The Property Brothers' Landscaping Idea That's Perfect For Backyards Without Grass

Backyard landscaping is truly an art form in and of itself, with options for garden beds, pathways, patios, and much more to make your yard into its own hidden oasis that makes nature even more serene. And, if there's anyone we trust to weigh in on important trends in this decor category, it's the Property Brothers, Jonathan and Drew Scott, who are experts in all things home and garden. One new landscaping idea to come from these talented siblings actually eliminates the need for grass by instead using stone paths and drought-resistant plants to make a yard space feel full and green. 

Backyard renovations can be incredibly costly: an average full renovation costs between $15,000 and $50,000. Plus, the upkeep needed for a grass lawn requires a lot of water — it takes 35,000 gallons of water per year to maintain a lawn that's 1,000 square feet. When investing in a backyard space, it's important to remember that you don't need a bunch of grass and fancy features to make your area feel cozy and relaxing. In fact, you can build a backyard ready for outdoor dinner parties by simply laying some stone paths, then adding seating and other decor to liven it up. Below, we've outlined the easy steps you can take to make these ideas a reality in your own space. 

The Scott siblings paired up with celebrity Taraji P. Henson to renovate the outdoor space on Season 4, Episode 7 of the show "Celebrity IOU". The impressive results of this Property Brother home improvement project were shared by the duo on their Instagram account. The brothers leaned on a few key elements to breathe new life into Jahel's outdoor space, first building a gravel path to give a finished look with no grass at all. The path uses a grid to evenly distribute gravel, making it a great fit for a DIY project. 

The Scotts elevated this look with some square pavers, like these Gardien Decorative Stepping Stones, to create a casual path through the gravel. Then, they added an outdoor pergola, some comfy weatherproof couches, and a freestanding outdoor fireplace, making the yard a perfect place to hang out. To get the look in your own backyard, consider the VEIKOU Cedar Pergola as a chic, modern addition that's relatively easy to set up from its kit form. You could also invest in a propane fireplace for a centerpiece, such as the Ciays Gas Fire Pit. This item comes with a lid so that it can convert into a table for times when you're not wanting an active fire.

The final part of this project is to include greenery where you can, without needing grass to complete the look. The best way to go about this is to find some native plants that will naturally be more resistant to the various weather conditions in your area. Because the Property Brothers project took place in a warmer climate, they left behind some succulents to add pops of nature to their landscaping. Succulents are a great choice for regions that frequently experience high temperatures because these low-maintenance plants are heat tolerant and can survive where many other types of greenery wouldn't. If you live in a cooler climate, grow your garden succulents in containers and be prepared to take them inside for the winter months.

You can also use tools like the National Wildlife Foundation's plant finder to help you find a native plant that's suitable for your area. If succulents aren't the right choice for you, there might be evergreen bushes, wheatgrass, and other weather-resistant options that fit your yard better. To get the Property Brothers-inspired look, be sure to keep plenty of the rocky path still visible and enjoy the low-maintenance benefits of a gravel garden.