• Shop Native – While palm trees and evergreens are gorgeous, they each thrive in very different climates and should therefore best be left to live in those climates. Choose plants that are native to your area to reduce maintenance time and increase the effortless beauty of your yard. 
  
• Consider Hardscape – A great way to reduce landscaping upkeep without losing out on beauty or interest is to add hardscaping like retaining walls, patios, and walkways. Not only do these items look good and offer function like places to sit and walk, but they also help avoid runoff. Look for quality materials like pea stone, shale, stacked stone, or pavers. 
  
• Know Your Zone – the USDA has a zone guide that will help you choose plants that will thrive in your area. As you choose shrubs, trees, grass, and other plants for your yard, look for the zone tag to reduce your care time. 
  
• Add Living Space – While expansive, lush lawns are pretty, they take a lot of work to maintain. Reduce your mowing time and add functional space by creating an outdoor living space. Try adding a deck or a patio that you can use for relaxing, outdoor dining, or even working from home. Don’t forget about items for the kids like playhouses, swings, and jungle gyms. 
  
• Investigate Xeriscaping – Xeriscaping is designing a landscape plan with drought-tolerant plants and rock ground cover, so it doesn’t need irrigation. The benefits of xeriscaping including fewer weeds, less general maintenance, and less fertilizing. Plus, using rock ground cover, mulch, rock gardens, and native plants can be very beautiful and calming. 
  
• Learn Your Grass Height – Different types of grasses need to be mowed to different heights. Learn your particular grass height so you aid root development and kill weeds. Another pro tip: leave your grass clippings on the grass. They act as great natural fertilizer, plus it will save you clean up time. 
  
• Avoid Messy Trees – Some trees are stunning in the spring, but come summer and fall they shed messy pods, fruit, and branches that necessitate continuous cleanup. Choose trees that won’t need constant cleaning or pruning to save time and maintenance. 
• Edge Flower Beds – Permanently edged flower beds look clean, tidy, and fresh year after year with minimal maintenance. Use materials like bricks, pavers, plastic, or rocks to edge your flower beds.

While upgrading your landscaping is all well and good, you can save yourself some serious party headaches by hosting your event at a professional venue. We are here to help if you want more tips for updating your home or more information on Alamo, TX event centers . Call or visit us today.