More and more homeowners are opting for landscapes without grass. There are many reasons for wanting to get rid of grass and put in an alternative plant or plants. One of the most recognized reasons is that some homeowners believe the grass has a harsher impact on the environment than incorporating other plants. Some people believe that taking care of a lawn is harsher on the environment than alternatives.
Some people want to attract native wildlife to the area. Especially when it comes to pollinating bees that create honey. While others simply want to save money on their water bill in areas where the cost of living is increasing.
But how do you create a no-grass landscape without it looking overgrown and unkept? If you have seen pictures of no grass yards, you may have seen overgrown wildflowers and a collection of plants that are left to grow wildly on their own. This is a method, and some people enjoy that look, but what if you prefer a more manicured landscape? Is there a way to go no grass and have your landscape look well-designed?
Can You Create a No-Grass Yard Without It Looking Messy?
The answer to this question is yes. You can create a landscape without a grass lawn that looks intentional and even seems luxurious and expertly designed. The key is careful consideration and planning.
Planning steps for a new grass landscape
Considering the exterior design of your home
Before going out and buying your favorite plants, it is a good idea to consider the exterior design of your home carefully. For example, you do not want to bring in palm trees and tropical bushes with large flat green leaves when you’re home is a Tudor-style or stucco Pueblo-style house. Tropical plants don’t continue the design story and will take away from the curb appeal. You want to make your landscape work well with the exterior design of your home to help it look planned out and thoughtful, and not discombobulated and messy.
Consider the climate
In addition to considering the style of your house, you also need to consider what plants will thrive and flourish in the climate where you live. The Pacific Northwest is pretty mild compared to other locations, yet it still gets a fair share of rain. It is a good idea to discover what plants work well for your particular location, as plants that thrive well can be different in locations just a half hour apart. You don’t want to plant plants that do not thrive in the climate where your home is located, because this will create more maintenance needs.
Know how the sun hits your property
Every home is going to have a different spot exposed to the sunshine. The amount of sun your yard gets and the spots that get the most sun are part of your landscape’s fingerprint. Your yard is going to get different sunlight than your neighbor’s yard because of the way your home is positioned and other varying factors like the placement of shade trees and bushes. Making sure you know exactly how the sun hits your yard and for how long is important to how plants will thrive in your landscape.
Height and shape are important
Recognizing different heights and shapes and how they can create visual interest in a landscape is important to helping your landscape look intentional, and not like an overgrown, discombobulated mess. Considering how different types of plants will grow at different heights and what areas are best suited for taller or shorter plants is critical in designing a landscape that looks well thought out, compared to one that looks like it was left to overgrow.
Use of Hardscape and other non-plant elements
You might consider making use of other materials, such as gravel or pavers, that will help you to incorporate more outdoor living areas in a space where you plan to let go of your lawn. You can create some great landscape spaces without having a ton of plants. It can still feel like an outdoor oasis when plants are strategically placed, yet there are hardly plants in the landscape at all.
Hire some help
Of course, the best way to make your landscape look intentional, no matter what you choose to put in it, is to hire the expert eye of a landscape designer. A landscape designer can help you create your ideal landscape and make it look like it was always meant to be in front of your home.
If you want to take your yard from great to amazing, contact the landscape designers at First Fruits Landscaping. Let’s get started turning your yard into a work of art that not only looks great but also functions well for your lifestyle. We provide landscape design services in Snohomish County and King County.