our opinion it is not a good surface for the garden.
Concrete very rarely looks good and the older it gets the darker and dirty it will look. Even if concrete is laid at the correct depth it will need expansion joints or it will eventually crack. Expansion joints can congregate dirt and are always places weeds will colonise and thrive. Having said all of this concrete will stop weeds from growing wherever it is laid. Your best option for a better looking concrete option is an exposed aggregate concrete or cobble moulds with dyes.
Concrete very rarely looks good and the older it gets the darker and dirty it will look. Even if concrete is laid at the correct depth it will need expansion joints or it will eventually crack. Expansion joints can congregate dirt and are always places weeds will colonise and thrive. Having said all of this concrete will stop weeds from growing wherever it is laid. Your best option for a better looking concrete option is an exposed aggregate concrete or cobble moulds with dyes.
Lawns
Garden lawns are usually not the first thought of people wanting a low maintenance garden. Even though garden lawns are thought of as extra work they are reasonably straight forward to take care of. There are many reasons garden lawns are a desirable surface with an ability to prevent weeds in the garden. To be frank grass is a weed! Next time you are weeding in your garden try to notice just how many of the weeds you are pulling are grasses.
Grasses have an amazing ability to colonise new ground and out compete the most persistent of garden weeds. Garden lawns are extremely cheap and simple to install especially if seeded. Garden lawns allow a great multi-use surface good for sports, games and picnics. The expanse of lush, green vegetation also has a positive effect on our mental well being. If you really cannot stand the idea of mowing the grass you do have two other options Robot lawn mowers and artificial grass.
Grasses have an amazing ability to colonise new ground and out compete the most persistent of garden weeds. Garden lawns are extremely cheap and simple to install especially if seeded. Garden lawns allow a great multi-use surface good for sports, games and picnics. The expanse of lush, green vegetation also has a positive effect on our mental well being. If you really cannot stand the idea of mowing the grass you do have two other options Robot lawn mowers and artificial grass.
Artificial lawns
Artificial grass has come a long way in the past 15 years from plastic looking rough textures to extremely passable pleasant lawn solutions. Artificial lawns are now a serious contender for the low maintenance garden and a very good surface to install. There are a few things however you should know about artificial lawns.
Firstly they require preparation very similar to that of a garden patio so be prepared for some expense. Also be aware that they will not absorb water like a typical garden lawn. This can lead to flooding issues in low parts of the garden. Make sure landscape companies address drainage considerations especially in our local coverage areas of Harrow and Hillingdon. These areas are highly susceptible to flooding.
Artificial grass is not completely maintenance free. If autumn leaves and dirt is allowed to build up on the surface it is highly likely weeds will sprout from the surface of the lawn.
Firstly they require preparation very similar to that of a garden patio so be prepared for some expense. Also be aware that they will not absorb water like a typical garden lawn. This can lead to flooding issues in low parts of the garden. Make sure landscape companies address drainage considerations especially in our local coverage areas of Harrow and Hillingdon. These areas are highly susceptible to flooding.
Artificial grass is not completely maintenance free. If autumn leaves and dirt is allowed to build up on the surface it is highly likely weeds will sprout from the surface of the lawn.
Robot lawn mowers
Robot lawn mowers are a revolutionary way to maintain your lawn. Imagine never having to mow the garden lawn ever again! Robot lawn mowers cut lawns on a high frequency basis, this allows for grass to form a denser more lush structure. These mowers use high velocity, spinning blades to blast grass into tiny microscopic particles back into the lawns surface.
This cutting method helps feed the lawn and retains moisture leading to a healthier lawn. This sort of mowing not only keeps your lawn looking good it also stops weeds from developing. With robot lawn mowers you get the best of both worlds! A living, breathing lawn without the mowing. Robot lawn mowers are more expensive than conventional lawn mowers. Having said that this depends on how much you value time relaxing with family and friends. For more information on robot lawn mowers see this information website on the subject here.
This cutting method helps feed the lawn and retains moisture leading to a healthier lawn. This sort of mowing not only keeps your lawn looking good it also stops weeds from developing. With robot lawn mowers you get the best of both worlds! A living, breathing lawn without the mowing. Robot lawn mowers are more expensive than conventional lawn mowers. Having said that this depends on how much you value time relaxing with family and friends. For more information on robot lawn mowers see this information website on the subject here.
Decking
Decking is a garden surface much loved for its quick construction and modern look. Decking has become more and more fashionable over the years with a wide variety of styles and materials available. Decking can be built over the top of unsightly areas and used to create raised seating areas.
Decking is a great way to surface an area ensuring no weeds as long as a weed membrane is laid underneath. One of the drawbacks of decking is it can become slippery in wet weather and the joists can rot around the fixings after about 10 years. Usually natural decking will require treatments every couple of years to stay in good condition.
