Have a big Central Florida backyard? Lucky. Not everybody does.
“Big outdoor spaces offer a lot of options, but not many people have that luxury with the current lots being sold in Orlando,” says Ground Source Landscape Designer Eric Frisch.
Larger lots are typically outside of town, he says, and often much of the property is weeds and some scruffy Bahia grass.
Large outdoor spaces offer great potential but require thoughtful planning. A good landscape design for big yards balances function, aesthetics, and maintenance.
From outdoor living areas to low-maintenance turf, each feature should match how you want to use your space. Use this guide to explore expert-backed ideas for your Central Florida property.
How does Frisch approach landscape design for large yards when there’s a bunch of usable space?
Let’s check out some large backyard landscaping ideas:
A big lot packed with landscaping can mean a lot of maintenance, Frisch says. Are you up for that?
“That’s usually where I like to start the conversation,” Frisch says.
How much work do you want? Be honest.
“Most homeowners don't have hours of free time to maintain a complicated landscape,” he says. “Sod is always going to be easier to maintain in large areas than a lot of planting beds. Irrigation coverage is easier, too.”
Low-maintenance landscaping for large yards often starts with smart plant choices and simple, sustainable layouts.
It’s OK to keep your landscape design simple, especially if you’re the low-maintenance type.
Frisch asks a lot of questions. He’ll want a peek at your wish list to help generate large backyard ideas you’ll love — and use.
“It's all about getting the wish list and working with that to check as many boxes as possible within the budget,” he says.
“What will the area be used for mostly?” he asks.
Dining, sun bathing, grilling, lounging? Big parties? Morning yoga?
Your habits, lifestyle and activities will help guide the landscape design for your great open space.
Be honest and upfront about how much you can spend.
You don’t want Frisch to show you all kinds of amazing large backyard landscaping ideas only to find out you can’t afford them. That’s just depressing.
Once you have your budget figured out, Frisch can help you decide the scope of the project, steer you toward options for materials, and plan whether or not to do it in stages.
Here comes the fun part!
Can’t envision how to use that sprawling outdoor space?
Frisch can. It’s pretty much his thing.
Just like your home is divided into separate spaces for different activities, a big yard is perfect for creating separate spaces for different activities, too.
Why have one patio when you can have one for dining, one for lounging, one tucked away from the house a bit, maybe with a pergola where you can sneak away for a bit of peace and that last cherry popsicle from the freezer?
“I could see breaking the area up with planting beds between patio spaces, adding structures to create a room — a pergola, a cabana, an outdoor kitchen,” Frisch says.
A separate fire pit area is always fun, and a large yard offers the space for that.
Frisch uses a minimum 15-foot diameter circle to make room for chairs and the pit in the middle.
Large backyard landscaping ideas should line up with that wish list Frisch noted earlier. How do you want to live out there? What would make life easier? More fun?
“Maybe add a hot tub, or possibly artificial turf for a dog run or play space for kids,” he suggests.
Speaking of dogs, a large lot offers the luxury of fencing off a separate area for Champ “so you don't have to look for poop all over the place or tear up the whole yard from active use,” Frisch says.
A big lot allows the luxury of extra patio space that isn’t designated for anything, which Frisch loves, especially if you plan to entertain out there and might need temporary extra seating.
The sky can be the limit with landscape design for a big outdoor space.
Frisch created a backyard beach resort for one fun-loving client, complete with a pool, a mini sand beach with a hammock and fire pit, festive string lights, and plenty of comfy lounge chairs.
He created separate areas for the backyard resort, dividing it into sections for relaxing by the pool, hanging out in the hammock, or lounging.
His landscape design uses palm trees to divide the formerly long patio into two sections, creating more intimate hang-out areas.
While the backyard is already luxurious, there’s room for more fun. The homeowner might add a fireplace down the road, and possibly a small outdoor kitchen.
Whether you're envisioning a tropical retreat or a play-ready lawn, big backyard landscape design is all about creating zones that suit your lifestyle.
Maybe all these ideas sound perfect and fun. Maybe you worry it’s all a bit much.
Either is fine.
“Filling the entire area with stuff is not necessary,” Frisch says, “and just makes for more work.” And more money.
It’s OK to carve out a smaller patio area that suits your needs, and fill the rest with easy-care turf.
You’ve been wanting to work on your soccer skills, right?
What is the best way to landscape a big yard?
Start by identifying how you want to use the space — entertaining, relaxing, gardening — and design zones around those activities.
How do I keep landscaping low maintenance on a large lot?
Use turf, native plants, and simple layouts. Avoid too many planting beds and opt for efficient irrigation.
Is it expensive to landscape a large yard in Central Florida?
It depends on the scope and materials, but you can manage costs by breaking the project into phases.
Landscape design and installation in Central Florida involves yards of all types and sizes.
If you don’t really love and use your yard, why not make it a retreat you can’t wait to hang out in?
We make the whole process easy, from your first meeting with our landscape designers right through to the excitement of installation.
Not all landscaping companies are full-service landscaping experts. Look for one with a landscape designer on board that can help you with the total package.
We’re landscape experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: let us transform your landscape from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive landscape you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.