by Joe Fox

Created on: April 09, 2009

While a green lawn can be beautiful, it can be expensive and high-maintenance. Some people will always fight for a large, green grassy space, but most of us are happy to implement ways to save water, money, and energy. There are several basic ways that we can cut down our green space while cutting down on our carbon footprint, and they can be applied in various degrees and mixed and matched. Here are some of the best ideas:

1. Trees

Trees are a great way to alleviate some of the demands of a large lawn. Trees not only take up lawn space with their trunk and optional dirt or wood chip bed surrounding it, but it can provide shade for other parts of your lawn. The shaded portions of lawn have access to diffused sunlight to grow, but will stay moister and require less water. Trees also require less of your sprinkler water because of their extensive root systems. Consider different varieties and families to not only add new flavor to your lawn, but to also save water and mowing.

2. Rock Beds

Rock beds are one of the easiest ways to cut down on lawn space. Rock beds are quickly gaining acceptance and popularity, especially in desert landscapes, because of their low-maintenance and customizing options. Different borders, rock types, rock sizes, and shapes can all add to variety on your property. From functional to creative, these grass-alternatives are sure to be popular for quite some time.

3. Flower Beds

While they require frequent watering, flower beds can quickly use up areas of grass. Investigate hardy varieties of flowers which require less water and spread. This can cut down on weeding and watering. Also, even small flower beds can easily spruce up boring patches of lawn with beauty.

4. Bushes and Shrubs

One of the most obvious ways to get rid of lawn space is to plant bushes and shrubs. Many varieties grow quickly and require small amounts of water. Bushes can be a great border around the lawn edge (or around a newly-installed rock bed!). Shrubs are equally useful and have great potential for cutting down lawn space.

5. Courts and Pools

If you're looking for some serious fun and don't mind spending a few bucks, a swimming pool or sport court can take up large portions of lawn. Besides not requiring weekly mowing, these options can be a great way to exercise and have fun. Many companies will fully install a pool or court to help you avoid hassle. If you're the handyman, many types of courts and pools are easily assembled, too.

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