A collection of before-and-after photos of their backyard made waves on Reddit when one homeowner shared how they ripped out the traditional lawn and rebuilt the space from the ground up.
Posted in the platform’s r/NoLawns community, transformation It draws attention for one reason: it’s a reminder of how much potential many arenas have.
The homeowner documented the entire backyard overhaul, from the amorphous lawn to the plant-filled landscaping built around natural paths, repurposed tree trunks, and Indigenous-friendly design.
The photographs span several years and show every stage of the process, including digging, stonework, farming and problem solving.
Photos show felled tree trunks reused to build retaining walls, steep slopes turned into walking trails, and invasive plants removed by hand. Eco-friendly plants, lavender, succulents and trees have replaced the grassy lawn, creating a more flexible space.
The homeowner explained that the project took years of time, effort, and trial and error. “The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago,” they said. booksexplaining why they chose to start with the backyard first instead of other home upgrades.
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Beyond aesthetics, grass removal It comes with real benefits. Native plant lawns and low-maintenance lawns typically require much less watering, which can significantly lower your water bills.
It also reduces the need for mowing, fertilizer use and chemical treatments, saving time and money. Options like clover, buffalo grass, xeriscaping, and even partial turf replacements can provide many of the same benefits without the need for complete dismantling.
Commentators praised the change.
“It looks amazing compared to the barren land it was before. Congratulations. This looks like a lot of hard work. How long did this take?” 1 user he asked.
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Homeowner He replied: “Thanks! It was totally worth it. It took two and a half years, but I’m still working on it and making changes. It’s a happy place for me.”
Someone else books: “This is very impressive. It gives me a lot of hope for my new steep backyard. And a lot of ideas too.”
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