--- title: 3 Rules for an Effortless and Stress-free Landscape Project description: Are you stretched for time, but would still like a beautiful landscaped lawn? We have a few ways for you to have an amazing yard and keep upkeep to a minimum. image: https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-372117568.jpg --- [781.488.3200](tel:781.488.3200) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/Moodscapes/) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/moodscapes/) - [**](https://twitter.com/MoodscapesLLC) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/moodscapes-llc/) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/moodscapes/) [![moodscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/logo.png?width=252&height=88&name=logo.png "moodscapes")](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com) [ Schedule Consultation ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-consultation-free-15-minute-call) - Services - [Landscape Design & Build](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services) - [Ecological Landscape Maintenance & Gardening](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/ecological-landscape-maintenance-gardening) - [Schedule Consultation](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-consultation-free-15-minute-call) - Towns We Serve - [Arlington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/arlington-ma) - [Belmont](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/belmont-ma) - [Lexington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/lexington-ma) - [Newton](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/newton-ma) - [Watertown](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/watertown-ma) - [Winchester](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/winchester-ma) - [Portfolio](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-portfolio) - [Backyard Entertainment Areas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/backyard-entertainment-areas) - [Backyard Oasis](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/backyard-oasis-landscape-design) - [Contemplation Areas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/contemplation-area-landscape-design) - [Fall Landscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/fall-landscape-design-examples) - [Hardscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hardscapes-landscape-design) - [Strolling Gardens](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/strolling-gardens-landscape-designs) - [Terraced Landscapes](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/terraced-landscapes) - [Texture and Color Gardens](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/texture-and-color-gardens) - [Water Features](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/water-feature-landscape-designs) - [Welcoming Front Yard](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/welcoming-front-yard-design-examples) - [Woodland Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/woodland-gardens-landscape-design-examples) - [Testimonials](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/testimonials) - [Contact](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/contact) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog) - [8 Essential Elements of a Spectacular Outdoor Living Space](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/essential-elements-of-a-spectacular-outdoor-living-space-youll-want-to-spend-all-day-in) - [How to Maintain Your Landscape and Transform It Into a Beauty You’ll Love](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/how-to-maintain-your-landscape-and-transform-it-into-a-beauty-youll-love) - [10 Common Gardening Mistakes that Hurt the Environment](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/common-gardening-mistakes-that-hurt-environment) - [13 Insider Tips to Creating a Beautiful Contemplation Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/insider-tips-for-beautiful-contemplation-garden) - [Questions to Think About Before a Landscape Consultation](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/questions-to-think-about) [Landscaping Tips](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/topic/landscaping-tips) | 2 min read August 2017 | [Judith Lipson- Rubin](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/author/judith-lipson-rubin) # 3 Rules for an Effortless and Stress-free Landscape Project ![3 Rules for an Effortless and Stress-free Landscape Project](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-372117568.jpg) After a busy day of work, you want to come home to a [beautiful landscaped yard](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/backyard-oasis-landscape-design) — without worrying about hours of weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and watering. How can you design a stress-free garden? These three rules can help guide you through creating and maintaining a yard with minimal effort. ![low maintenance yard ideas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-372117568.jpg?width=600&name=file-372117568.jpg) ## 1. Be realistic about time Landscaping takes time; the question is how much you have to invest. Do you have one hour a week, or ten? Your answer will dictate what you plant, what you will want to focus on, and how much help you might need. Your lawn will take the most time and money. If you want it to stay vibrant all summer long, there’s a lot of work to be done. Clover and crab grass are threats to healthy grass. To prevent these undesirable plants from growing, you’ll need to maintain a dense and healthy turf by regularly watering and mowing high. Weeding your garden is also a time-consuming process. The best time to weed is when the ground is moist because the soil is looser. You will want to be sure that you have removed the whole root system — otherwise the weed may grow back. Including more ground covers in your gardens suppresses weeds so you will have to do a lot less weeding. Mulch can also be used to limit unwanted growth. ### Handpicked Related Content: - [ Low Maintenance Gardens for Eastern Massachusetts ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/bid/86283/low-maintenance-gardens-for-eastern-massachusetts) - [ How to Prune Plants so They Thrive ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/how-to-prune-plants-so-they-thrive) - [ Foreman's Favorite- Dwarf Hinoki Cypress ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/bid/75812/foreman-s-favorite-dwarf-hinoki-cypress) As you can see, there are large and small tasks in landscaping. Some take 30 minutes, while others can take an hour or more. Be sure to keep your landscaping expectations in line with the amount of time you’re able to put into it. If you’re a busy professional with an hour to devote each week, you won’t have time to create an elaborately landscaped yard on your own. If you’re retired, enjoy being outside and have lots of time, your garden can be as elaborate as you’d like.   ![low maintenance yard ideas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547175.jpg?width=427&name=file-13547175.jpg) ## 2. Pick plants that are low maintenance It can feel overwhelming to pick out the right plants for your yard. Don’t be discouraged — there are a couple of ways to get plants that will not require a lot of attention. A natural looking landscape will be easier to maintain. Native plants will help you achieve this. While these are often easier than more exotic plants, they’ll still require some work. An experienced landscaper will be able to guide you to plants that work well for your situation and explain how to keep them healthy.   