While a spade cut edging will need to be recut seasonally, it will keep bed edges defined and neat. Sidewalks, patios and edging around beds should be low and flat, permitting a power mower to ride up over the surface and eliminating the need for hand edging. Walks, patios, steps, walls, fences or shelters will need periodic maintenance that will vary in frequency based on the materials used. When considering various landscape and construction materials, compare the initial cost and maintenance to long term cost and durability. Some areas, especially on properties with large trees, can be allowed to return to their natural state.
Woodlands are the natural condition for most areas of the state.
This option will require periodic care to remove undesirable weed species. Wildflower meadows require little supplemental irrigation once established, and generally do not require fertilization. They are an attractive alternative to the traditional lawn since they need mowing only once a year. This operation controls the growth of tree and shrub seedlings, and if done in the fall, helps to spread the wildflower seeds throughout the area. Establishing a meadow garden will require effort initially to control weeds until the young plants or seeds are well-established.