I have a kid, a dog & no grass in my backyard. Is there an alternative to grass?

Question

We are not allowed to put in turf or grass because of water restrictions but my son is playing in dirt. Does anyone know what I can do???

Answer 1

there are other groundcover plants that are drought-resistant. but with a kid and a dog, they probably wouldnt survive. i think your best bet would be to make a large sandbox enclosed in landscape ties for your child to play in. build a small patio of concrete slabs so you dont have to wallow around in dirt and mud. maybe for the dog you could look into constructing a kennel run, using pea gravel as a base.plant drought-resistant shrubs to seperate and define the different areas. plant cosmos , they are a 3' tall bushy plant that flowers profusely in mid to late summer. it will act as an anual hedge. they need very little water. can be planted from seed easily and cheaply.

Answer 2

I also have kids and a dog, and my house is new so no Grass in backyard. I'm going to do a large cement deck, put some landscaping around the back end of the deck, landscaping along the fence and a couple trees on each side of the yard. The rest I'm filling in with pea stones. They are easy to walk on, and I won't have to worry about my dog ruining any grass with urine.

Answer 3

I don't know your location but dirt isn't a bad thing. Talk to local building centers and greenhouses about ground covers that are acceptable to you and water restrictions. A play center might be an idea- some deck with a "tree house" on low stilts or built on top of a garden shed.

Answer 4

Herbs like creeping thyme , and irish moss work for me....but I also planted yellow clover (by seed) in play areas. Technically, its not a grass . If child is allergic to bees, however, nothing with flowers would be good choice....though, mine have never been stung by the ones attracted to them. A large piece of scrap indoor/outdoor carpet like they put in spas and around pools would be fun.

Answer 5

try hard landscaping like tiles in the backyard. Its easy to maintain and elegant to look at.

Answer 6

try wood chips..if there is a line clearence crew in your area talk to them ,maby give them some beer[when the boss is not around]they might give them to you for free..when i was a kid i liked dirt better..

Answer 7

http://www.homesite.com.au/outdoors/landscaping/tips-and-guides/saving-water-in-the-garden

If you're living in au, there are drought resistant trees and grasses.