There’s nothing quite like a thick, green lawn to represent the arrival of summer. Unfortunately, keeping a lawn perfectly green requires a major investment of resources that makes this American institution quite harmful to the environment. Fortunately, there are options other than grass that you can use for your home’s exterior. To figure out where to begin, here are a few ideas for eco-friendly alternatives to a water-wasting lawn.

Moss

The green, fuzzy plant that often appears by itself in shady spots around your home can make a great alternative to the grass you have to work so hard to cultivate. Moss helps to prevent erosion, can thrive without much upkeep, and can stand up to light foot traffic. Given that it can retain its green color far more easily than grass, you won’t have to invest nearly as many natural resources to keep your lawn looking great.

Stone

Stone isn’t merely a lawn covering for yards in desert locations. As a low-maintenance option, nothing beats a stone lawn, no matter where you live. By using crushed stone as a foundation and dressing it up with natural stone tiles, you can create a fun and functional yard that requires no water, no fertilizer, and, when installed correctly, very few pesticides.

Artificial Turf

If you don’t want to sacrifice the look of a perfectly green lawn, then artificial turf might be a great option for you. Since it’s pre-manicured, you won’t have to use any water, fertilizer, or pesticides. You also won’t have to cut your grass or fill in any bare spots that often occur. Newer artificial turf is designed to last for a long time and is great at preventing erosion while providing excellent drainage. Plus, it can be easily shaped to fit in any space, making it uniquely versatile.

Grow Wild

While it may not ever make it on the cover of a magazine, there is something to be said for the beauty of a wild lawn. By letting your lawn grow with whatever seeds happen to be dropped by birds and other animals, you provide a great habitat for wildlife to thrive. Plus, since most natural lawns tend to grow an abundance of clover, you will help to provide an excellent food source for the local bee population. Aside from regular cuts to keep growth under control, a wild lawn is an eco-friendly and easy-to-maintain option.

Think of the Future

If you live in a suburban area, it can be tempting to try and “keep up with the Joneses” when it comes to your lawn. However, following this route is typically a short-sighted approach that doesn’t consider the long-term implications of this major investment of resources. By considering the future of the environment, you can make a small contribution to its health by opting for one of these eco-friendly lawn options.