Do you think you need grass for a verdant, natural-looking backyard?
That’s not so these days, with many grass alternatives available. Utah homeowners can create natural-looking environments that are also kind on resources like water, fuel, and chemicals.
Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue may have the “look” but lawn grass usually requires considerable maintenance to establish and keep its beauty. The hot summers, cold winters, and frequent arid conditions in Utah don’t help.
By following a few low-maintenance backyard ideas outlined below, you can save on the work, effort, and ongoing costs of grass lawns… while also saving water. We start with artificial grass but there are plenty of other low-maintenance ideas too….
Low-Maintenance Backyard Ideas
The following ideas are easy on the back, free up time, and can even save money over the long term.
1. Artificial Turf for Year-Round Greenery
The upfront cost of artificial grass should not be a deterrent if you plan to stay in your home for the next five or six years. By then, the extra costs compared with real grass will have been paid back in lower maintenance costs: no water, lawnmower fuel, pesticides/herbicides, fertilizer, weedkillers or garden tools are necessary.
As well as cost-savings, artificial grass benefits include saved time and effort, with no mowing or other maintenance required. Artificial turf lasts 15-20 years if well looked after and is naturally drought-resistant, shade-resistant, and closely resembles the real thing in appearance, enhancing curb appeal and often increasing home value.
GET A FREE ARTIFICIAL GRASS ESTIMATE IN UTAH
If you’re in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, the experienced team at Rocky Mountain Turf will break down the costs for you in a free estimate. Contact us here.
2. Xeriscaping With Drought-Resistant Plants
Xeriscaping is the practice of using native, drought-resistant plants in the garden instead of water-guzzling plants that are the norm.
Among the most arid states in the U.S., xeriscaping in Utah makes a lot of sense. Low-water plants like lavender, evening primrose, yarrow, and sagebrush work well in our yards alongside cacti, succulents, and ground covers. They need no fertilizer and are naturally resistant to most pests.
Try adding a splash of greenery using artificial grass to complement the native plants, like in this example:
3. Rock Gardens for Effortless Yard Landscapes
A rock garden is another low-maintenance backyard idea that is also water-efficient. After setting up a rock garden, there’s very little you need to do for upkeep.
Rock gardens can be as extensive or as minimal as you like. They can add visual appeal to any yard. Alongside artificial grass, mulch, gravel or xeriscaping, you can select a variety of interesting rock colors and textures to beautify your backyard landscaping idea.
4. Paver Pathways, Fire Pits, and Patios
Flagstones, concrete, and brickwork can create low-maintenance backyard spaces that are both practical and reduce the need for upkeep compared with grass.
Whether it’s a simple pathway across artificial grass or a complete patio or fire pit area to entertain guests and enjoy the cooler evenings, hardscaping is a great way to eliminate the work involved with lawn care.
5. Bark Mulch for Natural Practicality
Bark mulch is an excellent low-maintenance backyard idea for Utah because it can help control weeds and retain precious moisture.
Often used in combination with other low-maintenance ground surfaces like artificial grass, pavers, pea gravel, and decomposed granite, mulch can replace grassed areas around trees and flower beds—ideal for the arid conditions here.
6. Install Composite Decking
Decking ideas for Utah backyards include many materials and designs but the lowest-maintenance of all is composite decking.
Composite material is made from wood particles, such as wood chips, sawdust, and wood fiber mixed with plastic—usually with chemical additives and bonding agents. The result is an extremely durable material available in a variety of different wood designs.
Composite decking needs no staining or treatments to protect against the weather or pests, making it a very low-maintenance solution.
7. Replace Grass With Pea Gravel
Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones naturally shaped by water. It is relatively cheap and plentiful and comes in multiple colors. The neutral creams and grays look fantastic in the garden in combination with verdant artificial grass or other low-maintenance ground surfaces.
Pea gravel tends to drain well and only requires an occasional “top-up” to keep it looking neat and classy in the yard. It can also be used for driveways in the front yard.
8. Install Outdoor Lighting for Evening Ambiance
Solar-powered or LED lighting can power your backyard, bringing ambiance, practicality, and safety to your space and extending the hours you can use your yard.
This type of lighting won’t have too much impact on your electricity bills but can easily light pathways, stairs, patios, and walkways.
9. Raised Flower Beds for Low-Maintenance Gardening
Raised garden beds require less maintenance than most traditional in-ground gardens because they are usually more clearly defined areas with easier access for weeding, better soil control, improved drainage, and better pest control.
Brickwork, cedar, metal or composite materials can be used to construct your raised flowerbeds, where you can grow low-maintenance native plants or even vegetables for a practical and low-maintenance solution.
Still Want to Keep Your Grass Lawn?
If you still want to keep your grass lawns despite the many grass alternatives available, here are a few quick tips to maintain an attractive lawn while also making your life easier with less maintenance:
- Install a smart irrigation system, like an automated drip system, rather than sprinklers—to conserve water without adding any maintenance work to your weekly schedule.
- Choose a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass that is well-adapted to Utah’s conditions.
- Learn how to water your grass (deeply and infrequently in the early morning or evening) to reduce evaporation.
- Construct a basic rain garden that captures rainwater and can help to water your lawn and flowerbeds without using extra resources.
- Replace a grass lawn with a ground cover of low-growing plants, such as creeping phlox or honeysuckle vine to provide a colorful and natural appearance without any maintenance.
FAQs
Which Lawn Grasses Are Best for Utah?
Generally, the best lawn grasses for Utah are Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass.
Can I Use Artificial Grass for Other Backyard Spaces Besides Lawns?
Yes, artificial grass is frequently used for other backyard landscaping ideas, such as dog runs, swimming pool areas, mini-backyard sports fields or kid’s play areas. It’s even commonly used for backyard putting greens.
Is Artificial Grass Maintenance-Free?
Artificial grass requires minimal maintenance but should not be simply left idle after installation. Occasional cross-brushing, hosing down, and removal of debris are recommended to keep your synthetic turf lawn in tip-top condition.
Can Weeds Grow Through Artificial Grass?
Weeds can grow from the infill or at the edges of artificial grass but rarely grow up from below because the ground preparation measures during installation usually prevent this. This reduces maintenance requirements compared with real grass.
What Are the Lowest Maintenance Landscaping Options for Salt Lake City?
Artificial grass, pea gravel, mulch, xeriscaping, pavers, and native plants all have much lower maintenance requirements than real grass and will work well if you’re looking to cut labor, costs, and headaches in your Utah yard.
What Are the Best Drought-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Utah?
Artificial grass, pea gravel, mulch, xeriscaping, pavers, and native plants are all excellent water-saving ideas that will perform well during drought conditions.
Considering the Switch to Artificial Grass?
If you’re mulling over landscaping ideas for your Utah backyard, feel free to discuss your ideas with one of our artificial turf professionals.
