What They Are And How To Achieve Them

Summer is nearly here, and with it, comes plenty of time spent out on the green. From picnics to parties to barbeques and everything in between, having a lawn is a pretty lovely way to incorporate some summer fun into your life—but keeping your lawn green and happy isn’t always quite as fun, and green turf isn’t quite as soft and enjoyable, either. That’s what has us so intrigued by the new trend of “lazy lawns.”

Traditional grass lawns require a ton of water and a lot of upkeep. Lazy lawns are easier to keep up with, more drought-resistant, and better for the environment than traditional lawns. They’re designed to reduce the time, effort, and resources needed to maintain a traditional grass lawn and emphasize the natural biodiversity of your area—meaning the plants you choose to grow might not be the same as your sister who lives across the country. The goal of a lazy lawn is to have that beautiful, functional outdoor space without all the fuss and environmental impact.

Of course, as with all gardening, you need to put the work in to see success. Lazy lawns are only lazy after they’ve been crafted to perfection, so you’ll need to spend a bit of time setting it up before you can truly enjoy it.

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How to Create a Lazy Lawn

To create a lazy lawn this summer, you can get creative with it. Start by evaluating your yard. How much space do you need to cover? Which areas receive the most sunlight and shade, and where does water tend to accumulate? Once you have this down, you’ll be at a strong starting point for a successful lazy lawn.

Once you know where to start, lay your groundwork with alternatives to grass that work as ground cover, like moss, clover, or native grasses like buffalo grass or blue grama. Then, incorporate non-plant elements like stones, gravel, and pavers to reduce grassy areas and give your feet somewhere to land.

Hardscaping can reduce the amount of grassy area that needs care, and give you somewhere to hang out, like paved patios, walkways, and sitting areas.

Now that you have your base created, choose some drought-tolerant plants like calliopsis, rosemary, mullein, poppy, Russian sage, alyssum, and more. Make sure you apply mulch, which will help to retain moisture while also suppressing weeds. 

Organic mulches like wood chips and bark decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Plus, perennials like lavender, yarrow, and coneflowers will come back year after year, limiting the amount of work you’ll have to do each year.

You’ll want to utilize plants that are already naturally adapted to your region’s conditions, which will help reduce the need for additional water and fertilizers, thereby making your life a lot easier.  For instance, if you live in a hot and dry climate, plant your fair share of succulents and cacti. 

Finally, install an efficient irrigation system. You likely still need some water for your lawn, and a drip irrigation system can deliver water directly to the root of the plans, which reduces water waste—and if you use a timer and sensor, you can set it and forget it.

What better way to celebrate the great outdoors this summer than by enjoying it with a little bit less work?