Decking is a great way to surface an area ensuring no weeds as long as a weed membrane is laid underneath. One of the drawbacks of decking is it can become slippery in wet weather and the joists can rot around the fixings after about 10 years. Usually natural decking will require treatments every couple of years to stay in good condition.
Paving
Paving is an excellent way to create low maintenance and weed free spaces free of weeds. Paving looks good and provides a level surface for all sorts of outside activities. Paving and patios are usually built with attractive paving slabs creating aesthetic places to be. Patios are usually built next to the home providing a transition from the outside to the inside.
This also allows patios to warm up in the sun providing microclimate. This creates a pleasant place to be and the ability to grow more warm loving plants. Paving is fantastic for landscaping your garden for low maintenance. If you are looking for paving services within the vicinity of Harrow, Hillingdon or Buckinghamshire please contact Harrow and Hillingdon landscape gardeners today.
This also allows patios to warm up in the sun providing microclimate. This creates a pleasant place to be and the ability to grow more warm loving plants. Paving is fantastic for landscaping your garden for low maintenance. If you are looking for paving services within the vicinity of Harrow, Hillingdon or Buckinghamshire please contact Harrow and Hillingdon landscape gardeners today.
Keeping your patio weed free
Even though patios are usually the best way to prevent weeds from growing and creating a low maintenance garden they can experience some problems. In order to explain the best way to keep you’re paving in top condition and free from weeds we will have to look at the two main types of garden paving.
Flexible paving
Flexible paving is a type of paving which allows for minute movement within the surface. This is to allow heavy traffic and cars to pass over it without cracking. This surface is more familiar to the masses as block paving. Block paving is laid on a sand base which does make it more susceptible to root penetration. The most common problem associated with block paving is the large amounts of gap joints which can become full with weeds.
Although this is a common problem it can be avoided easily. Block paving which has become full of weeds usually has had many years of nutrient rich dirt washed between the gaps. This leads to weeds germinating and instead of dying soon after have sufficient nutrients to survive. To combat this block paving should have all of the joints blasted out every 5 years. This enables you to reapply fresh sand to the joints preventing weeds from growing. At this stage it is also beneficial to add some sweep in weed killer to ensure a hostile environment for weeds.
Although this is a common problem it can be avoided easily. Block paving which has become full of weeds usually has had many years of nutrient rich dirt washed between the gaps. This leads to weeds germinating and instead of dying soon after have sufficient nutrients to survive. To combat this block paving should have all of the joints blasted out every 5 years. This enables you to reapply fresh sand to the joints preventing weeds from growing. At this stage it is also beneficial to add some sweep in weed killer to ensure a hostile environment for weeds.
Rigid paving
Rigid paving is the most preferable type of paving for back garden patios. This type of paving is most ideal for human traffic. Rigid paving is also the best option for preventing weeds in the garden. This ensures a perfect solution for landscaping your garden for low maintenance. Installing a rigid paving patio requires digging down to a depth of 150 millimetres below the finished wearing surface. 100 millimetres of compactable MOT Type one is then spread and compacted.
Paving is then laid on a 4 in 1 sharp sand mortar mix. This consistent mortar bed makes it imposable for weeds to become established. The joints on rigid paving are pointed with a 3 in 1 mortar mix creating the perfect sealed surface where weeds cannot become established. This makes rigid paving the best garden surface for preventing weeds within the garden.
If you need advice on a new patio please do not hesitate to contact Harrow and Hillingdon Landscape Gardeners.
Paving is then laid on a 4 in 1 sharp sand mortar mix. This consistent mortar bed makes it imposable for weeds to become established. The joints on rigid paving are pointed with a 3 in 1 mortar mix creating the perfect sealed surface where weeds cannot become established. This makes rigid paving the best garden surface for preventing weeds within the garden.
If you need advice on a new patio please do not hesitate to contact Harrow and Hillingdon Landscape Gardeners.
Products to help you keep weeds under control
Below we have put together some of our favourite products for getting rid of weeds in your garden. We would like to stress that landscaping your garden for low maintenance is the best way to approach conquering weeds in your garden.
Conclusion.
Mankind has battled with weeds since the dawn of civilisation. However frustrating weeds make the process of acquiring a low maintenance garden they remind us that nature cannot be contained.
Instead of spending hours of your time weeding the best option is to plan your garden in a way that gives you the upper hand. With careful planning and choosing the correct surfaces and materials you can guarantee more time relaxing in the garden and less time weeding.
For more information of landscaping your garden for low maintenance contact Harrow & Hillingdon Landscape Gardeners today.
Instead of spending hours of your time weeding the best option is to plan your garden in a way that gives you the upper hand. With careful planning and choosing the correct surfaces and materials you can guarantee more time relaxing in the garden and less time weeding.
For more information of landscaping your garden for low maintenance contact Harrow & Hillingdon Landscape Gardeners today.
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