I think there are too many variables to pronounce side yard grass a waste of time. However, side yards are subject to neglect. Normally the sprinkler system does not extend to a narrow area. And perhaps you have a wider side yard, but a narrow space needs a walkway. Put in the grass, but know you may need to add stepping stones. The top of stepping stones should be set at ground level. Your mower won't have any trouble going over the stones.

If you are going to be regularly walking round the side of the house grass might not be a good choice. A picture of the situation, some measurements and an idea of your geographical location would be useful.

Alice, where do you live (geographic region)?

Though there are (so called) shade tolerant grasses, all species do better with plenty of sunlight.

We need to know your general location in order to suggest truly successful lawn grass possibilities, or to recommend a good alternative ground cover option.

I second the requests for your general location, photos and measurements since without those it is difficult to evaluate the merits of a path vs. lawn. Are there also trees that add shade? What is there now? What direction does this run?

A properly designed path should allow you to move the lawnmower from the front to the back without problems if that is what you decide to go with. Just don’t have the blade spinning.

Maybe grass on one side and a path for the lawnmower and grass on the other.

Hmmm, we have grass between our house and the next house, and it's plenty healthy. Thoughts:

- I agree with the above poster who says that side yards are prone to neglect, and that might be why the grass doesn't prosper.

- How much sunlight will this side yard receive? If the answer is "not much" and you're still determined to plant grass. you need to research a type of grass that'll flourish in low light. All grass isn't equal.

- Carrying the mower? No, that'd never happen at my house. If you opt for no grass, either make sure you can go around the other side of the house ... or opt for some sort of step-stone and rock combination that'll allow the mower to cross.

- Grass may be cheaper initially, but grass is costly long-term because it is so high-maintenance. Even if you're doing your own mowing, it's going to cost you in time.

- You might consider plantings and a path of stones ... again, consider the availability of light in your specific area, but this might be a nice concession between just-grass and just-much.

It’s impossible to give meaningful advice without more information. We still don’t know the dimensions of the space or the geographical location.

Apart from practical considerations lawns just look better when they are of some size.

Seems fine in our neighborhood, I have not single a single instance of grass dying in between houses. But not sure in your zone, variety of grass etc.