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.

Comments
Post a Comment