Lawns originated as a status symbol by wealthy aristocrats in a time when few people could afford to use their land for anything other than growing food. With the widespread availability of gas powered mowers and other lawn equipment, well manicured lawns became a status symbol even the middle class could achieve. Thus, the normalization of the grass lawn was born.
Aside from being hard to maintain, grass lawns can wreak havoc on the environment in more than one way. Lawns do not provide food or bioavailable nutrients for the ecosystem surrounding it. Many of the pesticides, fertilizers, and weed killers we use on our lawns are damaging everything in its path, from organisms surrounding the lawn, to your health. To read more about the damage your lawn chemicals may be doing to your health, check out this article. We use an average of 9 million gallons of water per day for lawns alone. Fortunately there are many alternatives that require significantly less water, labor, and time.
If you’ve gotten tired of the extensive maintenance of your lawn, or are looking for some alternatives for the sake of the environment, there are several other options.
Wildflowers
Wildflowers have become a very popular alternative to your typical grass lawn over recent years. Wildflowers can grow tall and can appear somewhat unruly, so if you prefer a well kempt lawn these may not be the best alternative for you, but we have other options more similar to a grass lawn if that’s your preference. Wildflowers are great for pollinators, and provide food for the natural ecosystem in your area. They are relatively low maintenance and can grow with minimal interference. When planting wildflowers make sure to grow flowers that are native to your area.
Clover lawns
Clover lawns are a great alternative if you’re looking for a low maintenance grass look-alike. They are extremely affordable compared to grass seed and require little to no mowing. Clover can also grow in shady areas if you don’t have full sun. When shopping for clover grass seed make sure you find a type of clover native to your area. Clover grows quickly and easily with minimal interference, although it may need to be reseeded more often than regular grass, every 2-4 years. Clover may not be the best alternative for high traffic lawns as it can be smashed very easily, both damaging the lawn, and resulting stains on your clothes if you’re laying in the clover.
Creeping ground covers
There are several creeping ground covers that make great lawn alternatives and minimal mowing or fertilizing. They are often more durable than clover which is very soft. Creeping thyme, creeping oregano, and creeping jenny are all examples of ground covers that grow easily with minimal interference and do not need to be mowed. They are also good for pollinators. Some of these ground covers will need water in peak heat. Creeping thyme and oregano do better with sunlight, but creeping jenny does well with partial shade if that’s what you have. If you live in a drier climate or don’t want to water your lawn, Carpet sedum is a succulent ground cover that requires very little water, but does well in full sun.
Grass alternatives
If you still want the look of a traditional grass lawn, there are some types of grass that are relatively easy to grow without a massive strain on the environment. The best option is a grass that’s native to your area. However, Kentucky bluegrass and buffalo grass are both low mow, low water, drought resistant lawn options that grow with minimal interference.
Conclusion
Overall the best alternative for your lawn is going to be one that reduces water use and energy use. A lawn that grows with minimal interference is going to be better for the environment. The closer we can get to eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on our lawn, the better off we will be in many ways.
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