Is The Grass Greener?? What to do with Small Space in Backyard?

original15 on 25/01/2020 - 20:34

TLDR: need to fill a small space (11m2) in our backyard. If you were buying a unit, would a small patch of grass turn you off based on maintenance required?

Hey all,
We are in the process of renovating our 2Br unit to sell in maybe the next 12m. Only have the backyard to finish and it’s a small space 2.5m deep and maybe 15m long. Next to our deck (which takes up a decent portion of the space) there is a small area (2.5m x 4.5m) and have NFI what to do with it. Currently just clay/dirt

I’m trying to convince my wife turf would be a good idea..I think it looks good and once it’s in you don’t need to do anything else with the space (besides maintain the grass)
She is more keen on either high quality Astro turf or something like pavers with a mossy type plant between the pavers, which I think will be more prep work and more $$ than grass

Knowing it’s not about what we want, as we are going to sell, wondering if the Ozb community would see a small lawn as a turn off?
If anyone has put a small patch of turf in, how satisfying is it and is it taking up much time maintaining it??

Poll Options

  • 26
    Real grass
  • 4
    Fake grass
  • 2
    Pavers
  • 6
    Other
Home & Garden

Comments

  • oscargamer on 25/01/2020 - 20:49
    +1

    Does the backyard get any direct sunlight? orientation?

    • original15 on 25/01/2020 - 21:20

      It gets direct sunlight until about 3:30, so if went with real was think buffalo as was recommended as ok with moderate levels of shade

  • spackbace on 25/01/2020 - 20:50
    +4

    Would be a pain in the ass for a unit as you then need the mower etc to deal with the small patch.

    Astro turf or pavers, or even garden would be my vote without seeing pictures of the area

    • frewer on 25/01/2020 - 21:03
      +1

      OP can get a 2nd hand of this https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-40cm-push-cylinder-hand-la…

      • spackbace on 25/01/2020 - 21:06

        Except they're selling the unit, and who knows how much storage they have for equipment?

    • original15 on 25/01/2020 - 21:21

      Yeh that’s exactly what the missus says. Had been looking into whether push mowers actually worked.
      We have a single garage with room for some storage and a small shed at the other end of the backyard..but you’re right
      More whether it is a pain in the ass - thanks

      • conan2000 on 25/01/2020 - 22:08

        Yeah, it would put me off. No point in owning a mower for such a tiny piece of turf, do anything else with it!

  • Halo375 on 25/01/2020 - 21:07
    +2

    Think about who you think is going to be buying your place and then work with that mindset. If you’re looking to attract a small family then throw in some fake turf for law maintenance greenery. If attracting singles or retirees then pavers or stones and more low maintenance plants.

    • Halo375 on 25/01/2020 - 21:08
      +3

      Maybe chuck in some sleepers and make a handy veggie garden? Its what I would want, not sure how appealing to new buyers though!

    • original15 on 25/01/2020 - 21:23

      Yeh this is good advice, thanks. I mean 2BR unit we’re probably looking at those entering the market, or retirees. Young family (us) would quickly run out of space, but imagine that’s who grass appeals to the most

    • Some Human on 26/01/2020 - 02:15

      +1 for stones. They’re pretty.

  • qwerty on 25/01/2020 - 21:12
    +2

    https://www.sgaonline.org.au/lawn-alternatives/

    just use a grass alternative plant like chamomile or penny royale

  • original15 on 25/01/2020 - 21:24

    @qwerty
    Thanks for the link, will look into this. Had blindly not looked at lawn alternatives after one the missus suggested turned out more difficult to grow and maintain than grass! But this is a comprehensive list
    Appreciate it

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 26/01/2020 - 08:06

    I would use deck tiles, something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaWmh-0HCBs

    if you want to give it more texture, instead of running the tiles to the edge, leave about tile width space from the edge where you can put pebbles/rocks around it

  • Euphemistic on 26/01/2020 - 08:13

    Do you currently have a mower to maintain a lawn until sale? Lawn is simple, effective and easy to undo if a new owner doesn’t want any. Also suited for kids and dogs more than AstroTurf.

  • HardlyCharly on 26/01/2020 - 11:22
    +1

    Zen Garden. You know, the sand with the rake and the big rocks.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2020 - 12:19

    You're renovating to sell to maximise your profit so I vote +1 for the synthetic turf for the following reasons:

    • cost effective for the size of the space
    • low maintenance
    • durable
    • aesthetic appeal
    • eco-friendly
    • original15 on 26/01/2020 - 13:08

      Thanks for +1 for Astro..but:
      Real turf is approx $12m2
      Good fake turf is $50-$70m2
      Both need to have the area prepped

      • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2020 - 14:19
        +1

        Are you looking at DIY or professionally installed?

        Appreciate the upfront costs however prospective buyers would also factor in the maintenance costs of real turf (as identified by the earlier comments) for the limited area.

    • Euphemistic on 26/01/2020 - 23:33
      -1

      How can synthetic turf be eco friendly? It’s made of plastic which comes from fossil fuels most likely. It doesn’t absorb CO2 like grass. It doesn’t absorb nutrients and work with soil like a lawn does.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2020 - 11:15
        -1

        Synthetic turf varieties are often made from recycled materials and can be recyclable. Other eco considerations include, it doesn't require watering, fertilisers, pesticides, or mowing (no carbon emissions).

        • lgacb08 on 28/01/2020 - 21:32
          -1

          I bet the amount of carbon dioxide it absorb far exceed the carbon emission from your mower, if you're too concerned then get an electric one.

          • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2020 - 23:01

            @lgacb08: Refer to the first bullet point of my initial comment!

  • chillybags on 26/01/2020 - 20:35
    +1

    I think grass in nice, but having to deal with the maintenance for such a small area would be annoying. You/next owner will also likely need whipper snipper/edger as well as the mower which adds to cost and space required for storing the gear.

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