Question
Have a two family home in Linden NJ (6a or 6b zone)  There is a small front lawn (about 10 by 6).  My grandmother (92) and a downstairs tenent (also over 80) live there, and my sister is SUPPOSED to take care of the place.  BUT, never has time to mow, and looking for suggestions to remove the lawn and put something VERY low maintenance.  Thought of all gravel, but is ther any plant materials that could puntuate the site?

Answer
FOLLOW-UP
I did not mean to imply that you CANNOT plant a shade or patio tree.  The area required for the trunk is about 5x5 so you don't lift up the concrete of conflict with walkways - also assuming there are no utilities in the way(water/gas/electric lines - above & below ground).  

Many fine species are available - check with your local nursery, if you so desire. Just locate this tree so you don't block any widows or views to the front door, as this will effect the value of the property.

-Marc

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Removing lawn is generally a good idea. Since you are dealing with a 10x6 area, you've limited to shrubs.  Unfortunate, because a nice shade tree really adds value to a property (according to Money Magazine's March issue).

For super-low maintence plantings, I like to use Cotoneaster ('Lowfast'), Juniper (low varieties like 'Blue Chip'), and ground roses.  Unlike their other fussy rose cousins (the Teas & Hybrids), these ground roses are more loose and need less work (if any!) like trimming, fertilizing, winterizing, etc., but they still smell great.   Plus, they have an "emotional" response by most people that rocks just cannot achieve.  None of these three plants need mowing or fertilizing.  And, they are relatively inexpensive.

I'd still add the gravel/rock mulch, with a good weed barrier.

Hope it helps!!  -Marc