Pain in the Grass: Why You Should Rip Up Your Yard—and What to Do Instead

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After months of grueling work in the blazing sun, it’s finally time to put away the lawnmower—in most parts of the country, at least. Yes, you can finally say goodbye to that bad boy until next year. But what if you could say goodbye forever?

Between our desire for a more sustainable lifestyle and our increasingly busy schedules that don’t leave tons of time or energy to fuss over grass, lawn substitutes have become a very hot topic, especially in warmer climates where maintenance is a year-round commitment. And let’s not forget about the cost involved: Mowing with gas-powered equipment, watering, fertilizing, and preventing pests add up fast—and hiring landscape pros to take the work off your hands is even pricier.

Think you’re ready to ditch the golf course–like green carpet? We’re here to tell you why it could save you money—and look even more luxurious than a manicured lawn.

Ripping out your grass can lure buyers

Gone are the days of needing a lush, green yard to attract buyers. In fact, properties that feature alternatives to grass are a draw in and of themselves—especially in warm, dry climates, says Debbie Drummond, a Realtor® with Simply Vegas Real Estate, in Las Vegas.

“In the high-end communities out here, I see a lot of desert landscaping, rock gardens, desert grass, and lots of people going to artificial grass,” Drummond says.

“Having a maintenance-free yard is the way to go,” she adds. “Millennials aren’t as sold on a property having a traditional grass front lawn as some of the older buyers are.”

And don’t forget that these days, everybody wants to be more eco-friendly, says Glenn Frey, principal designer and owner of Black Mountain Landscape Design, in San Diego, CA.

“Although the drought is technically over in California, clients are still asking for water-wise landscapes,” Frey says. “We will have another drought at some point, and the price of water keeps going up.”

Desert landscaping instead of grass

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You could get paid for getting rid of your grass

In many cities—especially ones in hot climates—homeowners can get paid to dig up their lawns, Drummond notes. For instance, she says, the Southern Nevada Water Authority will rebate $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping up to the first 10,000 square feet.

In San Diego, Frey adds, water districts fork over up to $4 per square foot.

There are stipulations with these rebates, however: The replacement plants must be drought-tolerant, and you must plant a certain number per square foot and install drip irrigation along with some kind of rain harvesting, whether it’s a rain barrel, a bioswale, or a rain garden.

“Even reducing your grass footprint will pay dividends, as your water bill will decrease and the additional plants—which consume less water than the lawn—will provide color and interest in the landscape,” Frey says.

What to do with your outdoor space instead

Before you rip out anything, be sure to check local regulations, especially if you live in a community with a homeowners association. It might not allow for your grassless grand plans.

If you’re good to go, then you need to think about what you want your outdoor space to be.

“First, figure out how you plan to use the space now and in the future as your needs change,” Frey says. “Do you need privacy screens? Do you want fruit trees? Do you want a playground set now that can be a sitting area once your kids get older?”

Maybe you want to invest in an outdoor kitchen, an in-ground fire pit, or a large entertaining space for family and friends. If you have pets, you might consider dedicating a fenced-in area for them. Have a houseful of athletic kids? You can get a concrete court poured, where the family can shoot baskets.

Once you have your outdoor spaces’ next incarnation figured out, it’s time to tackle the lawn.

Decide whether to DIY or call in a pro

If it seems daunting to convert your grass lawn into something else, that’s because it is, says Noelle Johnson, a horticulturist also known as the AZ Plant Lady in Phoenix.

“It’s a huge job to rip out grass, often requiring the use of a pickax. If you have a smaller lawn, this may be feasible. But for larger areas, it can quickly become overwhelming,” Johnson says. “Also, many grasses are very vigorous, and if any little root is left behind, they’ll grow back, which is problematic when trying to grow new plants in that space.”

You could also try solarization, which involves covering the lawn with heavy plastic so the summer sun “cooks” the grass until it dies. This process takes several weeks, however, and is not always 100% effective against certain grass species. You can also smother the grass with sheet mulching, which can include cardboard, nonglossy newspaper, grass clipping, and painter’s paper, suggests Frey.

If you’re dubious about your DIY talents, don’t hesitate to call in a pro. It’ll run you about $1,000 to $2,000 to remove your lawn.

Tips for setting up a dreamy outdoor oasis

A fire pit in a grassless backyard

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The ultimate no-fuss yard should include mostly hardscaping—patios crafted with stamped concrete, a full kitchen, or a more budget-friendly built-in barbecue. A simple fire pit made of rocks or paving stones with seating around it is also a charming addition.

“Sitting areas are also nice in the landscape, as they encourage homeowners to come outside and commune with nature,” Frey says.

Add a gazebo, pergola, or oversize umbrellas to your outdoor space for a shady spot to unwind. A play structure with swings, slides, and climbing areas, surrounded by mulch, is ideal for families with kids. You can also create a gorgeous focal point in your space with a rock garden, using different sizes, textures, and colors of stones requiring zero water or maintenance.

Walkways will add interest and definition

Use the space where your grass was to lay down walkways, which will create visual interest. Try paths with pavers set in sand, Frey suggests. Or, Johnson adds, lay down large flagstone steppingstones with 2-inch spaces in between and plant herbs such as thyme in those spots for a pop of good-smelling greenery.

For low-budget walkways, lay down gravel, which deters weeds and comes in various sizes and colors. Or, you can use bark, wood chips, or mulch.

“Homeowners will enjoy having less maintenance and a garden that adds beauty to their home rather than a lawn, which makes them look like everyone else in the neighborhood,” Johnson says.

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