8 Tips for Saving Money on Backyard Lawn Care

Lawns need a steady water supply and attention to stay lush and green. That means they’re not the most eco-friendly option, especially if there’s a drought or restrictions on water use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 30 percent of residential water use is on the lawn, and about 50% of that is wasted on inefficient watering techniques.

Don’t worry; you have plenty of options for an attractive yard while doing your part to conserve water. As a bonus, you save money on water bills and lawn maintenance service, or hours of lawn-mowing each summer.

1. Consider Your Feet

When choosing low-maintenance ground covers, first consider how you use each area of your yard. Consider replacing grass with clover or mint for areas with frequent foot traffic.

Replace Grass With Mint

Mint varieties like Creeping Charlie are a durable, low-maintenance ground covering. The only problem is that the resilient mint will spread, and perhaps your neighbors don’t want a minty fresh lawn. But mint is a good grass alternative since it feels soft under your bare feet. It might even help mask the stink of sweaty summer feet.

Call in Clover

You might have heard your grandfather curse the clover creeping into the lawn when you were a kid, but the modern era embraces it. Like mint, clover spreads easily and feels nice under your bare feet. It also provides a habitat for insects. 

Use clover alone or blend it with your grass for a lush green lawn with less upkeep. Clover contains nitrogen, a natural fertilizer. That means the grass part of your lawn will be healthier and greener with no intervention from you. Clover and grass really are the perfect pairing.

2. Fill in With Drought-Tolerant Plants

For parts of your yard that don’t see foot traffic, like along the fence or behind the shed, consider filling in the space with low-maintenance ground covers. Here are two to try.

Myoporum parvifolium

Also known as Fine Leaf Form, myoporum parvifolium is a quick-growing ground cover. Myoporum parvifolium will densely fill in the ground like grass. It has small flowers that will attract beneficial bugs. The best part is that it takes very little water to maintain.

Cistus Corbariensis

Cistus Corbariensis, also called Little Miss Sunshine, covers the ground and provides erosion control with minimal water requirements, so it’s a great choice for fire-prone areas. Plus, its small flowers provide a nice little home for insects.

3. Landscape With Native Plants

One way to edge out weeds while giving your yard some color is to landscape with plants native to your location. These plants naturally thrive in your region, so they shouldn’t require much help from you. To find native plants, hire a landscape designer, ask at a local nursery, or check with your local Master Gardeners or university lawn and garden program.

4. Cover the Space With Sand

Especially in desert areas, consider using sand instead of using grass as a ground cover with a few local plants and trees interspersed. Use sand or rocks between your deep-rooted plants. Many plants, like cacti, will grow just fine in sand.

You can also use sand, pebbles, or paver stones under a backyard seating area to reduce the amount of grass. Porous stones still allow rainwater to seep into the ground below.

5. Swap the Lawn for Turf

An artificial turf lawn gives you the look of grass without the maintenance and excessive water use. But artificial turf isn’t necessarily an environmental win since it looks worn and is usually replaced after about 10 years. Plus, it gets hot under the summer sun.

6. Upgrade Your Watering System

If a grassy lawn is non-negotiable for you, you can still conserve water. Limit watering to two or three times a week for 15 minutes. This ensures the water saturates the soil and gets into the roots. 

You can also use less water with an adjustable sprinkler. This directs the water where it needs to go instead of wasting water on the sidewalk.

Installing a drip irrigation system puts the water where it needs to be–near the plant’s root. The more effective watering systems mean plants aren’t overwatered and water isn’t lost to evaporation.

Smart water sensors turn off the sprinkle when the lawn has had enough. They also know better than to come on when it’s raining.

7. Recycle Water

Put the water you have to good use. Place a bucket in the shower while the water gets up to a comfortable temperature. Use the collected water on the lawn.

You can also install a rain barrel or cistern to collect rainwater for later use, watering the plants or lawn. The inexpensive barrels are inexpensive and easy to use.

8. Know When to Mow

Letting your grass grow 3 to 4.5 inches before mowing it can help you save water. Taller grass means the roots are deeper, allowing them to better reach the nutrients in the ground and withstand drought.

When mowing, make sure your blades are sharp for a clean cut. This helps the grass blades conserve water.