Alternatives to Grass Lawns: Bright, green grass lawns are largely considered a staple of well-kept yards. And if done well, from correctly sowing grass seed and caring for a lawn sustainably to feeding with a premium product like MOOWY Lawn feed, they can be quite environmentally friendly.
Unfortunately, grassy lawns require enormous amounts of water and fertilizer to keep green and beautiful. In fact, experts estimate that around 50 percent of water used for outdoor household use is wasted from inefficient watering methods. Additionally, fertilizer runoff can be harmful to the surrounding wildlife.
By the team at Angi.com
We all want lush, attractive lawns surrounding our homes. So how do we achieve that while cutting back on water waste and fertilizer usage?
Thankfully, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to the grassy lawn. Native plants, ground covers, and sustainable landscaping materials can all help you reduce the size of your grass lawn or replace it altogether.
Angi.com put together these visuals below on alternatives to grass lawns to help you get inspired by all the eco-friendly and sustainable options available to reduce waste while still cultivating a thriving yard.
3 Sustainable Alternatives to Grass Lawns
1. Native Garden Ideas
Beds of native wildflowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses can bring pops of color, unique shapes, and interesting textures to your yard while also replacing sections of grass. Native plants are well-adapted to the surrounding soil, so they will require less maintenance to keep healthy. You can also pick and choose which flowers are most likely to attract pollinators to support your local environment.
2. Unique Ground Cover Ideas
Ground cover plants grow low to the soil and make attractive lawn replacements. Clover, creeping thyme, and moss are all excellent examples of ground covers that can enrich your soil, are safe for pets, and look lovely around garden paths or trees. Ground covers don’t require any mowing, and often don’t need as much water as grass to maintain.
3. Sustainable Lawn Ideas
Finally, replacing your grass lawn with non-plant materials is a valid option. Sand, pea gravel, and high-quality artificial grass will allow you to cut back on water the most. Plus, with a little planning, you can make creative and eye-catching landscaping designs with these low-cost materials. Recycled mulch is another eco-friendly option that can serve as a bed for flowers or a unique walkway.
With any of these options, you can start to grow a more eco-friendly yard while adding attractive elements to your outdoor space.