Yards can go green without grass

The new-home buyer is in luck during a year that may bring droughtlike conditions and water restrictions. That’s because if the backyard isn’t yet seeded or sodded, it might not need to be.

Builders tend to provide front lawns or comparable alternatives that provide fresh curb appeal. The backyard is where most new-home buyers can get creative. Buyers who think of the backyard as an opportunity can craft cool, welcoming, comfortable environments using alternatives to the traditional grass.

Environmentally speaking, some alternatives are even greener than several hundred square feet of lawn might be.

After verifying which areas you can customize with your community’s homeowners association (if applicable), consider how the yard will be used. Should it include designated space for pets, children’s play, cooking, dining, relaxation, exercise, working or entertaining?

Next, get creative on a backyard design that uses little or no grass.

Get on deck

Building a deck anywhere in the backyard adds functional living space and removes some irrigation. Decks are perfect for homeowners who like to spend time outdoors or who entertain regularly.

Among the most ecofriendly decking options, composite decks are a popular choice for their easy upkeep and durability. They come in a variety of colors and they’re weather resistant and a breeze to clean.

Several manufacturers make eco-friendly composite decking. Made from a blend of reclaimed wood and

recycled plastics, compositedeckshavealower environmental impact than pressure-treated wood. Consider different height options for the deck plus a variety of shapes and types and heights of railings.

Paths and play spaces

Whether between the deck and the fire pit, the fire pit and the shed or the patio and the play structure, paths are a smart use of space. Not only can paths fill space that otherwise might contain grass and irrigation, but they can be attractive and functional when made with the right materials.

Consider decomposed granite, for instance. Popular for its versatility, softness and aesthetic appeal, decomposed granite is a natural material and a good choice for covering functional spaces within and around the yard.

Ranging in color from grays and tans to reds, browns and greens, decomposed granite is considered a gravel, but is much finer than other rock gravel. It packs so nicely underfoot that some people think decomposed granite feels as stable as flat dirt — minus the dust and mud of dirt or the spray of gravel.

It is available in a few different forms — natural (loose, put packable), stabilized and resincoated. Natural is best around plants and trees. The stabilized form is made with a binder that still allows it to feel soft underfoot and is good for play areas and paths.

The resin-coated version has a texture similar to asphalt, but with nicer visual appeal.

Design tip: Because the loose and stabilized forms can attach to shoes, consider a concrete slab or a section of the resin-coated decomposed granite that extends several feet outside the doorway. A good doormat for wiping feet on this solid surface will remove loose debris from shoes, should people be moving outside and inside regularly.

Artificial grass

Artificial grass has been appearing in many yards and has some benefits for the Earth. A veritable outdoor carpet, artificial turf doesn’t need to be watered, mowed or fed.

Notonlydoesitsave water, but it helps cut down the pollution caused by lawn mowers and blowers. Artificial grass also lets a homeowner avoid using fertilizers and herbicides across large sections of the yard.

A few drawbacks include the upfront cost and minor maintenance such as occasional cleaning in areas where pets may do their business. For temperature control in the yard, it is better for areas that are not in constant direct sunlight. Use it in select areas around the yard to create overall dimension and useful play space.

All said, artificial grass has come a long way in the past decade or so. Some colors and styles can fool the casual observer into thinking the artificial lawn is a well-manicured putting green.

In addition, many manufacturers now use recycled tires and plastic water bottles, meaning that the cubic footage of artificial grass equals the amount of waste that otherwise might have ended up in landfills. Plus, it can last as long as 25 years.

Other greenery and gray water

For borders or areas of the yard that won’t get much foot traffic, consider any of the various, drought-tolerant ground cover plants that are native to California (https://bayareane. ws/3fpzb6o) and hardy in the heat.

Succulents are also a good bet and offer lovely texture and softness to a garden. While they can’t tolerate more than six to eight hours of sunlight a day, they’re low maintenance and self-propagating once established in the right spot.

In another article, we’ll discuss gray water systems for new construction, which can provide irrigation water by storing water runoff from the homeowner’s sinks, tubs, showers and more.