When it comes to the upkeep of your yard, it is common knowledge that grass can be a problem. While it is a fantastic thing to have, it takes a surprising amount of effort to upkeep.
Not only do you have to worry about cutting it back when it becomes overgrown, but you have to remove weeds, and place more grass seeds on the patchy areas.
In addition to this, if you have a dog, then their urine can damage the grass and cause burns too. When you add this to the mix in addition to warm weather, sometimes grass can be more effort than it is worth.
However, we cannot deny that gross does look pleasant in a garden and can help it come alive. Given this, we have delved into some great grass alternatives that are far easier to manage.
Artificial Grass
If you love the look of grass, but not the upkeep of it, you may want to consider purchasing artificial grass. While it is more expensive in comparison to grass, it is a fantastic alternative.
You do not have to worry about cutting it or maintaining it. Once it is placed down and installed, it will look like real grass. It is often referred to as artificial turf, and it is a great option, especially if you have children.
It is easy to install, and is designed to deal with different weather conditions with ease. There are different types of artificial grass, such as AstroTurf, synthetic materials and plastics.
Gravel
Another suitable alternative to grass is gravel. However, this does take away the appearance of having a lawn.
Gravel can be a great solution as it requires no upkeep, and it is inexpensive to purchase. It can be purchased in bulk, and it is easy to spread across your yard.
As gravel comes in a wide range of colors and varieties to choose from, you will have plenty of choice available.
Paving
Paving is a great solution if you do not want the fuss of gravel or grass. When paving slabs are placed, they will cover the yard well, and you will not have to worry about the upkeep.
While they will need to be jet sprayed every so often to keep them clean, they are low maintenance.
Paving slabs do not cost too much to install, and when placed, a patio will last for years. The only downside is that it is a harder material in comparison to grass.
Flower Beds
If you want your yard to be full of color and plants, a flower bed is a great option to consider.
The soil is easy to maintain in comparison to grass, and the flowers will need little maintenance. It offers a more welcoming vibe in comparison to having all slabs, and the splash of color is inviting.
Decking
If you like the idea of the ease of paving slabs, but are not keen on how they look, a decking could be a great alternative.
They are typically made using wood or plastic, and they last for a good amount of time. They can be decorated nicely, and the decking is not too expensive to purchase either.
These are just some of the options available if you do not want to have grass in your yard.
These options are easy to maintain, which is great if you are not green-fingered. In addition to this, they are not overly expensive to install, and look great.
What can I use instead of grass for my dog?
While there are some great grass alternatives available, some of them are not ideal options for your dog. While some dogs may have no issues with going to the toilet on patio slabs, or gravel, the majority would appreciate grass.
In addition to this, in the summer months, grass is the better option for your dog to play on, and it is unlikely that you will want your dog going to the toilet in your flower beds or on your decking.
If you own a dog, we would recommend purchasing artificial grass. While it is not grass, it is a fantastic imitation.
Given this, your dog will likely be happy using this to go to the bathroom. As it is artificial, your dog cannot dig it up either - which is great!
If you do not want a whole yard of artificial grass, you can choose to section off part of it that is specifically for your dog. It is worth noting that the artificial grass will need to be cleaned once your dog has used it to go to the bathroom.
We would recommend picking up the stools daily, and then washing the artificial grass down with water. This will help to keep it clean, sanitary, and odor free.
Alternatively, you can choose to use clover. It is similar to grass, but is less likely to suffer from the burn that grass does when a dog urinates on it. On the whole it is a stronger plant, and it is more difficult for a dog to dig up.
While you can use options such as gravel, you will want to ensure that your dog does not eat any of the stones because this can be highly dangerous for them.
Soil is another alternative, but this option can quickly become quite messy, especially if your dog likes to dig!
Ultimately, the choice you make will depend on your dog. Every dog is different, and while some may have a preference of where they relieve themselves, others do not.
It is possible to use patio or decking as an alternative, however, decking can potentially be damaged over time.
If you have a field or park near your house, the substrate in your garden is not overly important. However, if your dog spends a lot of time in the garden it is worth using a material that is as close to grass as possible.
