Does a patch of green outside your home seem more like an obligation than a delight? Would you rather spend your Saturdays doing something other than mowing your lawn? An increasing number of home owners are deciding to ditch the once standard lawn and move on to something that requires less maintenance and less water. But ditching the lawn may not be all that easy in your particular area. Here is what you need to know.
Check with your town or city ordinance
In some areas, there are rules that may prevent you from ditching the lawn. This is because they want to deter homeowners from creating an eyesore or unmaintained property. Find out exactly what is on the books for your area. Even if there is a law, that doesn’t mean that you are stuck with the lawn. Often you can appeal, especially if you can present the case that you are replacing the lawn with something attractive and resource saving.
Figure out what will go in that space
There are a lot of options to explore for replacing your lawn. You could, for example, plant an edible garden. Edible gardens in place of front lawns are becoming increasing popular. Yes, you will still need to put in some work, but this way you are also getting the benefit of the produce your garden produces. You can cut down on your food budget and ensure a wealth of organic food to eat.
Other alternatives to a lawn include ground cover, native plants and even rock or stone gardens. Drought tolerant plants, especially native plants, usually require very little maintenance. Just be sure to choose slow growing varieties. In some places, filling the front lawn with seas shells and a few well-placed lawn ornaments can be an attractive way to fill the space.
What do you think? Will you ever ditch your lawn?
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