Alternative Turf

Resource Tags:

Turf & Weeds 

About the Resource:

Alternative turf options can provide solutions for various lawn challenges, such as drought, low maintenance, or specific aesthetic preferences.

Groundcovers

Creeping Thyme

  • Benefits: Low-growing, aromatic, and drought-tolerant. Forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds.
  • Uses: Ideal for sunny areas with low foot traffic. Excellent for filling gaps between pavers or in rock gardens.
  • Maintenance: Minimal mowing required; occasional trimming may be needed.

Creeping Juniper

  • Benefits: Evergreen groundcover that provides year-round color. Tolerant of drought and poor soil.
  • Uses: Suitable for slopes, erosion control, and as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas.
  • Maintenance: Requires minimal care; prune to maintain shape and control spread.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

  • Benefits: Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Comes in various colors and forms.
  • Uses: Great for sunny areas, rock gardens, and green roofs.
  • Maintenance: Very low; occasional weeding and trimming might be needed.

Low-Maintenance Grasses

Buffalo grass

  • Benefits: Native to North America, drought-tolerant, and requires less mowing and fertilization.
  • Uses: Suitable for lawns, parks, and large landscapes in sunny areas.
  • Maintenance: Minimal; occasional watering and fertilizing as needed.

Bermudagrass

  • Benefits: Warm-season grass that thrives in hot, sunny climates. Drought-resistant and wear-tolerant.
  • Uses: Common in warm climates for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.
  • Maintenance: Regular mowing, occasional fertilization, and irrigation as needed.

Zoysia Grass

  • Benefits: Tolerant of heat, drought, and wear. Forms a dense, carpet-like turf.
  • Uses: Ideal for lawns and high-traffic areas.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular mowing and occasional fertilization; some varieties may have slow spring green-up.

Synthetic Turf

Artificial Grass

  • Benefits: No mowing, watering, or fertilizing required. Durable and ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Uses: Suitable for residential lawns, sports fields, playgrounds, and areas with poor soil conditions.
  • Maintenance: Occasional cleaning to remove debris; may need brushing to maintain appearance.

Native and Ornamental Grasses

Blue Grama Grass

  • Benefits: Native to the Great Plains, drought-tolerant, and provides attractive seed heads.
  • Uses: Ideal for prairie-style landscapes and low-maintenance areas.
  • Maintenance: Minimal; occasional mowing to remove seed heads.

Little Bluestem

  • Benefits: Ornamental grass with striking color and texture. Tolerant of drought and poor soils.
  • Uses: Suitable for naturalized gardens and prairie-style landscapes.
  • Maintenance: Low; cut back in late winter or early spring.

Shade Tolerant Options

Irish Moss:

  • Benefits: Forms a dense, green carpet that thrives in shaded areas. Soft underfoot and low-growing.
  • Uses: Ideal for shady, low-traffic areas and between stepping stones.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular watering; occasional weeding and trimming.

Pachysandra

  • Benefits: Evergreen groundcover that thrives in shade. Tolerant of poor soil conditions.
  • Uses: Perfect for shaded garden beds and as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas.
  • Maintenance: Minimal; occasional pruning to control spread.

Edible Alternatives

Clover (White Clover)

  • Benefits: Fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for additional fertilizers. Tolerant of drought and low-growing.
  • Uses: Can be used in lawns and as a cover crop in garden beds.
  • Maintenance: Requires minimal mowing; may need occasional overseeding to maintain coverage.

Herb Lawns

  • Benefits: A mix of low-growing herbs like thyme, chamomile, and oregano. Provides fragrance and can be used in cooking.
  • Uses: Ideal for sunny areas and edible landscapes.
  • Maintenance: Regular trimming to keep plants neat; occasional watering and weeding.

Considerations for Choosing Alternative Turf

  1. Climate and Soil Conditions
    • Match Plants to Conditions: Choose alternatives that are suited to your local climate and soil type to ensure successful growth and minimal maintenance.
  2. Usage and Traffic
    • Determine Traffic Tolerance: Select alternatives based on the level of foot traffic and use in the area. Some options are better suited for low-traffic areas.
  3. Maintenance Needs
    • Assess Time and Effort: Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintenance when selecting alternative turf options.
  4. Aesthetic Preferences
    • Design and Appearance: Choose options that complement your landscape design and meet your aesthetic preferences.