Lawns are hardwired into the American psyche – a green, luscious, well-manicured lawn is part of what shows off our success. We spend hours or pay someone to spend hours mowing the lawn, trimming the edges, and putting fertilizer on it. And yet, the lawn gives us nothing back. Instead it just sucks down water, time and money. For those of you tired of maintaining a fruitless lawn, it may be time to consider killing your lawn and replacing it with native vegetation, drought tolerant landscaping or an edible garden. At first it will take a commitment and some hard work, but the goal is to reduce your lawn maintenance, water usage and have a beautiful garden.
For the average US family of 4, over 60 gallons a day goes to watering lawns and gardens. Much of that water used for landscape irrigation is wasted either through inefficient irrigation systems, evaporation, wind and overwatering. Lawns are responsible for most of the outdoor water waste and surprisingly almost none of the grasses grown are even native to America. On top of that Americans spend an estimated $40 billion annually on grass and lawns.

Killing your lawn is actually the responsible thing to do, but first check with local ordinances and HOA rules before beginning. Replacing your lawn with more productive native landscaping requires you to think about how you will use your yard. Are you looking for super low maintenance, an edible garden, lots of native flowers or less water consumption? Do you want to retain a small lawn that could be mowed with a push mower? Once you have determined how much money, effort, and time you can devote, start killing off your lawn either by rototilling, covering it for a season, or cutting out the sod.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance ground cover to replace grass, look to ivy, clover, violets, wood chips or mulch. Also check out native and ornamental grasses and wildflowers that don’t require mowing. Use native plants that are accustomed to the amount of water your region typically receives. You will have to water them for the first season or two, but once they have taken root, you shouldn’t need to water them at all. A yard full of native plants will also provide a habitat for animals, butterflies and bees. Xeriscaping is another practice to consider, which is the practice of growing plants that get all the water they need from nature – without you watering them.

For an edible garden construct raised beds surrounded by mulch pathways. Consider where you get full and partial sun in your yard and plant accordingly. You can plant your own Victory Garden and provide your family fresh and local food. Don’t forget that you can use walls and fences to create living walls that make use of vertical growing space.

Photo Courtesy of Edible Estates

Also, check out Edible Estates, a landscape architecture firm who helps residents take over their yards and replace them with edible gardens. They released a book last year that explains how to kill your lawn and make it into a viable and productive garden. Not only will you be saving water, but you’ll also provide a habitat for animals, and grow your own local, organic food.

Photo Courtesy of Edible Estates