Grass lawn alternatives offer lower maintenance

 4 lawn alternatives that have as much curb appeal as grass

Green grass with a picket fence is the perfect picture for a yard, but a lawn isn't necessarily the best choice for every climate or home. Lawn alternatives are growing in popularity because lawn grass requires a lot of effort to stay green. In many cases, grasslands are patchy and dry in some seasons and discolored in other seasons without much irrigation. They need regular trimming to keep them tidy. And if their maintenance involves the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, these chemicals can harm people and the environment. Instead, consider these 4 grass alternatives that experts say can provide plenty of curb appeal with less maintenance.

"Grassless lawns are a growing trend in the U.S., starting in western states and moving up the East Coast. We're seeing more homeowners downsize their lawns and opt for edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, rainwater gardens, and native lawns/wildflowers, as opposed to grass. It dramatically reduces water usage and allows you to use fewer chemicals and resources—goodbye, lawn,” says Joe Raboin, Director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard.

The best option depends on what you want to do outside instead of mowing and watering the lawn. For example, native plant enthusiast Haley Giambalvo of NativeBackyards.com has spent the past three years transforming her garden with native plants into a pollinator and wildlife haven. Raboin and Giambalvo share their insights to help you take the guesswork out of all the lawn alternatives out there.

1. Go to the gravel

For those not interested in lawn or plant care, decorative gravel is a popular alternative, Raboin says. "There are many choices for size and color, so you can match any style," she adds. Landscape gravel or pebbles come in different washes and colors. By matching rock with local textures you can easily blend in with the natural outdoor decor. It's a versatile and affordable option that works well in rainy climates and near bodies of water like creeks and ponds.

2. Try artificial turf

Artificial turf offers many attractive features that make it an excellent grass lawn alternative. Like carpeting for your home, "it comes in a variety of pile heights and styles that can last for decades if installed properly. There are even lawn options designed for dogs that reduce bacteria and cleaning," says Raboin.

These synthetic fibers look like grass, but they are not. Fibers come in different blade shapes like oval, diamond, W, and V shapes. Artificial turf is durable, making it ideal for outdoor soccer or football games. Breathable with holes drilled in the bottom to allow water to escape before mold or bacteria growth. With regular cleaning, artificial turf can give you the look of a lush green lawn without the labor of regular grass.

3. Plant low-maintenance ground covers

A terrapin can be a low-growing plant, but is ideal for use as a lawn substitute and tolerates being trampled. One of Giambalvo's favorite choices is the turkey knot for fruit (Pyla nodiflora). Also known as mat grass and carpetweed, these colorful names give you a hint of what they'll look like. This plant grows quickly in sunny areas, reaches 3-12 inches tall, and requires much less water than traditional grass. Mistletoe is hardy in zones 7-11 and is evergreen in warm southern climates. "This beautiful groundcover is native to 23 states and is covered in tiny white and purple flowers that pollinators love," says Giambalvo.

4. Make a bed

For those who don't want to replace the grass entirely and want to reduce the lawn, creating a bed is a great alternative. A flower bed can be used for "beautiful flowering plants and shrubs that are native to your local area," Giambalvo suggests. "These plants evolved in the local climate and are very hardy and drought tolerant. Once established, they require extra water. Not only will a native garden save on water costs, but it will also attract a variety of pollinators and birds to your yard. ." Also, if you're interested in growing your own food, you can use a raised bed for an herb or vegetable garden.

Grass replacement considerations

There are many grass lawn alternatives to choose from. If you're looking at permeable pavers or green leafy vegetables, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Important factors to consider are the water sources around your home and the weather. If your grass currently soaks up a lot of runoff from rain or flooding, consider how your new landscape will do. Make sure materials allow for proper drainage and that any planting is done far enough away from your home so that water and roots don't damage the home's foundation. Also, natural alternatives — edible or not — can be expected to attract insects and other creatures you wouldn't normally see on grass. Embrace change by adding native plants and bird feeders to the yard to further enhance your small wildlife habitat.

Finally, before making any major changes, check to see if your landscaping projects are permitted in your area. Homeowners associations and local laws may limit the height of vegetation or the percentage of grass on the property. Check the rules ahead of time to avoid fines and upsetting your neighbors.