Backyard landscaping low maintenance for STR?
I wanted to check in with this sub to see what everyone’s thoughts on a backyard should look like? I have a very standard flat 5k lot located in a downtown area in the rust belt. It gets all the seasons everything from high humidity hot to freezing cold. I’m having the entire area plowed and flattened. I was planning on about 35% hardscape/pavers, with the rest small stone tan gravel. I’m not putting any irrigation back there, no flowers or shrubs. What does everyone think in terms of gravel vs mulch vs sod? gravel and mulch would have a thick weed barrier under. I have a few neighbor big trees so there will be leaves falling. I’ve heard different things from people as to what will be the bigger pain maintaining as an STR owner - gravel might be hard when the weeds come up and the falling leaves will clutter up the look. Mulch you have to keep replacing and can have less activities on. Sod needs constant attention but you can just mow the weeds and leaves right on top.