The upkeep of your yard maintenance and landscaping is very important, especially during the summer months. Neglecting your lawn care can affect your curb appeal, the environment, and your wallet. Luckily, there are plenty alternatives to having grass in your yard that require less maintenance. Read on to learn more about 7 beautiful lawn materials that aren’t grass.
Before You Get Started
It’s important to keep in mind what you will be using the space for before you search for a grass alternative. If it is simply for aesthetics, then there are a variety of options. However, if you plan to have the space available for outdoor activities, keeping a large enough space open is important, which can limit your options. Think about what you will be using your space for to help you narrow down your options.
1. Wildflower Meadow
A wildflower meadow will still provide you with a natural aesthetic. Wildflower meadows are also easy to create. Seed mixes can be bought from a local garden center and easily planted. They require little to no maintenance, including less water than average grass. They will require weeding and replating every couple of years.
2. Red Creeping Thyme
Most popular for its beautiful appearance, red creeping thyme can transform any backyard. Thyme can form a dense mat that can withstand foot traffic, so it is a great option for any lawn set up and requires no maintenance.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is low maintenance and an eco-friendly choice. Not only does it smell and look great, but it can thrive in sunshine or shade and doesn’t require any mowing.
4. Moss
If your yard is hidden in shade, moss is a great alternative. Moss can thrive in shade and requires little maintenance as it is low-growing. Moss is not best used in heavy traffic areas.
5. Gravel
Gravel, unlike grass, does not require to be watered or tended to at all. Found at your local garden center, gravel is great for covering any size area. Unfortunately, unlike grass, gravel isn’t too forgiving and can be dangerous for kids to play on. Keep this in mind if you have little ones playing in your backyard.
6. Patio or Deck
One way to eliminate the amount of grass in your backyard is to install a patio or deck. While this may shrink your backyard, you are turning possibly an unusable area of grass into something you can enjoy for years to come — and with no mowing or watering required.
7. Turf
If you want to keep your natural lawn appearance and usability, then turf is the best option. Mimicking natural grass, turf is extremely low maintenance with little to no watering or mowing required. Occasional cleaning is required to keep bacteria and possible pet mess off the turf. Turf can have an expensive installation but can save you on upkeep costs.
There are plenty of alternatives to grass for your lawn. Think about which will best suit your lifestyle and budget best. Connect with a pro today to get started on transforming your space into something you love (and don’t have to maintain).
