Ways To Make A Back Yard Beautiful Without Grass
When you imagine a back yard, the first image that comes to mind is likely a sprawling outdoor space with lush green grass. While many back yards look like this, sometimes grass simply isn’t a possibility. Arid climates, for example, make it difficult and expensive to grow grass. Some soil does not allow for it as well. You might even live in an urban area where your “yard” doesn’t even have soil at all. While at first this might seem less than ideal, there are lots of amazing ways you can make a back yard beautiful without using grass.
To make a back yard beautiful without grass, consider using mulch, gravel artificial grass, or even moss instead. For dry climates, construct a rock garden or plant species that thrive in dry climates. You can build plant beds and create an edible garden, or plant wildflowers or shade trees. You can even create a functional outdoor room or install a pool or hot tub.
If you are wondering how to liven up a back yard that won’t grow grass, you are in luck. Not only is it possible to make a back yard beautiful without grass, but there are tons of different ways to make this a reality. Keep reading to learn about the top 11 ways to make a back yard beautiful without grass. You are bound to find an idea that works perfectly for your budget, vision, and specific back yard space.
1. Try Organic Mulch
If you are having trouble growing grass in your back yard, but want to maintain a natural aesthetic, you should consider using mulch. Mulch is a fairly inexpensive product, and it has an appealing natural look.
Try using organic and natural mulches like cedar or even pine bark. Not only do these mulches have great a fragrance, but they also have some great natural qualities. Like all living things, mulch slowly breaks down over time. In turn, this will feed nutrients to the soil below, making it more fertile for the plants you may decide to plant among the mulch.
2. Use Gravel Or Stones
If you are looking for an attractive and fairly permanent solution to the lack of grass in your back yard, consider gravel or small stones as a solution. Gravel is highly effective in areas that can’t grow grass due to lack of water, or high heat. It is also a great permanent solution.
You can even use multiple types of stones and gravel to create designs and lines. Incorporating some drought-resistant plants among the gravel is a great way to add a hint of life to this clean back yard aesthetic.
3. Plant Shade Trees
Just because you can’t grow grass in your back yard does not mean you can’t have an outdoor space filled with green life. One possible solution is to plant one, or a few, shade trees in the back yard.
Shade trees can be a great solution, as they offer a burst of life into any back yard, but also offer the benefit of shade. Make sure you choose species that will thrive in your back yard where grass struggles to do so. If water is the issue, plant drought-tolerant trees.
4. Build Herb And Vegetable Garden Beds
You can also decide to turn your back yard into a productive gardening space. One great way to do this is by building large garden beds for vegetables and herbs. These garden beds can be professionally designed or cheaply done using some DIY skills and materials.
You can build multiple long and rectangular garden beds that give order to the outdoor space, and allow you plenty of room to walk alongside each bed to maintain and pick from its bounty. These types of gardens are not only productive and great for those who love to cook, but they can also look quite stunning. Raised beds also cut down on the amount of water needed for your back yard, since these gardens are in a focused and contained area.
5. Incorporate Moss Or Moss-like Plants
Another alternative to grass that is just as green and beautiful for a back yard is moss. There are some conditions where grass may not grow well but moss can flourish. Moss is great in shady wet areas, where perhaps grass does not have enough light to grow. It also does not have the same soil requirements as grass. It does, however, look just as green and lovely.
Several moss-like species grow well in the sun and do not require the fertile soil that grass does. These species are often dense and hearty and spread out nicely to give great green coverage throughout your back yard.
6. Use Artificial Grass
If you live in an urban environment and have a smaller back yard space then artificial grass might be a great solution. Artificial grass has come a long way. It looks more like real grass than ever, and it is no longer as prickly, and in fact, can be quite pleasant to walk on. You can get breathable and easy-to-clean artificial grass as well.
This is a great solution for those who don’t have garden equipment but want to have a seemingly natural backyard aesthetic.
7. Make The Back Yard A Functional Outdoor Room
If you have a back yard where it is difficult to grow grass, consider expanding your house a bit and creating a functional outdoor space instead of a yard. An outdoor recreation room with a fireplace and furniture is a great add-on to a home, and can even increase your home’s value. It is also a wonderful way to make your back yard usable for most of the year.
8. Plant Wildflowers Or Creeping Ground Cover
There are endless plant species on the planet. Remember that just because it is difficult to grow grass in your back yard it does not mean it can’t have beautiful living plants. Look into wildflower species that grow in your area. You can also see what type of hearty creeping ground cover is popular in your area, and try planting that.
9. Create A DIY Container Garden
If you have a limited budget but want to grow plants in a back yard that doesn’t have grass, try a DIY container garden. Use different-sized flower pots, and build your own raised flower beds to create an eclectic and individual container garden in your back yard. This is a fun way to have all sorts of different species. Using flower pots also allows you to select your own color scheme and aesthetic.
10. Build Or Buy A Greenhouse
One elegant way to use a back yard without grass is to build or otherwise install a greenhouse. Greenhouses can house all sorts of species and are wonderful for all sorts of plant hobbyists. A greenhouse is great for those who live somewhere with all four seasons and have a yard with light. A well-constructed greenhouse can even make your home more valuable.
11. Invest In A Pool Or Hot Tub Area
If you have the budget, one great way to make a back yard beautiful without grass is to install a pool or hot tub. This can be a costly endeavor, but depending on where you live, there is a chance this can significantly increase your property value. Having a hot tub is less costly than the massive undertaking of a pool, but either one is a great way to make your back yard beautiful without having to ever use a lawn mower.
Summing Up Ways To Make A Back Yard Beautiful Without Grass
A back yard filled with green grass might be an idyllic image, but there are a plethora of alternatives that are just as beautiful. If you live in a dry climate, consider gravel or drought-tolerant plants. If your backyard is wet and dark, consider moss. You can also use mulch, gravel, or artificial grass. If you have a green thumb, build gardening beds or even a greenhouse in your back yard. If your budget allows, you can build a fully functional outdoor room, or even install a hot tub or pool.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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