Green grass with a picket fence is often considered the picture-perfect ideal for a yard, but a lawn isn't necessarily the best choice for every climate or home. Grass alternatives are gaining popularity because turf grass requires a lot of effort to keep it looking lush. More often than not, lawns get patchy and dry during warm seasons and discolored during others without a lot of watering. They need regular mowing to keep them looking tidy. If maintenance also involves using pest