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 are plants which spread across the ground that do not grow tall so no mowing is involved. Groundcovers require little to no maintenance and like mulch they enhance and help to condition the soil. Groundcovers are usually chosen for texture as well as how well they spread and help to choke out weeds. Groundcovers are usually less than 3 feet in height, however there are many options available for the landscaper in Hawaii. Here are some common groundcovers used throughout Hawaii -- Hottentot Fig, Ilima Papa, Hearts and Flowers, Dwarf Oyster Plant, Daylily and the Honeysuckle.
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.
Yard maintenance in Hawaii does not have to take a lot of your time, especially if you follow the above mentioned tips. Mulch and groundcovers are visually appealing and at the same time help to retain moisture cutting back on time spent watering. Choosing the right grass type in Hawaii is one of the key essential factors in producing a beautiful yard in which you can enjoy being in rather than maintaining.
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 are plants which spread across the ground that do not grow tall so no mowing is involved. Groundcovers require little to no maintenance and like mulch they enhance and help to condition the soil. Groundcovers are usually chosen for texture as well as how well they spread and help to choke out weeds. Groundcovers are usually less than 3 feet in height, however there are many options available for the landscaper in Hawaii. Here are some common groundcovers used throughout Hawaii -- Hottentot Fig, Ilima Papa, Hearts and Flowers, Dwarf Oyster Plant, Daylily and the Honeysuckle.
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.
Yard maintenance in Hawaii does not have to take a lot of your time, especially if you follow the above mentioned tips. Mulch and groundcovers are visually appealing and at the same time help to retain moisture cutting back on time spent watering. Choosing the right grass type in Hawaii is one of the key essential factors in producing a beautiful yard in which you can enjoy being in rather than maintaining.
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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