To care for a lawn takes too much time, work, water, effort and money. Keeping a lawn properly, mowing, seeding or fertilizing, watering might be difficult or impossible. If your lawn is out of control and weeds or bare spots account for more than half of it, you may want to get rid of it all and start over. Or you may simply want a look that’s more pleasing to you than a traditional lawn. Then it is time to try lawn alternatives.
You’ll need to get rid of the grass before you begin your new landscape. Getting rid of your lawn is a big project. There are several methods such as Herbicide, Digging It Up, Solarization, Composting and Smothering. they all require investments of time, money and effort. Some methods have more impact on the environment than others, and some may be more acceptable to your neighbors. Make sure there are no homeowner’s association rules or local ordinances that would affect your plans.
Smothering your lawn kills it and allows it to compost in place, adding valuable organic matter back to the soil. Cover the lawn with landscape fabric. Landscape fabric that is engineered to stop weeds, stabilize soil, control erosion and separates soil profiles. Landscape Fabric encourages the growth of roots by keeping soil moist and cool. It is a good solution for reducing garden maintenance. It is a choice of professional landscapers.
When looking at plant alternatives, consider varieties that are native to your area. Native plants are adapted to your soil and climate. They will typically require less maintenance and have a better resistance to diseases and pests than non-native varieties. Native plants have the added benefit of supporting native wildlife. Also think about light requirements, height at maturity, rate of growth and other characteristics.
While you plan your lawn transformation, keep these tips in mind:
• Look for plants that will attract and support beneficial insects and birds. These valuable creatures add visual and auditory elements to your outdoor space.
• Learn about xeriscaping and other water-wise landscaping techniques. These methods can be good options to make the most of your yard while minimizing impact on the environment.
• Think about how to use your backyard. Since your backyard is typically less visible than the front, you have more freedom to design for family activities.
• Be patient. Many plants can take a couple of years to establish themselves or spread sufficiently to provide full coverage for your landscape.
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Kids will pass by and throw rocks at your window.
Has anyone figured out the best method for grass and weeds control from growing into you granite or rocks, gravel area without Chemicals.It’s driving me Crazy.
Thanks…will start this project in October when it's cooler in Florida.
Very nice, well planned and executed. How much did the rock cost: I'll assume that you purchased it by the ton?
must be warm climate..snowblower or snow shovel would destroy this artwork..
You guys did a great job!!
I have a small yard with concrete slabs but not in good condition.to redo it cost over $5000 here. Any suggestions on diy alternatives?
Nice video what kind of rock is being used thanks
The MASSIVE environmental benefits of maintaining a natural (pesticed free):
1. Natural lawns purify *air and improve air quality*.
2. Turf grasses trap and store carbon that might otherwise contribute to global warming.
3. Natural lawns generate significant amounts of *life-supporting oxygen*.
4. Lawn grasses *cool themselves and their surroundings*, reducing home cooling needs.
5. Natural lawns *purify rainwater and improve groundwater quality*.
6. Natural turf reduces* runoff and helps recharge underground aquifers*.
7. Turf grasses reduce soil erosion caused by water and wind.
8. Natural lawns and lawn clippings increase beneficial *soil activity, recondition soil and improve soil quality *.
9. Well-maintained, natural lawns reduce the risk of fire hazards and help slow the advance of *wildfires*.
10. Natural turf provides a safe, resilient, clean surface for recreation.
11. Natural turf grasses *absorb sound and reduce noise pollution*.
12. Natural lawns reduce glare that causes vision discomfort .
13. Natural grassy outdoor areas can improve *physical and mental well-being *.
Sources =========================================================
Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture, “Maryland Turfgrass Survey: An Economic Value Study," University of Maryland, 1996.
Qian, Y.L., R. Follett, and J. Kimble, “Soil Organic Carbon Input from Urban Turfgrasses," Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2010.
Milesi, C., S.W. Running, C.D. Elvidge, J.B. Dietz, B.T. Tuttle and R.R. Nemani, “Mapping and Modeling the Biogeochemical Cycling of Turf Grasses in the United States," NASA Ames Research Center, 2005.
Felton, Dr. Gary K., “Maryland Professional Lawn Care Manual," University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Department of Agriculture, 2013.
Williams, C. Frank and Gilbert E. Pulley, “Synthetic Surface Heat Studies," Brigham Young University, 2002.
Patton, Aaron, “Synthetic (Artificial) Turf vs. Natural Grass Athletic Fields," University of Arkansas Turfgrass Science.
Streich, A., S. Rodie and R. Gaussion, “Turf in the Landscape," University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2003.
Cress, Forrest, “Landscaping for Fire Protection,"California Turfgrass Culture, University of California-Riverside, 1977.
Whiting, D., R. Tolan, B. Mecham and M. Bauer, “Water-Wise Gardening: Creating Practical Turfgrass Areas," Colorado State University, December 2003.
Kuo, F.E. and W. Sullivan, “Environment and Crime in the Inner City: Does Vegetation Reduce Crime?,"University of Illinois, 2001.
Taylor, A. F., F.E. Kuo and W.C. Sullivan, “Coping with ADD: The Surprising Connection to Green Play Settings,"University of Illinois, 2001.
Zirkle, Gina, Ratan Lal and Bruce Augustin, "Modeling Carbon Sequestration in Home Lawns," HortScience, May 2011.
Guys why didn't you remove grass before put landscape fabric?
Don't you have to remove the grass before put weeds (grass) barrier ?
I wish I can do the same on my backyard.
my friend has small backyard and spent $1,700 but smaller stones, and they took out all the grass and weed first .
Khaste nabashi
Wow~ wonderful job^^
Do you mind sharing roughly how much all the rock cost to buy?
I WILL TRY this too for our yard! THANK You for sharing this idea! I absolutely loathe grass and the bore it is needlessly having to mow the lawn and weed it.
Equally important is I cannot stand hazardous chemicals such as WeedBeGone, etc.
you should of used pea gravel, it's easier to walk on it. those big stones can shift your foot to the side and you can fall . take it from experience.
Very nice presentation thank you.
i LOVE that very much.
thanks a million for sharing this great idea..
this will be my next project . then when i'm done. i'll be waving goodbye to the painful grass maintenance.
Since you have placed a plastic sheet underneath, dust and grime will settle on the pebbles. Over time the pebbles will be completely submerged. They'll look dirty and worn.
Has the grass reappeared through the fabric? Man that would be a nightmare.
I hate my lawn and all that useless grass. I hope my perennials and clover this year will choke it out!
Thank you so much. I have been searching for such a step by step video as this. I am going to do my garden soon as I can get the right amount of stones.
You did not explain how you put your plants in such as was it done before the rocks,did you add or amend the soil,and how are they getting watered regularly?
Good job man. How much would you charge for a whole job like this?
I loved it, I want do the same thing in my back yard. congratulation
can I put the landscape fabric on top of existing grass?
No, no… Superman no here.
Great job, great explanation, beautiful result. You worked so hard and it must be so worth it when you can all enjoy it every day. I am one step closer to doing this in my garden thanks to your video 🙂