Photo courtesy of nrdc.org
You Ask, We Answer: What Are Some Alternatives to a Grass Lawn?
Keep the grass, skip the mowing
First thing’s first: Letting your lawn go completely to seed is not the best strategy when converting your lawn to a no-mow situation. Converting your lawn successfully will require some forethought and professional advice, because a thriving no-mow yard will depend on your personal taste, the climate in Connecticut and your home’s terrain. Getting advice from a professional landscaper who has experience with lawn conversions will help you decide the look you’re going for, and they can recommend best practices for caring for your lawn as it grows.
Spoiler alert: While a lawn that doesn’t need to be mowed may sound infinitely appealing, you’ll still need to be diligent about weeding, as invasive plants like burdock, ragweed and thistle can crowd out your grass and may run you into trouble with your neighbors. They can also land you in hot water with your housing community or local ordinance rules if they’re left to grow out of control. Always check your local rules and ordinances before embarking on re-wilding your yard.
Think outside the box
-Ornamental grasses
-Flower and shrub beds
-Moss
The benefits of going grassless
The goal here isn’t to eradicate grass altogether. Lawns of all shapes, sizes and manicured styles and plantings are part of the beauty of owning a home! But if you’re looking to alleviate some of the burden of lawn care, save money on utility bills from watering your lawn, want more visual interest or want a more sustainable option for your lawn, a no-mow yard may be right for you—and with spring on the horizon, there’s no better time to start daydreaming about making it happen.