The Best Grass Replacement for your Lawn

1. Succulent Garden

If it’s too overwhelming for you to maintain a lawn, it’s better to consider replacing it with succulents. Also, these are plants that are drought-tolerant because they can hold water for a long period. In addition, they adapt to harsh conditions and do not need most of your attention. Hence, it does not occupy too much space because it grows low. These characteristics make a succulent a good grass replacement.

Examples of succulents are aloe vera, jade plant, spiral aloe, and burro’s tail. 

Make sure to plant succulents in well-drained soil. Mix potting soil and sandy soil to suit the plant’s needs. Please put them in a place where there is enough light.

2. Ground cover 

Ground covers keep the soil moist for a long period, which means less watering. The plant protects the soil from drying out under the sun. As it decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. 

This option needs annual maintenance. Also, preparing your soil for planting needs digging, lifting, scattering, and smoothing it out. Finally, fluffing the creeping plants with a rake makes them look fresh. 

Ground covers are creeping ivy, bugleweed, dead nettle, periwinkle, and creeping thyme.

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3. Wildflower Meadow

Replace your lawn with wildflowers. Such plants give food and serve as home to pollinators like birds and butterflies. Unlike keeping a lawn, a wildflower meadow, it needs less work. In addition, it lives in thin and infertile soil. As a result, meadows are more drought-resistant compared to lawns.

Wildflower’s grass tends to grow longer, which suggests constant trimming.

4. Island Flowerbed

This grass replacement is less expensive and is easier to install. It provides a spacious backyard or front yard without redesigning the whole lawn.

Unlike wildflower meadows, island flowerbeds are more pleasing. It is low-maintenance and easy to change. You won’t have to install a sprinkler system. Save time with a smaller area to water, fertilize, and remove weeds. Upon saying that, an island flowerbed needs less commitment.

5. Vegetable and herb garden

Isn’t it satisfying to harvest and eat from your garden? Vegetable gardens promote a sustainable lifestyle and are environmental. Taking care of a vegetable garden needs enough time and effort. 

An herb garden does not demand too much. Both will live in at least 6 hours of sun exposure and well-drained soil. Make sure it gets 2 inches of water weekly. Harvest your herbs often. 

Vegetable and herb gardens as a grass replacement add up to a healthy diet. In addition, you don’t have to spend money on herbs because you already have such in your yard. 

6. Artificial Grass

Using artificial grass is convenient and low maintenance as it lessens water use. Unfortunately, most grasses die or go dormant during winter. Also, in summer, most grass turns brown due to drought. Some manufacturers utilize recycled materials like old tires and plastic bottles.

Artificial turfs have a life span of about 25 years, making them less costly. Thus, you can enjoy almost two decades without doing lawn maintenance routines. Also, you can choose the texture, color, and size of your turf. If you have pets like cats or dogs, you won’t have to worry about your grass dying due to their urine.

Most raw materials of synthetic turf are plastic. But, getting rid of your turf is not environmental because it does not decay.

7. Hardscapes

Hardscapes such as patio or gravel remove the need for mulching. It is low-maintenance because it does not need watering and feeding.

When installing a hardscape like a patio, make sure to put up a drainage system. It will aid surface run-offs or ice formation.

8. Wood or Composite Decks

The use of wooden or composite decks gets rid of the lawn maintenance routine. Its natural look adds charm to your yard.

9. Trees

Trees’ shade cools and improves our air quality. Search for tree species that will suit your garden’s condition, such as size and sun exposure. Examples of trees for grass replacement are Japanese maple, dogwood, crabapple, and redbud.

10. Other features 

If you have kids at home, imagine how they will enjoy their time. Also, they can socialize with other kids in playgrounds. You can use old or spare tires to make an obstacle course. 

You can also try installing water features like fountains and ponds. If you want to enjoy your yard at night, you can also add string lights or a firepit.

Unlike lawns, most of these grass replacements do not need a lot of work, time, and money.

Suppose you think that having a high-maintenance lawn is inconvenient and expensive. There are a lot of other options to choose from that you can have fun planning and designing.

Thinking of having your sodding grass installed as the climate cools? Speak to a sodding expert at My Landscapers.

My Landscapers has been sodding and replacing lawns for over 17 years throughout Toronto, Markham, Vaughan & Richmond Hill. Our professionals only use natural fertilizers and solutions to help your lawn look lush, healthy & green. Request your FREE, no-obligation, detailed estimate today, and one of our landscaping experts will contact you. Prefer to speak over the phone? Give us a call.