Planting ideas for no grass yards. Lawnless yards limit open planted grass areas that require frequent mowing and aerating along with regular applications of fertilize, herbicides and pesticides. Creating a lawn-free yard will bring in the best of nature such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The good insects and wildlife will eat to keep the bad ones in check. An annual application of shredded bark or aged compost mulch will provide the basic nutrients for most all plants in a no grass yard.