Plant Alternatives for Your Grass Lawn

Lawns started as a status symbol among European aristocrats in the 17th century. Today, they mainly complete the overall aesthetic of most American homes. While some households enlist the best lawn care available, others find it difficult to maintain lush, green grass in their backyards. This led to their growing interest in plant alternatives. If you're reading this, lucky you! You don't have to look far. Below are some landscaping options you can use for your yard.

Ground Covers

Some experts say that ground covers are the perfect alternative to grass as they don't grow tall, which eliminates the need for regular mowing. The climate where you live and the layout of your landscape will help you decide what types will best suit your yard.

If you're in a bright, sunny area, the best options you have include Asian star jasmine, bearberry cotoneaster, creeping jenny, and Japanese sweet flag. Meanwhile, hot and dry climates suit drought-tolerant and fast-growing plants like lantana and stonecrop succulents. Shady places favor perennial ground covers such as lily of the valley and sweet woodruff.

Clover

Clovers are often planted to fix nitrogen in the ground, kind of creating its own fertilizer in the process. They suppress weeds and enrich and aerate the soil with a deep root system.

White clovers are the most popular variants for lawns. They're low-maintenance, don't grow tall, smell amazing, thrive in drought, and don't need to be fertilized. When planted, they require watering twice every day for two weeks but can bloom with little to no irrigation once established. It's a ground cover that stays fresh and green without mowing, a perfect "plant it and forget it" pick for homeowners with a busy schedule.

Evergreen Moss

Moss remains lush all year round. It thrives in shady areas and grows in any soil, providing your yard with a soft carpet that recreates the spongy green that covers forest floors. It's a low-maintenance option that requires no fertilization, mowing, watering, weeding, or even pest prevention.

There are many varieties of moss for ground cover. Acrocarpous types grow in clumps, while the pleurocarpous spread out in thick, flat carpets. Some also differ in color, providing endless shades of green, from pale, golden hues to deep, emerald tints.

Ornamental Grasses

Drought-resistant ornamental grasses are popular choices for no-mow lawns. They thrive in sunny areas with only little watering and no fertilization.

When picking the variant you'll use, choose the one that fits your area. Warm-season grasses are perfect for southern regions, and their cool-season counterparts are best for northern places. Native types are also a good bet since they adapt to the climate and require less maintenance. Trimming is recommended to reduce the number of seeds they produce.

When planted properly, these alternatives will bring life to your yard. If you need help with installing and maintaining these greens, don't hesitate to contact a trusted Atlanta lawn care company for your inquiries.

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