The myth of the zero-maintenance yard

By Dani Sheehan. 

Help homeowners break the lawn-care cycle without breaking the bank. 

Every lawn professional has heard it: “I want a beautiful yard... but I don’t want to spend my weekends mowing.” Homeowners dream of enjoying their outdoor space without being buried under yardwork or paying costly amounts for weekly services. While a truly zero-maintenance yard does not exist, you can help your clients shift from overwhelmed to empowered – delivering results that feel rewarding and building a relationship beyond the project price point. 

In a recent article from Parade Home & Garden, landscape designer and HGTV personality Sara Bendrick offered simple but impactful principles every professional can use to guide client conversations and lawn care strategies. It’s not about eliminating maintenance, it’s just about making it manageable, intentional and enjoyable. 

1 – Simplify the design  

Busy planting beds and mixed-material landscapes may look lush, but they often overwhelm homeowners – especially if maintenance instructions are unclear. Sometimes, a streamlined layout with consistent materials, like a modest, functional grass lawn, is the most practical choice. 

Help your clients prioritize usable, defined spaces. Whether it’s for pets, kids or just a place to lie in the sun, a small, intentional lawn can be easier to maintain than a patchwork of plantings. Your job is to design with purpose as much as it is about aesthetics. Use your knowledge of climate, soil and client lifestyle to guide material choices that simplify upkeep while still delivering beauty and utility. 

2 – Recommend the right tools 

Empowering clients with the right tools can ease their anxiety about maintenance between your visits. Instead of upselling every gadget, focus on recommending durable, versatile tools that suit smaller storage areas or budgets.  

Use these tools as a bridge to ongoing service. Offer recurring packages where you handle the more technical or seasonal tasks – like edging, pruning and deep clean ups – while empowering the homeowner to manage light weekly upkeep between visits. When clients feel equipped and supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged and satisfied with the overall lawn care plan. 

Don’t let maintenance be an obstacle 

Your job isn’t necessarily to eliminate yardwork, it’s to make it worth it. By guiding clients with realistic expectations, you can help transform their lawn from a chore into an experience. 

Read the full article to help your customers stop chasing perfection this summer and start enjoying the landscape they live in.