Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t have to mean hours of upkeep every week. With a thoughtful approach to landscape design, you can craft a low-maintenance yard that thrives through Minnesota’s changing seasons while reducing time, water, and energy demands.

At Otten Bros, a family-owned nursery and landscape design company since 1953, we help homeowners design stunning, sustainable outdoor spaces that fit their lifestyles. Here’s your complete guide to planning a low-maintenance landscape using native plants, mulch, and hardscaping elements like custom retaining walls and paver walkway designs.

Why Go Low Maintenance?

A low-maintenance landscape design offers many benefits:

• Less time spent on weeding, mowing, and watering

• Lower water and utility bills

• Fewer fertilizers and chemical treatments

• A sustainable yard that supports pollinators and local wildlife

It’s perfect for busy homeowners or anyone looking to spend more time in their yard without working on it.

Step 1: Start with Native and Low-Maintenance Plants

One of the most impactful choices in landscape gardening is your plant selection. Native Minnesota plants are naturally adapted to the climate and soil, making them hardy, drought-resistant, and less prone to pests.

Great Low-Maintenance Plant Choices:

• Purple Coneflower

• Black-Eyed Susan

• Little Bluestem

• Serviceberry Shrubs

• Switchgrass

These plants thrive in Minnesota and add color, texture, and seasonal interest to residential landscaping.

Explore a full selection of low-maintenance plants at Otten Bros Garden Center.

Step 2: Use Mulch to Retain Moisture and Suppress Weeds

A thick layer of mulch in your garden beds does more than just look good. It keeps weeds at bay, retains moisture during dry spells, and reduces the need for fertilizers.

Natural mulch options like shredded bark, leaf mulch, or compost are ideal for low-maintenance yard design and support soil health long-term.

Step 3: Add Hardscaping for Structure and Ease

Hardscape features such as custom retaining walls, concrete patios, and paver walkway designs are both functional and low-maintenance.

Popular Hardscape Elements:

• Paver Walkways: A beautiful way to guide foot traffic while eliminating muddy paths. Consider unique stepping stone walkway designs for a more natural aesthetic.

• Retaining Walls: Whether you’re dealing with slopes or simply want a layered garden look, concrete block retaining walls offer lasting beauty and erosion control. Otten Bros works with top retaining wall contractors in MN to bring your vision to life.

• Concrete Patios: An essential element of outdoor living spaces, patios create usable zones for dining, entertaining, and relaxing.

Hardscaping also reduces lawn size, meaning less mowing and more enjoyment.

Step 4: Simplify Your Lawn and Irrigation

If maintaining a large lawn feels overwhelming, consider downsizing. Replace portions of turf with native groundcovers, ornamental grasses, or hardscaped features. This approach supports a low-maintenance landscape design and conserves water.

Otten Bros offers expert advice on landscaping and water drainage, ensuring your yard stays dry and plant-friendly even after heavy Minnesota storms.

Step 5: Design with the Future in Mind

A well-designed yard combines beauty and longevity. At Otten Bros, our landscape specialists create plans tailored to your goals and property layout—whether you’re dreaming of easy backyard landscape designs, refined front yard designs, or fully integrated luxury landscapes.

We bring your vision to life with:

• Customized planting plans

• Grading and landscape drainage strategies

• Hardscaping design and installation

• Ongoing support and plant care education

Learn more about our Landscape Design Services →

FAQ: Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Minnesota

How do I reduce watering in my landscape?

Use native plants and mulch, and install an efficient drip irrigation system. Group plants with similar water needs together.

Can hardscaping really lower maintenance?

Yes! Walkways, patios, and retaining walls minimize the need for mowing, weeding, and watering. They’re also great for erosion control.

What are the best low-maintenance shrubs for Minnesota?

Try Serviceberry, Ninebark, and Dogwood. These native shrubs offer year-round beauty with minimal upkeep.

Is a low-maintenance yard still attractive?

Absolutely! With thoughtful landscape design ideas, you can create a stunning, modern yard that looks great year-round without constant work.

Final Thoughts

Designing a low-maintenance landscape for your Minnesota home is all about working with nature—not against it. With native plants, smart mulching, and durable hardscaping, you can enjoy a stunning yard that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your current landscape, trust Otten Bros to provide the expertise, supplies, and service you need. Visit our 12-acre Garden Center or connect with our team of professional landscape designers to get started today.