Small shrubs can be used to create a full look in your garden and are low maintenance. Identifying plants that do not grow higher than you would like will reduce the amount of pruning you need to do.  You will also want to avoid over planting. It can be tempting to put in lots of plants, but overcrowding can cause problems like taxing the soil’s nutrients or spreading diseases from plant to plant. Fewer plants also means [less ongoing watering and fertilizing](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/ecological-land-care). ## 3. Call in the pros Once you’ve decided how much time you want to put into your garden and have an idea as to what you want it to look like, a full-service landscaping company can help you create and maintain a yard that stays beautiful. They will use their expertise to help pick out the right plants for your yard and assist you in keeping them healthy. At Moodscapes, we’re committed to ecologically-friendly gardening solutions that help keep your landscapes naturally beautiful. It can take a lot of work, but partnering with a full-service landscaping company will take the stress out of your yard maintenance and help you find a solution that fits your schedule. Be sure to also [download our free ebook](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/essential-elements-of-a-spectacular-outdoor-living-space-youll-want-to-spend-all-day-in) about the [essential elements for creating a spectacular outdoor living space](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/essential-elements-of-a-spectacular-outdoor-living-space-youll-want-to-spend-all-day-in).  [![8 Essential Elements of a Spectacular Outdoor Living Space](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/25834/087bae18-f04d-4d1a-a551-143483f608bb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/25834/087bae18-f04d-4d1a-a551-143483f608bb) Moodscapes LLC is an [organic landscape design and service company](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/bid/33240/About-Moodscapes-LLC-Our-Story) with a focus on helping you extend your life outdoors to enjoy activities on your own, as a family and with friends. We create opportunities for you to commune with and find joy and peace in nature and to live in an ecologically friendly and healthy environment. Please explore our [landscape services](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services) and the [portfolio](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-portfolio) that demonstrates many examples of our work.  ## Related Articles: Outdoor Living Spaces [![Backyard Entertainment Ideas: How to Transform Your Backyard Into an Ideal Space for Entertaining](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/EXTRAimages/canton_rose_of_sharon.new-resized-600.jpg) **Backyard Entertainment Ideas: How to Transform Your Backyard Into an Ideal Space for Entertaining** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/backyard-entertainment-ideas-how-to-transform-your-backyard-into-an-ideal-space-for-entertaining) [![Using Arbors and Pergolas to Add Shade and Interest in the Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/arbors-pergolas-curtains.jpg) **Using Arbors and Pergolas to Add Shade and Interest in the Garden** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/using-arbors-and-pergolas-to-add-shade-and-interest-in-the-garden) [![Great Ideas for an Efficient and Welcoming Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/blog/moodscapes-outdoor-kitchen.jpg) **Great Ideas for an Efficient and Welcoming Outdoor Kitchen** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/great-ideas-for-an-efficient-and-welcoming-outdoor-kitchen) [![The Elemental Garden](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/moodscapes-theme-2017/images/banner-1.jpg?t=1489838449424) **The Elemental Garden** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/the-elemental-garden) [![Top 4 Landscaping Tips for the Ever-Changing New England Climate](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13544717.jpg) **Top 4 Landscaping Tips for the Ever-Changing New England Climate** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/top-4-landscaping-tips-for-the-ever-changing-new-england-climate) [![5 Fun and Creative Ways to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547580.jpg) **5 Fun and Creative Ways to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/5-fun-and-creative-ways-to-increase-your-homes-curb-appeal) [![5 Super Easy Ways to Create Privacy in Your Backyard](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547125.jpg) **5 Super Easy Ways to Create Privacy in Your Backyard** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/5-super-easy-ways-to-create-privacy-in-your-backyard) [![8 Questions to Ask About Backyard Landscape Designs](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547483.jpg) **8 Questions to Ask About Backyard Landscape Designs** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/8-questions-to-ask-about-backyard-landscape-designs) [![Entertaining on a Dime: 4 Party-Ready Outdoor Entertainment Design Ideas](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hs-fs/hub/25834/file-13547117.jpg) **Entertaining on a Dime: 4 Party-Ready Outdoor Entertainment Design Ideas** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/entertainment-on-a-dime-4-party-ready-outdoor-entertainment-design-ideas) [![5 Ways to Create a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Garden Space](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/nordsternpark-346283_640.jpg) **5 Ways to Create a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Garden Space** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/5-ways-to-create-a-kid-friendly-outdoor-garden-space) [![Beginner’s Guide to Building the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/hubfs/Beginner%E2%80%99s%20Guide%20to%20Building%20the%20Outdoor%20Living%20Space%20of%20Your%20Dreams-pic1.jpg) **Beginner’s Guide to Building the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams** ](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-building-the-outdoor-living-space-of-your-dreams) ####  Services - [Landscape Design & Build](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/landscape-design-services) - [Ecological Landscape Maintenance](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/ecological-landscape-maintenance-gardening) ####  Contact Us 216 Hillside Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 [781.488.3200](tel:781.488.3200) [info@moodscapesdesign.com](mailto:info@moodscapesdesign.com) ####  Towns We Serve - [Arlington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/arlington-ma) - [Belmont](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/belmont-ma) - [Lexington](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/lexington-ma) - [Newton](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/newton-ma) - [Watertown](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/watertown-ma) - [Winchester](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/winchester-ma) - [Pricing](https://www.moodscapesdesign.com/pricing) #### Schedule Consultation © 2026 Moodscapes LLC. 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