15 Lawn Alternatives

Vinca, common yarrow, threadleaf tickseed, Japanese spurge, ivy, thyme and daylily offer the benefit of spreading on their own or through division and replanting.

Pros:

• There's no need to mow.
• They attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
• Many groundcover plants are drought-tolerant.
• They add color.

Cons:

• Some plants may be susceptible to fungi or mildew.
• They may require good drainage.
• They can take time to fill in.

Species such as liriope, pink muhly grass, zebra grass or switch grass provide a varied living landscape to replace the standard green of a lawn. Grasses that clump will be easier to control than those that spread by underground stems.

Pros:

• Many ornamental grasses tolerate drought, resist disease and require little maintenance.
• In addition to variety in colors and textures, ornamental grasses add a vertical element to your landscape.
• Grasses provide motion when a breeze blows.

Cons:

• Grasses can overgrow their areas and require cutting back and periodic maintenance.

Every region has perennials and low shrubs, such as juniper, barberry or cotoneaster, which can make excellent alternatives to lawns.

Pros:

• Perennials won't require re-planting each year, so there's less annual maintenance.
• Deep root systems bring nutrients to the surface, allowing other plants to benefit.

Cons:

• Blooms don't last as long for perennials as they do for annuals.
• It can take a couple of seasons for perennials to establish themselves and produce significant blooms.

Wildflower mixes spread on their own and add vivid splashes of color to areas that were once a uniform green.

Pros:

• They require very little maintenance.
• They attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
• They can help stabilize slopes.

Cons:

• Because wildflowers often come in mixes of seeds, it's easy to introduce non-native and invasive species if you aren't careful.

Apple, pear, apricot and other fruit trees make an attractive addition to a landscape and offer the bonus of a harvest.

Pros:

• They provide beautiful flowers.
• They attract pollinators.
• They give you delicious fruits to enjoy.

Cons:

• Fallen fruit can be unsightly and attract flies and other pests if not cleaned up.

These choices combine flowers, grasses and other plants to give your outdoors a wild, natural look.

Pros:

• The diversity of species attracts a variety of beneficial insects and birds.
• Meadow plantings tend to grow in cool seasons, while prairie plantings tend to favor warm-weather grasses.

Cons:

• They typically need to be replanted every year.
• They can introduce non-native and invasive species into the ecosystem.

This is an alternative for shady areas where grass has been difficult to establish.

Pros:

• Moss is a hardy, resilient option that will soak up toxins from wet soils.
• It helps prevent soil erosion.
• It can add attractive color.

Cons:

• Moss requires plenty of water.
• It doesn't thrive in sunny areas.

Mulch is simply a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips, grass clipping or straw.

Pros:

• Mulch can reduce lawn space while helping to control erosion and reduce weed growth.
• Some mulches, such as cedar, have a pleasant fragrance for added sensory appeal.

Cons:

• Generally needs to be replaced each year.
• Mulch won't prevent erosion and, if placed on a slope or uneven surface, it can simply slide away during rain.

Replace part of your lawn with stone or block architectural elements. Patios, walkways, benches and fire pits are just some examples that will break up your landscape and extend your living space to the outdoors.

Pros:

• It provides an appealing, long-lasting solution that will save water and can extend your living spaces outdoors.

Cons:

• Stone, brick and other hardscape materials can be expensive.
• Installation may require the services of professionals, adding another cost.

Stone or rubber mulch can replace areas of grass and add visual variety. Like natural mulches, these will also control erosion and weed growth. If you're not sure which mulch is right for you, check out our Mulch Buying Guide.

Pros:

• Inorganic mulches can prevent weeds from germinating and spreading.
• They help retain moisture and protect the roots of trees and bushes.

Cons:

• These mulches can increase the soil temperature, which may not be beneficial to some plant life.
• They don't decompose or provide nutrients to the soil.

Artificial grass gives the look of live grass without the work. Don't have time to do it yourself? Lowe’s offers artificial grass installation.

Pros:

• It can look very realistic and is available in types that simulate different turfgrass varieties.
• It saves water and won't need weeding or mowing.

Cons:

• Artificial lawns can trap bacteria.
• The lawn can get hot, making it uncomfortable to be on.
• The turf won't decompose or give nutrients to the soil.

Place paver stones through ornamental grass and wildflowers for an inviting stroll through your garden.

Pros:

• Paver stones are a long-lasting, low-maintenance option.
• Variable colors add interest and variety.

Cons:

• Frequent changes in weather can cause movement over time, sometimes resulting in cracking.
• Weeds can grow between pavers, requiring frequent upkeep.

Raised planting beds made out of wood or cinder blocks make for an inexpensive and easily-customizable option.

Pros:

• Raised planting beds are a versatile choice, able to be set up virtually anywhere, and can be stacked high or kept low.
• They make it easy to control the quality of the soil.

Cons:

• Blocks are bulky and heavy and can be difficult to move around.
• Concrete can trap heat, raising the temperature of the soil.
• Some find cinder blocks aesthetically unappealing.
• Wood beds have a shorter lifespan than concrete ones.