Innovative Grass Alternatives for Your Yard

Five Innovative Grass Alternatives for Your Yard Living in any part of the world, you're likely to have a complex relationship with your yard. It may be subject to capricious weather - too sunny some days, or insufficiently sunlit on others. Grass, while a traditional option, demands constant attention and care. The good news? There are cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitutes that can make your yard look stunning, saving you time and freeing you from the labor of mowing. Crosscountry Mortgage brings you these innovative ideas.

Dry Creek Beds Interestingly, most houses constructed prior to the mid-20th century lack gutter systems. Such quaint, charming older homes, despite their appeal, may become a financial burden without proper rainwater management. This holds true in certain arid regions like Arizona or Utah, where even newer properties often lack gutters. Uncontrolled rainwater can cause basement floods, promote mold growth on siding, or even erode sections of your lawn. The solution? Dry creek beds. With some artful rock arrangement and the use of landscape fabric to inhibit weed growth, you can create an affordable and functional yard centerpiece.

Moss Moss serves as an excellent alternative to grass, particularly in cool, moist climates, or in shaded backyard spaces. It's best to use local moss varieties that naturally grow in your region. This low-maintenance solution eliminates mowing, is resilient, and is relatively easy to install. While moss might need occasional watering in drier climates, it usually grows to about an inch with minimal care. It's worth noting that moss can withstand a moderate amount of foot traffic.

Synthetic Grass (Turf) Among the alternatives presented, artificial turf can be the costliest initially. However, the recurring maintenance costs are minimal, with no mowing or fertilizing required. You can bid farewell to worrying about dry patches. The national average for professional turf installation sits around $2,000. This cost may vary depending on turf type, location, and amount required. But, for those handy with DIY projects, you could save substantially by installing the turf yourself.

Rocks or Gravel While it might not seem like an appealing alternative to vibrant, green grass at first, rocks or gravel can be a practical solution in regions where lawn cultivation is challenging. This option requires minimal initial investment and little maintenance after installation. Complementing this basic solution with pathways, birdbaths, or strategically placed potted plants can enhance its aesthetic appeal. Check out these options on our Pinterest page.

Flower or Shrub Beds Flower beds aren't restricted to small strips lining your house. A combination of shrubs or flower beds, adorned with a variety of vibrant flowers and vines, could make your yard truly standout. Although these beds require some watering and weed control, the savings in money and time as compared to a grass lawn may be worthwhile. Some space-filling plants to consider for large beds include Creeping Thyme, Clover, Chamomile, Creeping Phlox, and Hosta.

Being a homeowner presents the unique opportunity to craft a yard space that you adore. Get in touch with Crosscountry Mortgage today for a no-obligation consultation about homeownership!