While having a lush, green lawn or colorful flower garden is a great way to make your house stand out, keeping up with the maintenance can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive job. It’s for this reason that many homeowners are replacing their lawns with grass substitutes.
Here are some of the best grass alternatives on the market.
Synthetic Grass
Commonly referred to as artificial turf, synthetic grass makes for the perfect alternative to a grass lawn. Not only does synthetic grass look like the real thing, but it also comes in a variety of different materials such as nylon and polyethylene. Some facets to consider when using synthetic grass is the amount of wear and tear that the material will be subjected to and also its appearance.
For instance, if you are going for a look that most closely resembles real grass, you will want to use polyethylene because of its vivacious color.
However, if you need a synthetic grass that will stand up to heavy wear, then you will want to look into using nylon grass, as it is more rugged and durable. If you are unsure as to which type will fit your needs, a good landscape designer will be able to help you determine what style is right for you.
Mulch
Many people think of mulch as shredded wood material that’s used in flower beds and gardens. And while this is the case, mulch also makes for a great alternative to a standard grass lawn. One of the benefits of using mulch instead of grass is that it’s eco-friendly. In fact, much of the mulch that’s produced these days isn’t even wood, but rather it’s made from recycled materials like rubber and plastic. This means that it is very durable and will last for years to come, so you won’t have to worry about maintaining the mulch each season.
Gravel and Stones
One of the most flexible alternatives to real grass is the use of gravel or stones. There is a vast array of colors and textures that are available when considering gravel. This allows homeowners the ability to easily customize their application. Unlike grass, which attracts bugs and critters of all sorts, gravel actually prevents pests from invading your space.
Clover
If you are seeking an alternative to your grass lawn but want a thriving ecosystem near your home, clover may be your best bet. Clover is a very inexpensive substitute for grass, yet similar to real grass. It can grow in almost any type of soil and will stay a brilliant green color throughout the summer months.
Best of all, clover grows at a slow rate and only reaches a height of 2-8 inches. That means only minimal trimming is required to keep it looking good. Great news for people who hate mowing the lawn.
Moss
New Jersey may be known as the Garden State, but it’s definitely not the sunshine state. Real grass, while attractive in the summer, can become a discolored, patchy mess without enough sunlight.
If this is a concern for your lawn, you may want to consider planting moss instead. Not only does moss flourish in areas with minimal sunlight, but it will also grow in nearly any quality of soil.
On top of its ability to grow almost anywhere, moss goes well with other plant life such as flowers and shrubs. Moss will need adequate amounts of water to grow and thrive. If you’re willing to do some watering occasionally (and still no mowing), this can be a great natural alternative to grass. In fact, unlike regular grass, moss will stay green even in winter if it’s kept moist!
In Summary
It is no secret that many homeowners have trouble with the upkeep and physical labor that is required to maintain a grass lawn. That’s why grass alternatives are rising in popularity. There are a variety of different materials, both synthetic and natural, that can be used in place of a grass lawn. If you’re looking for a synthetic alternative to grass, then you will want to consider artificial turf or rubber mulch. Due to the makeup of these materials, they will withstand the elements, while maintaining a nice appearance for years to come.
If you would like to avoid synthetic material, but you still would like something that is maintenance-free, then you should consider using rocks or gravel. Not only is gravel a natural commodity, it is also perfect for keeping pests such as insects and rodents at bay.
There are also living plants that can work well in replacing grass lawns, like moss or clover, and these too need very little to no maintenance.
If you’re searching for a substitute for a standard lawn, keep these grass alternatives in mind.
