A Senior’s Guide to Lawn Care and Landscaping

Updated on June 23, 2021

As people age, they increasingly find it difficult to keep up with activities that require intense physical and even mental energy, such as gardening and lawn care. For many seniors, old age is a time to relax and celebrate life achievements whilst only doing the bare minimum. Lawn care is often less intense and done as a hobby once one becomes a senior citizen. However, many seniors still prefer lawn care St. Louis services so that they can focus on what they enjoy doing. Here’s a guide to lawn care and landscaping for seniors who still prefer to get the job done themselves.

1. Plant local plants and flowers

This may seem obvious, but it is not so for many people. It is wise for seniors to plant trees and flowers that grow or can be sourced locally. This has two major advantages: 1) the plants and flowers are used to the local climate and so are easy to maintain, and 2) plants and flowers can easily be replaced when they wither, rot, or become unsustainable for whatever reason. Local vegetation requires less watering and is easy to maintain. When it comes to landscaping, paths made of gravel and other natural materials are generally easy and inexpensive to maintain. Besides, they allow rainwater to soak and drain into the soil fast compared to hard surfaces. Using non-invasive perennials also gets rid of the cost and labor involved in planting annuals whilst controlling invasive species.

2. Consider low-maintenance watering options

For many lawns, one of the major challenges is regular watering. This can be a problem if there is not enough water or someone to commit to regular watering. However, there are a few solutions for seniors with watering problems. For a plant, flower, or small area, putting pinholes in a small bottle and burying it with the top sticking out can be helpful. The bottle can then be filled periodically with the hose to ensure the area is watered for most parts of the week depending on weather conditions. You can also use other self- watering techniques to make your work easier as a senior citizen.

3. Ground cover for minimal maintenance

Ground covers that need minimal maintenance like the low-growing jasmine in the backyard can be a great solution. Trimming the jasmine off the paths can be done less frequently, such as every three months. These are lawn care practices that seniors can perform on their own because they are less demanding.

4. Create a separate area for other seniors

Aging parents and in-laws need a separate area in the backyard where they can rest and catch up. Adding an in-law suite or area to your home to accommodate your aging parents or in-laws can be very thoughtful. In-law suites are often large additions attached to the main house but with a separate entrance/exit to the outdoors. These provide the in-laws with the privacy and freedom they need.

So, if a loved one has reached his or her golden years and wants to transform a space in their home to a low maintenance environment that accommodates themselves and others, then you might want to consider these lawn care and landscaping ideas for seniors, as they often have little energy to perform labor-intensive work such as lawn care and landscaping.

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