Hand edging and trimming around individual plants is time consuming. Minor flaws on a single tree, shrub or flower may stand out, requiring immediate attention, while a similar problem in a cluster of plants may be partially hidden, permitting delayed maintenance. If accessible from both sides, the bed may be 4 or 5 feet wide. Group plants of similar environmental needs. It is difficult to provide proper water and light to all plants if those with dissimilar needs are mixed together.
Plants grouped into beds require less care than individual specimens.
Develop walkways through wide beds for easy access and maintenance. Turf requires more maintenance than other types of landscape plants. Flowers are also relatively high in maintenance needs, while groundcovers require slightly less care. Shrubs and trees require the least maintenance. To minimize landscape maintenance, consider reducing the area of the yard devoted to turf.