From low-maintenance and climate-friendly landscaping ideas to hardscaping and shade solutions, Dallas homeowners have many options beyond traditional grass lawns when it comes to landscaping the yard.
Natural grass lawns can be hard work with our hot summers, periods of drought, and clay-heavy soils. If you want to free up time and resources, get a little creative with our help.
The following options should provide plenty of food for thought as you consider the main landscaping ideas for Dallas…
Low-Maintenance and Climate-Friendly Landscaping Ideas
1. Artificial Grass
The best artificial grass closely resembles natural grass with its soft feel and verdant appearance but comes with none of the work involved in maintaining a grass lawn.
Synthetic turf is one of the best grass alternatives in Texas and is increasingly used by Dallas homeowners to spruce up their front and back yards with a low-maintenance ground covering that is heat-, drought- and shade-resistant.
Artificial turf requires no water, sunlight, mowing, weeding, fertilizers, pesticides, aeration or reseeding to flourish. It can handle high foot traffic and with little effort, synthetic grass should last up to 20 years. Most high-quality installations pay back the initial investment within about five years.
If you want to get creative with artificial grass, add a kids’ play area, dog run, turf strips around a swimming pool or even a backyard putting green.
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2. Native Texas Grasses
Rather than trying to nurture a lawn that needs constant watering, struggles in extreme heat or battles with shade to maintain a verdant appearance, choose a type of grass that is naturally suited to the climate and conditions here.
Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine or Centipede grass is often recommended as the best grass for Dallas lawns but Buffalo grass is a native Texan grass that can also provide attractive groundcover—without much maintenance.
You might also consider Blue Grama grass, which is often planted with Buffalo grass for a native lawn solution. Like Buffalo grass, Blue Grama is tolerant to Dallas’ heat and drought, with minimal watering needs. It is perfect for a natural, meadow-inspired yard.
Water-Wise Landscaping Ideas for Dallas
3. Xeriscaping With Native Plants
Xeriscaping is a fancy name for creating attractive areas of native plants and other ground surfaces that can survive arid and drought-prone conditions as we experience in much of Texas.
This is one of the best low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Texas, using native drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, agave, and yucca, that are pest-resistant and require very little water, other resources or maintenance work.
In combination with native plants, Dallas homeowners can use rocks, gravel, brickwork, and mulch for more aesthetically pleasing (but still very low-maintenance) solutions. No lawn grass at all is necessary in a well-planned backyard with xeriscaping.
For more information on native Dallas plants, check out the Native Plant Society of Texas.
4. Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are another water-wise landscaping idea for Dallas homeowners. These are usually shallow, landscaped depressions designed to collect and absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, patios or other hard surfaces—saving it from running into stormwater drains.
In drought-prone areas like Dallas and much of Texas, this way of managing runoff and stormwater and reducing water usage is an eco-friendly addition to residential and urban landscapes. Another benefit of rain gardens is that they help to filter out soil pollutants, improving general water quality.
Native plants such as Black-eyed Susans, switchgrass, and Turk’s cap are low maintenance and usually thrive in rain gardens.
Position your rain garden where runoff naturally flows, such as near downspouts or at low spots in the yard. Try to create a bowl or basin shape to temporarily hold water.
Creative Hardscaping Ideas
5. Flagstone Patios and Walkways
Patios and walkways can be hardscaped in the backyard, providing stylish yet practical and functional, low-maintenance areas.
Flagstone patios are an especially eye-catching landscape solution when combined blend with grass or synthetic grass. Whether you want to entertain guests, create a barbecue area for the family or a backyard firepit zone for winter evenings in Dallas, flagstones are a cost-effective but elegant solution.
Another way to connect your outdoor spaces is to create flagstone pathways around pools, across lawns, and leading up to the back door.
6. Gravel Pathways
Pea gravel can also be used to create pathways and low-maintenance areas in backyards. Again, these look very stylish when combined with one of the many types of artificial grass or natural grass, as well as being highly practical.
Gravel of various colors is available—from gray and beige to white and cream. It’s affordable and easy to install without too much ground preparation.
Pea gravel can add texture to your yard environment while also enhancing drainage.
Shade Solutions for Hot Summers
7. Pergolas and Arbors
One of the best landscaping ideas for the Dallas heat and sunshine is a pergola or arbor.
Pergolas are separate, open-air structures designed to provide shade but they can also be an architectural centerpiece of your yard. They are usually made of wood or stone supported by columns.
Arbors are often smaller structures, often with sides and a roof partially formed by the home’s walls, trees or climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine on a wooden framework.
Both pergolas and arbors create shaded seating areas while beautifying your yard.
8. Shade Trees
Another way to create a shaded landscaped area in your Dallas yard is to plant shade trees. The best trees for this purpose are those that flourish in the Texan climate, such as native species like Live Oak and Cedar Elm.
The downside of planting trees, of course, is the time they take to grow. If you’ve just moved in or have no plans to ever leave your home, shade trees can be a long-term investment in enhancing curb appeal and property value, as well as providing a cooler backyard.
Other Ideas for Garden Accenting, Functionality, and Ambiance
The following landscaping ideas can also add style, practicality, beauty, and value to almost any Dallas yard…
9. Vertical Gardens
Do you have a small yard that struggles for garden space? If so, consider a vertical garden rather than a traditional horizontal area.
Vertical gardens add greenery to fences and walls, using very little extra space.
For an even more eco-friendly touch, use native, drought-tolerant plants that are already well-adapted to the climate in Dallas. Examples include coral honeysuckle, leather flower, crossvine, and Virginia Creeper.
10. Edible Landscaping
Ever thought of edible landscaping ideas for your Dallas yard?
What could be better than vegetable patches and trees that not only add beauty and shade to your yard area but also help sustain you and your family or provide tasty snacks during the summer?
Fruit trees like peach or fig trees are perfect for North Texas.
You might even consider creating raised vegetable beds in your yard.
11. Outdoor Lighting
Our beautiful climate in North Texas allows us to enjoy our yard spaces in the evenings as well as during daylight hours. Adding some outdoor lighting can beautify and brighten patios, pool areas, walkways, stairways, and more.
Solar-powered lights are cost-effective and eco-friendly ideas for pathways or accent lighting for trees and shrubs.
For larger budgets, many LED lighting options are available for homeowners wanting to extend the usability of (and beautify) outdoor spaces.
12. Water Features
With increasing drought and water restrictions in place in the Dallas area, water features may not be the first landscaping idea that comes to mind for homeowners.
However, small fountains, birdbaths or recirculating streams use minimal water and may be an option for homeowners seeking a natural and calming aesthetic.
These types of features can add ambience and tranquility while also attracting wildlife—without using many extra resources.
Save Time and Money With Artificial Grass Landscaping in Dallas…
Artificial grass is more expensive to install than real grass but if it is properly installed and maintained, it pays back the investment in around five years. This can save thousands of dollars for homeowners over its long, 15- to 20-year life.
If you DON’T love mowing the lawn, speak to our experienced team of turf professionals to discuss your options. We’ve helped homeowners enjoy low-maintenance, landscaped yard areas for well over a decade…
