Hawaii's climate, envied by many boasts an annual average temperature in the upper 70s. While this year-round warm weather is enjoyable to live in, it does pose some complications for the landscaper who wants a low maintenance beautiful yard. There are many strategies the landscaper can use in Hawaii to help lower time and money spent in and on the yard so that more time can be spent enjoying the yard rather than maintaining it.
Hawaii's unique climate creates unfavorable growing environments for many popular flowers and shrubs seen commonly throughout the mainland. Instead of tediously watering and fertilizing these plants grow local native Hawaiian plants instead that are low maintenance and are well adapted to Hawaii's geography and climate. Once established, these "local" plants become drought-resistant and require little maintenance.
Incorporating mulch into your landscape design is a low cost, low maintenance option that is visually appealing which will also help to condition the soil of your yard. Mulch keeps your soil moist reducing the cost and time of watering your yard. Mulch can be used as a decorative feature lining pathways and can also be used to border building walls. Some common mulches used in Hawaii include wood chips, coconut husks and lava rocks. These mulching materials should be piled 2 to 4 inches high along pathways and borders for moisture protection and to block the growth of weeds.
Groundcovers can be used as a wonderful landscaping option. Groundcovers usually require less watering and because they traditionally are less than 3 feet high will not need to be mowed or trimmed, saving you time on yard maintenance. Groundcovers, like mulch also help to condition your soil. Most groundcovers are chosen for texture and how well they spread throughout the landscape. There are many groundcovers that thrive in Hawaii including the Ilima Papa, Hottentot Fig, Daylily, Honeysuckle, Dwarf Oyster Plant as well as the Hearts and Flowers groundcover.
Choosing the right grass makes all the difference in Hawaii when it comes to low maintenance in your yard. Many of the popular grasses in the mainland such as Ryegrass will require constant watering and trimming. Landscapers in Hawaii should pick drought-resistant grasses that thrive in a year-round warm weather climate such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass or Centipede grass. Selecting a low maintenance grass which takes up the bulk of your yard will cut down immensely on the time you spend maintaining your yard.
Maintaining a yard in Hawaii does not have to require a lot of maintenance. If you follow the above mentioned tips you can result in a low maintenance yard that is also beautifully landscaped. Mulch and groundcovers are both visually appealing, help to keep moisture in as well as condition your soil. Choosing the right type of grass is essential to creating a low maintenance landscape in which you can enjoy the time in your yard rather than maintaining your yard.
Hawaii's unique climate creates unfavorable growing environments for many popular flowers and shrubs seen commonly throughout the mainland. Instead of tediously watering and fertilizing these plants grow local native Hawaiian plants instead that are low maintenance and are well adapted to Hawaii's geography and climate. Once established, these "local" plants become drought-resistant and require little maintenance.
Incorporating mulch into your landscape design is a low cost, low maintenance option that is visually appealing which will also help to condition the soil of your yard. Mulch keeps your soil moist reducing the cost and time of watering your yard. Mulch can be used as a decorative feature lining pathways and can also be used to border building walls. Some common mulches used in Hawaii include wood chips, coconut husks and lava rocks. These mulching materials should be piled 2 to 4 inches high along pathways and borders for moisture protection and to block the growth of weeds.
Groundcovers can be used as a wonderful landscaping option. Groundcovers usually require less watering and because they traditionally are less than 3 feet high will not need to be mowed or trimmed, saving you time on yard maintenance. Groundcovers, like mulch also help to condition your soil. Most groundcovers are chosen for texture and how well they spread throughout the landscape. There are many groundcovers that thrive in Hawaii including the Ilima Papa, Hottentot Fig, Daylily, Honeysuckle, Dwarf Oyster Plant as well as the Hearts and Flowers groundcover.
Choosing the right grass makes all the difference in Hawaii when it comes to low maintenance in your yard. Many of the popular grasses in the mainland such as Ryegrass will require constant watering and trimming. Landscapers in Hawaii should pick drought-resistant grasses that thrive in a year-round warm weather climate such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass or Centipede grass. Selecting a low maintenance grass which takes up the bulk of your yard will cut down immensely on the time you spend maintaining your yard.
Maintaining a yard in Hawaii does not have to require a lot of maintenance. If you follow the above mentioned tips you can result in a low maintenance yard that is also beautifully landscaped. Mulch and groundcovers are both visually appealing, help to keep moisture in as well as condition your soil. Choosing the right type of grass is essential to creating a low maintenance landscape in which you can enjoy the time in your yard rather than maintaining your yard.
About the Author:
Landscaping Hawaii expert Shaun Sedeno specializes in designing and installing beautiful low maintenance yards using local Hawaiian plants. Visit his website to learn more about landscaping in Hawaii at www.LawntasticHawaii.com
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