What Are The 8 Best Alternatives To Backyard Grass: A Backyarder’s Guide

Paul West/ Backyard Gardening, Backyard Ornamental

For many homeowners, a lush green lawn is a staple in the backyard landscape. However, traditional grass lawns require significant amounts of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance to thrive. With sustainability being an increasing priority, you may be looking to replace all or part of your grass with eco-friendly alternatives that are better for the environment.

In this article, we will explore eight great options to consider instead of standard grass. Whether you want to reduce water usage, avoid chemicals, or simply opt for lower maintenance, there are plenty of possibilities to transform your yard into a sustainable oasis. Read on to discover alternatives from ornamental plants to synthetic turf and more. Let’s explore the alternatives to backyard grass!

8 Sustainable Backyard Grass Alternatives

1. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant that makes an excellent grass substitute. With petite green leaves and purple flowers, this hardy herb forms a tight mat over soil, suppressing weed growth.

As a drought-tolerant groundcover, creeping thyme requires very little water once established. It thrives in full sun with average to poor soil quality. While not suitable for high foot traffic, creeping thyme adds delightful texture and aroma to pathways, rock gardens, and areas between pavers.

• Pros:
  • Drought-resistant
  • Minimal maintenance required
  • Aromatic and evergreen
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for high-traffic areas
  • Takes time to establish fully

Tips: Creeping Thyme thrives in various climates and offers a visually appealing alternative to traditional grass.

2. Succulents

From aloes to agaves, succulents are go-to plants for low maintenance yards. Their thick, waxy leaves and stems store water, allowing them to withstand long periods of drought. Succulents come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and colors to accent your landscape.

While sensitive to frost in very cold climates, most succulents thrive on little water and neglect. They prefer free-draining soil and full sun exposure. Choose compact varieties like sedums as turf substitutes. Larger kinds can provide dramatic focal points. Just beware of invasive types spreading out of control.

• Pros:
  • Requires minimal water
  • Offers a variety of types and colors
• Cons:
  • Sensitive to frost
  • Some varieties can be invasive

Tips: Succulents are low-maintenance and offer a unique aesthetic to your backyard.

3. Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping utilizes water-wise landscaping principles to minimize irrigation needs. The goal is to create attractive, low-maintenance yards that thrive in harmony with local climate and soil conditions.

Xeriscaping utilizes hardy native plants suited to drought, along with turf alternatives like pebbles, mulch, and hardscape. While xeriscaping requires careful planning, it provides huge water savings. Limit thirsty plants to small oases close to the home where irrigation is easiest. Surround them with drought-tolerant grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees.

• Pros:
  • Extremely water-efficient
  • Low maintenance once established
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive to install
  • Requires planning and knowledge

Tips: Ideal for homeowners living in areas prone to drought, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lawns.

4. Japanese Gardens

For a serene backyard retreat, incorporate elements of traditional Japanese garden design. Instead of grass lawns, stepped stone pathways wind through meditative spaces. Surrounding plants are kept minimal and carefully manicured.

Dry courtyards display ornamental gravel, rocks, and precisely-shaped shrubs. Water features add soothing tranquility. Zen karesansui gardens contain artistic white sand or rock arrangements designed for contemplation. For a modern twist, combine minimalist Japanese elements with architectural plants like grasses.

• Pros:
  • Unique and culturally rich aesthetic
  • Promotes mindfulness and relaxation
• Cons:
  • Requires careful planning and maintenance

Tips: Incorporate elements like water features, rock arrangements, and carefully pruned trees and bushes.

5. Rock Gardens

Rock gardens offer the perfect solution for tricky sites unsuited to turf grass. Areas with shallow or poor soil, steep slopes, intense shade or sun, and extreme dryness can all accommodate rock gardens.

By selecting a mix of hardy, drought-tolerant alpines and succulents interspersed amongst rocks, you can create a low-maintenance oasis requiring minimal water or upkeep. Avoid walking directly on rock gardens, which can damage plant roots. Winding gravel paths make the space fully accessible.

• Pros:
  • Low maintenance
  • Drought-resistant
• Cons:
  • Rocks can heat up in the sun

Tips: Consider using local stones and plants that naturally occur together in your local area.

6. Artificial Turf

Modern artificial grasses closely mimic lush natural turf in appearance and texture. Synthetic lawns are suitable front and backyards year-round. With no mowing, watering, or fertilizing required, artificial turf needs practically no maintenance.

Use artificial grass on sports fields, play areas, patios, and high-traffic zones. While eco-friendly grasses are pricier, improved manufacturing processes minimize environmental impacts. Avoid budget options shedding microplastics. Proper base prep and professional installation are key for durability.

• Pros:
  • Low maintenance
  • Always green and manicured
• Cons:
  • Can be hot in summer
  • Not environmentally friendly

Tips: Ideal for sports and high-traffic areas, offering a consistently green and manicured lawn.

