While there is a time and a place for lawns, the vast majority are unused, high maintenance, and displace native species. They offer virtually no erosion or drainage control. There are many ways to remove lawn. First, start by covering with cardboard or black plastic to kill off the grass. 

Once the grass has been removed, a wide variety of native species can be planted based on your needs. Once grown, these will typically be lower maintenance than lawn and provide an ecosystem for native species. 

(Image credit: Public Broadcasting Service)