Landscaoping Ideas for People Who Hate Mowing

If mowing the lawn is your least favorite chore, you’re not alone. It takes time, fuel, and energy—especially when the weather’s miserable. The good news is, you don’t have to keep a big patch of grass if you don’t want to.

There are plenty of ways to make your yard look great without firing up the mower every weekend. Here are 10 landscaping ideas that cut down on mowing (or eliminate it altogether).

Swap Grass for Groundcover

Low-growing groundcovers like creeping thyme or clover can give you a green look without constant mowing. Once established, they’re way less work than turfgrass.

Some even flower, attract pollinators, or smell nice when you walk on them. Plus, they spread naturally, which means fewer gaps and less upkeep overall.

Install Mulch Beds Around the Perimeter

Instead of pushing your mower up against fences and flower beds, widen those borders and fill them with mulch. It instantly cuts back how much you have to mow.

Mulch also helps keep weeds down and moisture in. Toss in a few shrubs or perennials, and you’ve got a tidy, low-maintenance section that never needs cutting.

Add Hardscaping Paths and Patios

The more stone, gravel, or pavers you use, the less grass there is to deal with. A simple gravel path or a small patio can take up space that would otherwise need mowing.

It also breaks up your yard visually, which makes the space feel more put-together. And once it’s in, there’s no trimming or edging needed.

Plant Shrubs That Fill in Fast

Shrubs cover a lot of ground and don’t need weekly maintenance. Once they fill in, you’ll have fewer open spots that need mowing or weeding.

Look for varieties that don’t need frequent pruning and do well in your climate. A mix of evergreen and flowering shrubs can add color and texture without the extra work.

Try Artificial Turf in High-Traffic Spots

If you want the look of grass without the effort, synthetic turf can be a solid option—especially in small or shaded areas where real grass struggles.

No mowing, no watering, and no patchy spots. It’s not for everyone, but in certain spots, it can really pay off in saved time and upkeep.

Go Big With Raised Beds

Raised beds are great for gardening, but they also shrink the lawn area and keep everything tidy. They’re easier to weed and maintain, and you don’t have to mow around them.

Use them for flowers, herbs, or veggies. Once they’re set up, you’ll spend more time harvesting than hauling out the mower.

Use Decorative Gravel or River Rock

A layer of gravel or smooth river rock can cover large areas without looking boring. It’s great for places where nothing wants to grow anyway.

You can edge it with steel or stone to keep it contained. It drains well, doesn’t need mowing, and lasts for years with minimal effort.

Convert to a Wildflower Meadow

If you’ve got some space and the right growing conditions, a wildflower patch can replace grass entirely. No mowing all summer, and it supports pollinators too.

You’ll need to mow it down once or twice a year, but it’s way less work than a traditional lawn—and it looks better when it’s in bloom.

Install a Dry Creek Bed

A dry creek bed is a landscaping feature that doubles as drainage. It replaces grass with stone and makes your yard look intentionally designed.

It’s especially handy in low spots where grass tends to get soggy. Once it’s in, you can basically forget about it—no mowing, no trimming.

Plant Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses grow tall, fill space fast, and don’t need mowing. Most only need a once-a-year cutback in early spring.

They add movement and texture to the yard and come in a bunch of sizes. Mix a few types together to fill in large spaces without much effort.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.