Lush green lawns have long been the anchor of outdoor landscaping. However, with today's focus on protecting our natural resources (and reducing maintenance), many homeowners are choosing alternatives to grass lawns.
10 Easy Alternatives to a Grass Lawn
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Lawn alternatives are gaining popularity among homeowners seeking low-maintenance, cost-effective and pollinator-friendly options. Whether you live in a drought-prone area, want to cut back on time and money spent on traditional grass or hope to attract more pollinators to your yard, there’s a wide variety of alternatives to suit your needs.
From ground covers and garden beds to mulch or synthetic turf, you can mix and match solutions to fit different sections of your outdoor space. After replacing a patchy lawn with clover in my backyard, I saved water, time and money while also supporting pollinator populations. Whatever your reason, here are 10 easy and appealing alternatives to a traditional grass lawn.
Synthetic Grass
Synthetic grass, also known as artificial grass or turf, is viable as an alternative to grass lawns. The material has the same look and texture as natural grass. Three types to consider include nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene. The amount of traffic the lawn receives will help determine the type of material best suited for your home.
Polyethylene is soft, vibrant in color and resilient. Nylon is strong, allowing it to maintain its shape, and can withstand high temperatures. Polypropylene, while less costly, does not have the durability or resilience of the other two. Make sure to remember these tips before you start your artificial grass installation.
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Mulch
Mulch comes in a variety of materials, which allows for creative landscape designs using different textures and colors. Mulch provides additional benefits as one of the alternatives to grass lawns such as moisture retention, weed control, protection against erosion, heat retention and protection of root systems.
If the yard is being landscaped with features such as flower or rock gardens, mulch is ideal for creating pathways throughout the yard. The types of mulch include wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles and straw mulch. However, remember to replace the mulch on time. Another alternative material is rubber mulch made with recycled tires. It is long-lasting, permeable and doesn’t attract bugs.
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Gravel
Gravel is another alternative to grass lawns. There is a wide range of stone types to choose from, such as crushed granite, stone pebbles, river rocks, decomposed granite, and pea gravel. There are many advantages to using these materials, including color and texture variety, availability, price range from inexpensive to high-end and durability. Stone-based materials do not attract bugs, don’t decompose due to the elements, and are long-lasting. One thing to consider is that over time, gravel will start to sink into the soil.
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Clover
We’re not talking about the clover that’s taking over your lawn, we’re talking about a larger flowering variety that is far more at home in your garden. While you may have to protect it from hungry creatures, bees will love it. Just remember to plant it more like grass and treat it like a groundcover (please don’t step on bees, though) as an alternative to a lawn.
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Lily Turf
Lily Turf grows well in full sunlight or deep shade in moderate regions and partial shade in regions with extreme heat and cold winters. It thrives in USDA Zones 6-10. The slow-spreading ground cover blooms in late summer with purple or white flowers. Lily Turf prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Once the root system is established, the plant is drought tolerant. During the late winter or early spring months, Lily Turf can be sheared or mowed, which strengthens the plant for new growth and is a nice alternative to a traditional lawn.
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Moss
Moss as a ground cover is the perfect solution for shady lawns as well as lawns with poor soil. The two key ingredients for growing moss are moisture, a two-minute watering daily, and daylight, but not direct sun. For yards that are heavily shaded, moss is both practical—needs no mowing—and provides aesthetic value.
Moss does not produce flowers, seeds or establish true roots. It is a cover-like mat of stems and leaves, which absorbs nutrients and water. Moss grows very well with other perennials that thrive in the shade such as hostas, trilliums and ferns.
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Flower and Shrub Beds
The advantage of using flower and shrub beds as the main covering instead of grass is the opportunity to add a variety of textures and colors. This combination adds a touch of interest and beauty to the landscape while reducing soil erosion and the amount of time needed for maintaining a grassy lawn.
Generally, the types of plants used range in various heights of around 1 ft., or less. Taller flowers and shrubs can be used, as well, as a backdrop to the shorter plants. Flower beds, built-in planters and alongside sidewalks are a few suggestions when laying out a landscaping plan. For pathways throughout the yard, use one of the suggestions in this slideshow such as mulch, rocks or gravel to cover the area.
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Garden Meadow
Visions of flowers blooming and gently bending in the breeze evokes an atmosphere of peace and serenity. This scene can be yours with a colorful garden meadow. There are two types: perennial and annual. Perennial meadows blossom from year to year and annual meadows produce once per year. Both are excellent alternatives to grass and put on a display of color for many months. Planting is recommended in mid-spring or early autumn in sunny areas. While annual meadows need a rich soil base, perennial meadows do well in poor soil. Wildflowers are available as a mixture of assorted seeds or as individual plants.
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Outdoor Garden Features
Create an oasis in the front or backyard and eliminate the need for grass by designing a landscape that uses mostly hardscape features, such as a deck, patio, koi pond, water features, an outdoor kitchen or a fire pit. For pathways, use one of the mentioned low-maintenance ground covers such as moss, gravel, synthetic grass or mulch. A touch of greenery can be added using several options such as planting bordering flower beds alongside the pathways, designating an area for a vegetable or flower garden, and highlighting areas around decks, ponds or patios with drought-resistant and ornamental grasses.
FAQ
Can I mix different plants for a lawn alternative?
If you don’t need or desire a uniform appearance to your lawn alternative, feel free to mix different plants. Make sure they are all compatible with your USDA Hardiness Zone and soil type. One option is to have moss in a shady part of your yard, then lily turf or clover in sunnier sections.
How do I establish a lawn alternative?
First, remove the existing lawn. If installing gravel or mulch, lay down a weed barrier, then install the product in an even layer several inches thick. For garden beds, amend the soil with compost, then install plantings and water regularly to establish. Plant garden meadows in early spring or fall, and water regularly until established. Plant moss sheets onto slightly acidic soil, then mist daily for the first four to six weeks. To establish lily turf, plant it in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade and water regularly for several weeks. Sow clover seeds in early spring or fall on bare, well-raked soil in full sun to partial shade. Keep it moist until germination, and mow occasionally to maintain height and encourage spreading.
