Across suburbs in Québec, a green, perfectly mowed lawn has long been a symbol of care, neatness, and homeowner pride. However, people are increasingly rethinking this cultural norm.
There are three main reasons for this:
- Current generations want more free time to enjoy life; lawns require hours of maintenance over the summer.
- In the face of worsening climate change (more frequent heat waves and droughts) and the growing need to reduce water consumption, many homeowners are choosing to ditch grass lawns.
- And finally, grass tends to grow poorly in overly shaded yards; in this case, it’s best to choose another type of ground cover.
Here are some alternatives that are sure to satisfy the aesthetic standards of every homeowner!
1. White Clover: Family-Friendly
More and more homeowners are choosing 100% white clover lawns, or a mix of grass and clover.
White clover typically stays green all summer long, requires little maintenance, attracts pollinators like bees, and naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen. It can be integrated into an existing lawn or sown on its own to create a dense, drought-resistant carpet that feels soft underfoot.
Plus, it tolerates moderate foot traffic, making it a good choice for properties where kids will take over the backyard for the summer!
2. Native Ground Cover: For Easy Maintenance
Ground cover plants are an ideal alternative to a grassy lawn.
The term “native” refers to species that naturally occur in our ecosystems, and thus are well adapted to the local climate. As a general rule, they don’t need to be regularly mowed, fertilized, watered. Native ground cover plants include thyme, oregano, grassy-leaved sweetgrass, buffalograss, fescue, and star jasmine.
3. Mulch or Decorative Stones: A Uniform and Discrete Covering
Organic mulches, such as wood or bark chips, are an effective grass substitute in shady areas or beneath trees. The same goes for decorative stones. It’s nevertheless important to cover the ground with a membrane prior to placing the mulch layer to stop weeds from growing through.
It’s a simple, economical solution, often employed as a finishing touch to flowerbeds and to enhance rarely used sections of the yard. It’s possible to spread mulch or decorative stones over larger areas as well!
Plus, it brings a modern touch to your landscaping.
4. Wildflowers: A Rainbow of Colours
Transforming part of your backyard into a wildflower garden (or prairie garden), with species in a variety of shapes and colours, not only reduces the amount of grass, but also supports local biodiversity.
Echinacea, milkweed, rudbeckia, and goldenrod are just some examples of plants that attract butterflies, bees, and birds. This magnificent type of planting requires little water once established, and is well adapted to Québec’s climate.
It’s likewise an excellent way to reconnect with nature in the suburbs.
5. The Home Vegetable Garden: The Best of Both Worlds!
Another useful strategy for cutting back on grass is to dedicate a section of your backyard to growing vegetables, herbs, or berry bushes. Fair warning, though, a vegetable garden may demand just as much time and effort as a lawn!
But a vegetable garden offers many more benefits (exceeding the desire to make your neighbours green with envy over your lush lawn). It provides an abundance of food as well as a relaxing, educational, and rewarding activity for the whole family.
6. Paving Stones: For a Stylish Surface
Porous pavers or natural flagstones are often used to create paths or cover hard-to-maintain areas. But if you’re looking to diminish the amount of grass in your backyard, be bold and lay them over a larger section. Even including your front yard!
Lay paving stones to define different zones (dining, lounging, etc.), which will add an extra dimension to your landscaping. And don’t hesitate to combine stones with gravel, mulch, and plants.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they allow water to seep into the soil, reducing runoff.
7. Outdoor Ceramic Tiles: How Chic!
Similar style-wise to stone pavers, outdoor ceramic tiles are another interesting option. With its large pattern selection and contemporary style, ceramic will elevate the space while withstanding the elements and wear and tear.
For that “wow” factor, some homeowners decide to extend their indoor kitchen tile floor out to the patio.
8. Moss: Usually a Nuisance, but Worth Reconsidering!
Regarded as a weed by many, especially under trees, moss in fact offers several advantages. It will spread thickly over the ground, is smooth to the touch, and comes in an astonishing range of greens. Plus, it retains its colour all year long, thrives in shade, and adapts to almost all types of soil.
Most importantly, it’s completely maintenance-free: no mowing, watering, weeding, or pest control need.
9. Quality Artificial Grass: Almost Like the Real Thing
Did you know that artificial turf can perfectly imitate natural grass? Forget the old fake stuff with its blueish green tones and plasticky feel! High-end models are indistinguishable from the real thing and blend in seamlessly with your landscaping.
It always looks great, no matter how much you tread over it, stays green, and requires zero maintenance.
10. Composite Wood: Very Attractive!
Composite wood is an elegant and practical alternative to the traditional lawn in the yard. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastic, it offers a sleek, modern style that enhances your patio’s or balcony’s visual appeal. But it can equally be laid over larger areas! You could even clad your home’s exterior side walls or facade with it.
As a bonus, it’s low maintenance, weather-resistant, durable, and won’t fade over time.
11. Epoxy: Unusual, but Practical
The last idea, but certainly not the least: the epoxy coating (see this article’s cover image). Epoxy is durable and a far nicer looking material compared to concrete, which is no doubt why it’s so popular for garage floors. But did you know it can also be used outdoors? Plus, it comes in a wide range of finishes!
And don’t just apply it over a balcony or stairs. The possibilities are endless: around the pool, to create a sizeable outdoor dining area, etc.
Whether it’s to enhance your landscaping, boost climate resilience, or just spend less time on yard work, reducing your grass lawn’s surface area, or ditching it completely, just make sense!