7. Native Plants

Native plants naturally thrive in balance with their native climate, soil, pests, and pollinators. Once established, adapted native plants require minimal irrigation or maintenance to flourish. Support your local ecosystems by removing thirsty exotic turf grasses.

Replace them with native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Your yard will give back to wildlife, nurture biodiversity, and reduce water usage. Work with nature, not against it! For guidance, consult local native plant societies and botanical gardens specializing in your region.

• Pros:
  • Supports local biodiversity
  • Low maintenance
• Cons:
  • May not provide a traditional lawn look

Tips: Research or consult an expert on the native plants in your area.

8. Mulch

Mulch makes an eco-friendly alternative for yards desiring a finished look with weed suppression. Organic mulches like wood chips, bark, leaves, straw, and compost replenish soil as they decompose. Inorganic options like gravel resist breakdown.

Mulch controls erosion, moderates soil temperature, and retains moisture to support plant growth. Replenish mulch annually, particularly smaller materials prone to decomposition. While mulch alone can’t withstand heavy foot traffic, integrate pathways to fully enjoy the space.

• Pros:
  • Reduces weed growth
  • Retains soil moisture
• Cons:
  • Needs to be replaced regularly

Tips: Organic mulches also improve the soil as they decompose.

Comparison Table of Grass Alternative Features

Alternative	Maintenance	Traffic Tolerance	Appearance	Water Needs
Creeping Thyme	Very Low	Low	Ornamental	Very Low
Succulents	Low	Low	Dramatic	Low
Xeriscaping	Low	Varies	Naturalistic	Very Low
Japanese Gardens	Moderate	Low	Ornamental	Low
Rock Gardens	Low	Low	Rustic	Very Low
Artificial Turf	Very Low	High	Lush	None
Native Plants	Low	Varies	Naturalistic	Low
Mulch	Moderate	Low	Naturalistic	Low

Choosing the Best Grass Alternative for Your Yard

When selecting a suitable grass alternative, consider your climate, yard use, maintenance expectations, and aesthetic tastes. Ask yourself these questions:

• What growing conditions exist in my yard that I need to work with?
• Will it be used for recreation activities?
• How much time can I realistically devote to upkeep?
• Do I desire a manicured or natural look?
• What fits my regional native ecology?

If you seek minimal upkeep, prioritize drought-tolerant xeriscaping plants, succulents, gravel mulch, and turf-mimicking artificial grass. Expect moderate care for meandering paths through native plants and raked rock gardens.

For ornamental appeal, opt for artful Japanese gardens or colorful thyme groundcovers. Heavy playing and sports require durable artificial turf able to take wear. Validate site conditions match the alternative’s needs before investing.

Installation Tips for Converting Your Yard

When starting the exciting process of installing new grass alternatives, keep these top tips in mind:

• Eliminate existing grass thoroughly. Mow, solarize with clear plastic, or use herbicide. Remove roots to prevent regrowth.
• Shape interesting contours and mounds if desired before adding new elements.
• Improve poor soils with compost and organic matter to assist plant health.
• For artificial turf, create a perfectly smooth, well-draining base. Compact sand or crushed rock.
• Arrange decorative stones and gravel for rock gardens and walkways before planting.
• Space plants appropriately and water thoroughly right after planting.
• Cover planting areas with 2-3 inches of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
• Allow several weeks to months for plants to establish before enjoying the new lawn alternative.

Caring for Your Alternative Yard Long-Term

Sustainable grass alternatives thrive with basic ongoing care tailored to their needs:

• Native plants need occasional pruning, weeding, and water during prolonged drought.
• Succulents prefer infrequent deep watering and annual fertilizing. Watch for pests and diseases.
• Rake gravel mulch smooth when it scatters. Replenish as needed.
• Remove fallen leaves and debris from rock gardens and stepping stone paths.
• Artificial turf requires brushing clean and hosing off any stubborn debris or stains.
• Creeping thyme benefits from annual shearing after flowering to maintain its compact shape.
• Japanese gardens demand diligent pruning, sweeping, and raking to uphold precision.
• Keep all plants healthy with routine mulch replenishment and irrigation adjustments.

Discover the Possibilities Beyond Boring Grass

If you feel ready to move beyond the tedium of mowing and watering grass week after week, it’s time to explore eco-friendly grass alternatives. You can find solutions to fit your climate, lifestyle and taste.

Reduce reliance on chemicals and thirsty turf to gain a yard that gives back to the environment. Whether you crave an exotic oriental garden, xeric mixed textures, or durable play field, alternatives exist.

Start small by replacing portions visible from patios or windows. Over time, phase out more grass in favor of sustainable plants, materials, and practices. The end result will be a diverse, resilient yard providing joy for years to come.