For a growing number of homeowners, the lawn seems like little more than a vanity project sapping away time and resources. While the grass may feel good under your bare feet, it also takes a great deal of effort to maintain an ornamental feature of your landscaping.

After all, the lawn requires a great deal of seasonal care. You'll need to aerate the soil, put down grass seed, pluck out weeds, water the lawn during dry periods, remove debris such as sticks and dead leaves, and regularly break out the lawn mower to keep the grass from getting out of control.

If you're tired of mowing the lawn, you may opt for a no-mow alternative. These options will still require some maintenance, but they can improve the appearance of your yard, make it more functional, and take a weekly chore off your "to do" list.

For those who want to maintain the look of a classic grass lawn, you can look for a turf grass that requires minimal shearing. Laura Fisher Kaiser, writing for the home improvement site HouseLogic, says fescue grasses or other mixes will form a soft, pleasant mat when left untouched.

Other grasses mimic the appearance of native grasses. You can check with a local nursery or extension service for recommendations on species that can create a meadow-like environment on your property.

Synthetic grass is also available, creating an impressive facsimile of a perfectly maintained lawn. However, this type of lawn also won't support any birds, butterflies, or other creatures you might like to see around your home.

You might want to replace some or all of your grass with a ground cover. Several plants will form an attractive surface which requires minimal maintenance and no mowing. Several types of creeping perennials will naturally spread across the lawn, forming mats. The Oregon State University Extension says vinca or bugleweed are good options for shady areas.

Clover has become a popular alternative to grass, although it requires a little more maintenance than other "no mow" options. The Old Farmer's Almanac says clover helps to crowd out weeds, grows well in difficult areas such as sites with poor drainage, and produces small, beautiful flowers that attract pollinators.

While clover is often mixed with grass, the meadow-like result may be pleasing enough that you won't want to cut it back. However, Kaiser says an occasional mow will help encourage new flowers to bloom.

Moss is the bane of any homeowner looking to maintain a grass lawn, but others have embraced it as a surprisingly attractive ground cover. Kathleen Connolly, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says moss usually works well in cool, shaded areas. Moss can be particularly useful on hillsides, since it will absorb water well and help to prevent erosion.

Homeowners with green thumbs can reduce or eliminate their mowing by replacing grass with gardens. June Scott, writing for the home design site Houzz, says gardens can transform areas where it can be difficult to mow or maintain grass, such as hillsides or shady spots. Gardens also allow you to create gorgeous landscapes, grow more of your own food, and better support pollinators.

Gardens will still require some maintenance, such as pulling weeds or harvesting crops, but plants like perennials and drought-tolerant species will need less water and care than grass. You'll also want to check to see if there are any rules against keeping a garden in your front yard.

In areas with scarce rainfall, homeowners have sometimes been encouraged to nix the lawn entirely and replace it with stones. Parsons Rocks, a company based in Henderson, Nev., says gravel can be combined with features such as pavers and seating to create a pleasant layout. A few native plants can also add color to the site.