People say the grass is always greener on the other side and there may be some truth to the statement. Keeping a grass lawn healthy takes a lot of work!

Lawns require frequent mowing and edging, plus they need to be watered during heat waves or in desert climates. These alternatives are more eco-friendly and they do not require the use of chemical fertilizers and lawn care products.

If you’re looking to reduce or completely decrease the grass space outside your home, here are some appealing alternatives:

1. Sedges: A sedge is a grasslike plant with small flowers. Sedges do well in temperate and cold regions. There are thousands of types of sedges so you can choose a type that fits your preferences and your climate. Some sedges need more water, hotter weather, or more sunlight than others. (Canadian Gardening)

2. Moss: Moss filters the air, purifies rainfall, and is the oldest terrestrial plant! Moss gardens do well in shade and moisture but they can handle partial sunlight. Moss is a good grass alternative for areas partial to drought. You need to water the moss for the first two or three months but then it will be able to grow on its own. You can also ditch the chemical fertilizers and treatments – moss gets all of its necessary nutrients from the air. There are twenty-two thousand species of moss – choose the one that works best for your region and space. (Martha Stewart)

3. Clover: Clover is a perennial lawn alternative that fertilizes itself and can grow in bad soils and a wide pH range. Clover needs to be mowed occasionally but less often than grass. (Organic Gardening)

4. Artificial Grass: Artificial grass can look like real grass! It is also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t require water, mowing, or chemical products. There are many types of artificial grass and their prices range depending on the number of blades per square inch. (Gardenista)

5. Patio, Pool, or Rock Garden: If you want to minimize the amount of grass in your yard, you can build a large patio, pool, or rock garden to take up space in a way that is both functional and fun!

These alternatives are economical, eco-friendly, and will work well for climates that aren’t conducive to grass. Because they don’t require chemical fertilizers, they are a safer alternative for families with pets and small children. You’ll be keeping in up with the Joneses… and they may even come over to ask you for a cup of sugar and your lawn care advice.