By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener, SCMG
How would you feel if you didn’t have to spend your weekend mowing your lawn? I suggest it is possible to look out on a lush green yard without the time and energy spent on delivering grassy perfection.
In order to achieve a golf course lawn we find ourselves spending the weekend aerating, de-thatching, watering, fertilizing, mowing, weeding, the list goes on. Our lawns have become more product than plant. Besides your time and money there are other serious downsides to maintaining a green lawn. Wasteful water consumption, overuse of pesticides that are more of a problem to human health than pollen ever thought of being, and the increase in air pollution that results from gasoline lawn mowers to name a few. The downside of pursuing a lush green lawn that irks me the most is the negative impact it has on our ecosystem. Turf grass provides no habitat for pollinators or animals, except maybe cinch bugs, aphids and cutworms. The run off of pesticides into our water and the risk this poses to fish and humans is serious.
I am not suggesting getting rid of all your grass; just suggesting that you consider alternatives in some areas that would allow a more sustainable approach to the water guzzling, chemical-hungry turf grass.
There are many easy, low maintenance alternatives to grass that the homeowner may want to consider. Perhaps your sunny front yard might be transformed into a gorgeous display of ornamental grasses. Many are drought resistant and they do not require mowing. If you need to walk on the space, then choices like creeping thyme or Dutch clover would make an excellent choice. Both are drought tolerant, do not need mowing and are naturally pest resistant. If you have a shady area and are struggling with a patchy lawn, then you might consider replacing your grass with moss. There are dozens of mosses to choose from and while not as hardy as turf grass it can withstand limited foot traffic. Or go for sweet woodruff, a low growing herb with a pleasant scent and small white flowers, another weed resistant, no mow or water alternative. If you have poor soil then I would offer that replacing your grass with Snow in Summer with its silvery grey foliage might be a good idea. Clover is another good choice for poor soil as it spreads quicky, is inexpensive, and needs little to no watering or mowing. And clover will actually improve your soil with its nitrogen fixing properties. If you have a slope that proves challenging to mow, you might want to think about establishing a wildflower meadow or a stand of chamomile. This herb can survive the toughest of dry spells, has a nice aroma and can be planted in direct or partial sun. Just be aware that some varieties are toxic to animals, so choose safe varieties if you own a dog.
Being mindful of the impact “lawning” has on Mother Nature might inspire you to replace some grass areas with ecologically friendly alternatives. The wildlife will thank you and you can reclaim some weekend leisure time in the bargain!
