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Gravel, Grass, or Groundcover? What Your Neighbors Are Getting Right (and Wrong) in Salt Lake City

Explore the pros and cons of grass, gravel, and groundcover in Salt Lake City yards. Discover what works best for Utah’s dry climate and your lifestyle.
Side-by-side visuals of gravel, traditional lawn, and groundcover in Salt Lake City yards. Highlighting smart choices for dry climates and low maintenance design.

When it comes to landscaping in Salt Lake City, most homeowners face the same question: Should I go with gravel, grass, or groundcover? While your neighbor’s yard might look great from the sidewalk, there’s a good chance it’s either high-maintenance, inefficient, or just not built for Utah’s unique climate.

Choosing the right material for your yard isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about water usage, cost, long-term upkeep, and environmental impact. In this post, we’ll break down what your neighbors are getting right (and wrong) when it comes to gravel vs. grass landscaping, plus what you should consider before making a change.

Grass: Beautiful, but High-Maintenance and Water-Hungry

There’s no denying it—a green lawn looks fantastic, especially in a neighborhood where everyone seems to have one. But in Salt Lake City’s dry climate, keeping that lawn green comes with a cost.

What They’re Getting Right:

  • Lawns cool down the yard in summer
  • Soft for kids and pets to play on
  • Still preferred by many homebuyers

What They’re Getting Wrong:

  • Overwatering leads to high water bills
  • Lawns require constant mowing, edging, fertilizing
  • Not suited for Utah’s drought-prone conditions

If you insist on keeping grass, consider drought-tolerant blends or replacing some lawn with gravel in Salt Lake City to reduce your water use.

Gravel: Low-Maintenance and Modern—but It Has Tradeoffs

Many homeowners are switching to gravel for low maintenance landscaping in Salt Lake City. It’s clean, affordable, and holds up beautifully in dry weather. But it’s not for every space.

What They’re Getting Right:

  • No watering, mowing, or fertilizing
  • Perfect for xeriscaping and weed suppression
  • Durable and budget-friendly
  • Works well with native plants and mulch

What They’re Getting Wrong:

  • Gravel reflects heat—can increase summer temps
  • Poor drainage can cause runoff issues
  • Entirely gravel yards may feel stark or uninviting

If you’re leaning toward gravel, balance it with shrubs or drought-tolerant landscaping plants to soften the look. You can find a range of decorative rock and eco-friendly landscaping ideas for Utah at DIY Landscape Supply.

Groundcover: The Best of Both Worlds?

Looking for something that looks lush but doesn’t guzzle water like traditional turf? Groundcover alternatives to grass are becoming increasingly popular across Utah.

These low-growing plants require less mowing, tolerate drought, and give your landscape a natural, organic feel. Many varieties bloom with color or add seasonal texture.

Popular Groundcovers for Utah Yards:

  • Creeping thyme
  • Blue fescue
  • Sedum
  • Ice plant
  • Yarrow

These options are perfect for what to plant instead of grass in dry climates like Salt Lake City. Plus, they encourage pollinators and biodiversity in your yard.

What’s the Right Choice for Your Yard?

It depends on a few factors:

  • How much time do you want to spend maintaining your yard?
  • Do you want to reduce your water bill or stay green year-round?
  • Do you use your yard for play, entertaining, or curb appeal?

Most Salt Lake City homeowners benefit from a blended approach—using grass in high-traffic zones, gravel in hot or dry spots, and groundcover in transition areas for color and texture.

Final Thoughts: Smart Landscaping for Utah’s Climate

Utah’s climate is changing, and so are your landscaping options. What worked 10 years ago might not be the best choice now. Whether you’re battling water restrictions, looking to reduce yard work, or just want a modern look, there’s a smarter way forward.

✔️ Don’t make the same landscaping mistakes your neighbors are still paying for.
✔️ Choose the right materials, plants, and layout from the start.

Need materials to upgrade your yard? Order gravel, mulch, bark, soil, and compost at DIY Landscape Supply—Salt Lake City’s trusted bulk landscaping source.

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