Large backyard mowing alternatives?

[Rob Stauffer]

I have a duplex with a large back yard. I have to keep it mowed all spring and summer and it's costing me a lot of money.  Any recommendations, such as tarp, or something I could do as a low maintenance solution for most of the yard? Thanks!  

[JD Martin]

Was the yard there when you bought the property? That's one of those things you have to consider when judging if a property will be suitable as an investment. 

Options:

1. Cut the yard yourself. 

2. Fence off a big part of the yard, put in a gate, and cut the area behind the gate a few times a year.

3. Tear out a lot of the grass and put in landscaping.

4. Survey and divide the parcel and sell the rest of the property.

Those are just some suggestions and they may not all work. If there's no street access, for example, or zoning prohibits it because of lot size or area, you may not be able to subdivide. Or you may have city ordinances that won't let you let the grass grow behind the fence.