10 Landscaping Project Ideas to Reduce Maintenance & Boost Curb Appeal

Want to improve curb appeal and reduce outdoor chores at the same time? A thoughtful landscaping project can refresh the look of your home while also making the yard easier to manage.

The following landscaping projects may be just what your yard makeover is missing, whether the goal is to boost property value, create a better outdoor living space, or simply spend less time maintaining the yard and more time enjoying it.

Landscaping Project Considerations

Before you ever grab a shovel, keep the following considerations in mind.

Pricing

Landscaping costs vary based on yard size, materials, design complexity, and labor. Simple planting projects may cost a few hundred dollars, while massive outdoor living spaces with patios, lighting, and water features can cost significantly more—sometimes into the tens of thousands.

Budgeting doesn't stop with buying materials, obtaining permits, and paying for professional installation, either. Many elements of your yard will likely require annual maintenance, like staining wooden decks, which you also need to factor into your budget.

Permits & Regulations

Some landscaping projects require permits. Retaining walls over a certain height, new decks, outdoor kitchens, and major grading work, for example, often need approval from local authorities. Homeowners in St. Louis should also check HOA guidelines before starting construction.

Maintenance

Every landscaping choice affects long-term maintenance. Large grass lawns require regular mowing, for instance. Water features require frequent cleaning and seasonal care. Some plants need frequent pruning or watering to thrive.

Be realistic about how much time and effort you are willing to spend on lawn care and upkeep tasks.

Plant Selection

Different plants bring unique color, texture, and seasonal interest.

When selecting the right plants for your yard, consider native plants (plants that are native to your area). They require less maintenance to thrive since nature is doing the heavy-lifting for you.

Drainage & Irrigation

Proper grading and drainage systems protect your yard and home; don't forget to plan for proper irrigation and drainage when dreaming up your next big project.

Professional vs DIY

Some projects work well for DIY homeowners, such as planting flower beds. Larger projects like installing patios often require professional experience. Consider your ability levels and the long-term safety and durability of your outdoor space when choosing between DIY-ing your next project or hiring professionals.

Yard Size

Yard size influences design choices. Small yards benefit from vertical features like trellises, multiplying the amount of greenery you can add. Larger yards can support multiple functional zones, including seating areas, gardens, and entertainment spaces.

Top Landscaping Ideas

1. Attract Pollinators with Native Plants

Native plants like coneflowers, blazing stars, and Eastern gamagrass thrive in Missouri conditions. These plants attract bees, butterflies, and birds while requiring less water and maintenance than many non-native species. They also add color and seasonal variety, a real low-maintenance landscape win-win.

2. Reduce Mowing with the Right Ground Cover

Ground covers like creeping thyme can reduce maintenance and lower water usage while still creating visual interest for your outdoor space.

3. Highlight Features with Outdoor Lighting

Landscape lighting improves both the safety and appearance of your space. We've found the following lighting tips help St. Louis homeowners get the most enjoyment out of their landscapes:

• Path lights that guide traffic along walkways, protecting plants.
• Uplighting trees and hardscape features for visual appeal.
• Using energy-efficient LED systems for long-lasting performance.

4. Add Walkways to Protect Plants

Defined walkways, such as stepping stone paths, guide foot traffic while protecting flower beds from damage.

5. Grow Up with Trellises

Trellises help homeowners maximize small backyard areas by building upward instead of outward. Climbing plants like clematis or climbing roses bring color and greenery to the space without using extra ground space. Vertical structures also increase privacy and add dimension, which makes the yard feel more layered and visually interesting.

6. Add Texture with Different Materials

Mixing materials like stone, wood, gravel, and greenery creates contrast and interest. In other words, a combination of softscape and hardscape elements prevents a yard from feeling flat or one-dimensional. At Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, we also find that mixing different types of stone—such as using both pea gravel and river rock, for example—further adds texture to a yard.

7. Incorporate Water Features for Visual Interest

Water features like ponds and small waterfalls introduce soothing sounds and gentle movement into an outdoor space. Even a simple fountain can draw attention and become a central feature within a patio or garden area.

8. Extend Nighttime Use with Fire Pits

Fire pits bring people together and create a comfortable place for family and guests to gather. Durable materials such as brick, concrete, and natural stone hold up well in the St. Louis climate. When placed thoughtfully, a fire pit allows homeowners like you to enjoy their outdoor space even in the cooler months.

9. Create Privacy with Softscape & Hardscape Elements

Layering plants, fencing, or decorative walls can add privacy to your yard. Tall shrubs, ornamental grasses, shade trees, and wooden fences can all work together to block the sightlines of snooping neighbors.

10. Try Eco-friendly Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a water-efficient approach to landscaping. It uses drought-tolerant plants and hardscape elements like pea gravel ground cover to reduce water consumption.

Xeriscaping doesn't have to be complex, either. A great beginner-friendly DIY xeriscape project can be as simple as installing a rock garden lined with succulents in the front yard.

Landscaping Project FAQs

What are some of the easiest landscaping projects?

Simple landscaping projects that beginner DIY-ers may enjoy include:

• Planting native flowers
• Installing garden edging
• Adding solar lighting

What do some landscapers charge per hour?

In many places, landscaping labor costs can range from $50 to $100+ per hour.

Remember that, ultimately, you get the services you pay for; opting for the lowest bid is not always the best option long-term. Improper installation can ruin the look of your yard, potentially reduce home value, and may even require costly remodels.

What is a landscape design or landscape plan?

A landscape design or landscape plan is a detailed layout that shows plant placement, hardscape features, grading, drainage, and more. A professional plan helps guide construction and ensures that all elements work together.

How much does hardscaping cost?

Hardscaping costs depend on materials, project size, and labor. A small paver patio may cost several thousand dollars, while large outdoor living spaces with retaining walls and fire features can cost significantly more.

Can you just have new porch pavers installed over old concrete?

In some cases, contractors can install pavers over existing concrete if the base is stable and properly prepared. A professional assessment determines whether the concrete foundation is suitable.

What are some essential steps when starting a landscaping project?

When planning a landscaping project:

• Set a budget
• Evaluate yard conditions
• Create a design plan
• Decide whether to hire professionals

What are some low-maintenance plants for a landscaping project in St. Louis, Missouri?

Low-maintenance plant options for St. Louis homeowners include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and hostas.

Can I hire someone in St. Louis to help with my landscaping project?

Yes, you can hire Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction to help you design, implement, and maintain a gorgeous front yard or backyard landscaping project.