My wife and I live in a family-owned property, but it's not ours, and we're tired of the rampant weeds that require annual abatement before summer. This year, I've started working on making the backyard more enjoyable for our kids by removing the weeds and creating a safe, fenced area. However, I'm worried that once the weeds are gone, the hot sun will dry out the dirt, leaving it hard and dusty. Since we live in a desert climate, regular grass isn't a good option, and I don't want to spend money on seeds or sod, especially since we won't own the place. I'm looking for practical and affordable ideas to make the outdoor space more pleasant for everyone. Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
Have you thought about using shade sails? I put some up in my backyard; they're easy to move around, and they really help keep the area cooler. Plus, they’re quite affordable on sites like Amazon!
You might want to consider clover seed! It's super cheap and a good alternative to grass. If you just hand-cast it and water it a bit, you'll find it doesn’t cost much. It’s pleasant to chill on, and it helps keep the dust down. Just watch out, some types can have burs, so check which ones you choose!

Is that the kind that has those annoying burs that stab your feet? I really want to avoid that!