Is it really ALL about grass? When asked to describe their home landscape, the first thing that occurs to many people is the lawn. A broad expanse of turf grass surrounding the home like an ocean with the house rising up from the center like an island. It is ubiquitous to the American landscape, as common a sight as the “golden arches”. And for many of the same reasons. It’s comfortable and familiar, quick, easy, and cheap. And there’s nothing wrong with that. A lawn is all of those things and a lot more. A beautifully manicured lawn is a point of pride for many people, and it really can be beautiful. But not all homes, or the people that inhabit them, are alike, and their landscapes shouldn’t be either.
So, why do we have lawns? Well, in some cases they are there for the kids and pets to play on, which makes sense, especially if you don’t have a park or other open space nearby. But for many people that’s not a part of their life, and the lawn is never actually used as an outdoor space. So, simply put, the lawn is there because, well, something has to be! What else is going to fill up all this area between my house and the neighbors? Well, thankfully there a number of alternatives for people seeking a lawn-free landscape.
GROUNDCOVERS
Groundcovers are a group of plants utilized for their ability to fill in spaces, and just as the name states, to cover the bare ground. Just like turf grass they can be both functional and aesthetic, providing a low maintenance, green carpet around the landscape. But they also have some advantages that lawns do not. Most groundcovers are very low maintenance, requiring trimming only occasionally, if at all. Many groundcovers are flowering or offer beautiful fall color, while several others are evergreen.
PAVING
If you are a person who likes the idea of the functional use of the lawn but do not want the maintenance of lawn or plants, then paving might be a solution for you. Because of expense and the cold or harsh appearance of hardscapes, paving is probably best implemented only on a small or moderate sized 
space, and where functionality is more important than appearance. If your house is on a smaller urban lot you may have a lawn with which the hassle of mowing far outweighs the benefit of it, then paving may be an option to consider. A backyard that is a mix of paved gathering areas and planting beds is a terrific lawn alternative for many sites.
OTHER PLANTS
Mass plantings of shrubs or perennials is a great alternative to reducing or eliminating lawn area. Many shrubs and perennials are especially effective when planted closely together in large quantities. Imagine eliminating a small side yard and replacing it with a mass planting of daylilies, hostas, ferns, or switch grass. Or, if you have a large yard, consider eliminating some of the turf grass and devoting a portion of your yard for a native plant installation. Just like a lawn, you have all of the advantages of a “softscape” landscape, from attractive appearance to environmental benefits, and with maintenance requirements that are equal to or less than that of lawns.