Expert: Marc Chapelle, RLA - 6/25/2009

Question
I used to have a pretty good looking back yard (grass only) until we got a dog. Soon most of the grass died off leaving only tufts of grass here and there. It is probably useless to plant new grass as the same fate awaits.  Do you have any ideas as to what to put down that can be walked on by people, isn't ugly to look at, but won't be turned into a muddy mess by the dog.  It doesn't dig, just poops and pees. Thank you.

Answer
Hello, Jeff -

Any kind of inert material can be used; bark mulch with shrubs, pea gravel, or my favorite, Decomposed Granite (DG).  It is sometimes called "crusher fines" in other parts of the US.

I'm a visual person, so I've given you some image links for ideas.

Here is an example of a "lawn-less" DG patio with flagstone pavers:
http://www.jameslandscaping.com/showcase/Showcase_Photo_28.jpg

Here is an artsy cubist DC front yard:
http://www.surfrider.org/graphics/ofg_alternatives2.jpg

Here is a "get-rid-of-the-lawn" makeover with before/after pictures:
http://www.penick.net/design/?page_id=16

Another before/after lawn-less project:
http://jsbursch.net/hho/portfolio.asp?page=clientgar

Don't want "rocks" for a backyard?  Consider a large paver patio:
http://paulsayerlandscaping.com/clientphotos/view.nhtml?profile=clientphotos&UID...

Pavers are not that expensive, and they run about $8.50 - $9.50/ sq. ft, depending on style and availability.  You have to take into account that the price INCLUDES the savings/benefit that you don't have to mow, water, fertilize, or replace the lawn ever again!

Hope it gave you a few ideas.  Right now, getting rid of a home's lawn is trendy, so you can be the first on your block to take the plunge!

Good Luck!  ~Marc