9 low-maintenance looks for your space

These cheap no-grass backyard ideas are just what you need if you’re after an affordable makeover that requires minimal upkeep.

Although growing grass from seed is a relatively quick and budget-friendly approach to cover a yard, it does have its drawbacks. For starters, there’s a lot of work involved to keep it looking lush and green, from mowing and feeding to scarifying and aerating. 

You’ll need somewhere to keep your mower too, and for smaller plots, this can be tricky. Lawns don’t like shade either, so if your garden is lacking in plenty of sun, odds are you’ll be fighting a losing battle to keep it looking tip-top. And if you’re working with a paved courtyard, the preparation process of digging it up and preparing the soil for turf is long-winded, to say the least.

Luckily, there are plenty of backyard ideas that make great alternatives to grass, and won’t cost you a fortune. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite approaches to help you get inspired. 

From gorgeous gravel to perfect paving, there’s something for everyone in our round-up of cheap no-grass backyard ideas. 

By Holly Crossley