8 Ways to Design Your Backyard When You Don’t Have Grass

When it comes to creating a stunning backyard without grass, gravel and stone are two of your best options. Not only do they come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, but they are also affordable, widely available, and easy for first-time homeowners to maintain. 

For a striking look, try using large, flat stones at least one-inch thick (limestone, granite, and slate are popular options) to create a winding path that leads to a shaded corner, table, reading nook, or fountain. Then surround the path with gravel that compacts well. You can play with contrasting or complementary hues as well as the spacing between the flat stones, depending on whether you want more of a stepping-stone appearance or a tightly fitted pathway. You’ll also want to include a border, typically made of galvanized steel or plastic, to keep the gravel contained.

A paver patio can be a durable and functional addition to your backyard. Pavers come in numerous shapes, colors, and materials, allowing you to create a design that looks attractive while providing a stable foundation for an outdoor dining area, fire pit, pergola, and more.

While they take longer to install than a concrete patio, interlocking pavers are better at withstanding cracks from stress because they can expand and contract. The gaps between pavers can also be filled with sand or small stones, which provides good drainage when it rains. Plus, repairs are much easier because you can remove and fix single pavers. Be sure to occasionally pull any weeds that grow between the pavers and clean up any grime or stains with a simple soap-and-water solution.

Xeriscaping is an eco-conscious alternative to landscaping that focuses on minimizing water use in your yard by filling it with native, local plants. The idea is to rely on water from the natural climate rather than irrigation. Xeriscapes often consist of drought-tolerant plants as well as soil, mulch, and rocks instead of grass. Environmentally conscious irrigation methods like drip irrigation or hand watering are preferred to sprinkler systems, which tend to result in wasteful run-off.

Xeriscaping works particularly well in arid regions or places with water restrictions — a xeriscape can save up to 50-75% of water use compared to a traditional lawn, or up to 120 gallons of water per day. It also requires less mowing, fertilizing, and general maintenance than grass. That said, you may need to invest slightly more upfront for a xeriscape or to convert from a traditional landscape into a xeriscape. It’s best to work with a professional to help design and install the elements, especially if you want to include hardscaping elements like pathways or patios.

Mulch is an excellent alternative to grass, providing a neat, clean, and natural ground cover for your backyard. There are plenty of different mulches you can choose from, including straw, rubber mulch, and slightly more expensive cedar and pine bark wood chips. It’s often better to go with a chunky, fresh organic mulch (as opposed to aged mulch) because it lasts longer. Besides its aesthetic appeal, mulch offers a number of functional benefits, including retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and all-in-all making your backyard easier to maintain.

Enjoy hosting friends and family? Consider transforming an uneven, grassless backyard into a sanctuary for gatherings with a raised deck. You can choose from a range of materials, including wood, composite, or even aluminum, customizing the dimensions to suit your space and budget. Once you’ve finished your raised desk, you can decorate it with planters, sculptures, weatherproof furniture and rugs, lighting, and heaters to create an enjoyable outdoor space.

Even without a grassy lawn, you can create a lush oasis in your backyard with container gardens. The concept is simple enough to implement, even for those without a green thumb. All you’ll need are pots and plants in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes; potting soil; and the plants you want to grow. Flowers, herbs, and ornamental grasses are all great options for a container garden, and the best part is that there are no real restrictions on what you can plant or pair together. 

To create depth and interest in your backyard, try arranging the containers at different heights, whether it’s perching them on tabletops, hanging them from tree branches or metal hooks, or using large, sculptural freestanding planters. You can also mix and match containers (contrasting between terracotta, stone, metal, and wood) as well as the colors and silhouettes of your plants.

A water feature can transform your backyard into a tranquil retreat. From a simple bird bath to a flowing waterfall, there are plenty of options to fit different budgets. A small stand-alone pond or in-ground pond can serve as a habitat for fish and plants, while a striking wall or statue fountain can provide soothing sounds and a focal point for the backyard. Consider adding fencing and shading options to create the ultimate private space.

Whether or not you have grass, adding a small storage shed that doubles as a functional space — whether it’s a she shed, guest retreat, studio, or other space — can be a great way to make use of backyard space. Consider placing any bulky seasonal furniture and other items in a self-storage unit so you can clear out the shed for smaller objects and truly elevate it into a multifunctional space.