Lawn Alternatives

Having a lawn that is full of lush, green grass is nice, but it’s a lot of work and can be cumbersome to mow and very expensive to keep watered sufficiently in dry, hot climates. It’s not unheard of to switch to an alternative and if you’re considering making the switch, perhaps one of these options are right for you.

• Artificial (Synthetic) Grass
  Benefits: While there are mixed opinions on artificial grass, the benefits of never needing to water, fertilize, trim or mow with either gas or electric-powered tools that create air pollution are obvious. What’s less obvious is that some manufacturers use recycled materials, and the life expectancy of artificial turf can be upwards of 25 years, making it a less costly alternative to real turf over its life span. Best of all, your lawn will always look great, no gophers, you may have fewer mosquitos and some options look so great, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference.
  Disadvantages: Many are petroleum-based that creates pollution and waste during the manufacturing process. They are not biodegradable, so when they finally wear out, they ultimately wind up in a landfill. Possibly most worrisome is how they absorb heat and can become very hot to the touch in direct sunlight. Pet owners and parents of small children may need to worry about heat on sensitive skin and paws.
• Gravel and Rock – Using gravel or rock in large areas of your lawn creates the perfect negative space to highlight colorful plants. If you plant native varieties in a rock or gravel area, they only need a little water to thrive, making this ideal in hot, dry areas.
• Clover – A clover lawn promotes biodiversity, encourages pollinators and stays green during warmer months when traditional grasses can become scorched. This type of lawn may require the occasional mow.
• Moss – A moss lawn is one of the easiest low-maintenance lawn alternatives that also stays green year-round and does not require mowing, weeding, watering or fertilization. It thrives in a shady location though, so would not be appropriate in direct, heavy sun areas or extremely hot climates.
• Ground Covering Plants – Plants like Creeping Thyme, Buffalograss, Tufted Evening Primrose and Gray Ice Plant are low-water-use groundcovers that are eco-friendly alternatives, and they thrive in hot climates. They aren’t meant for high traffic areas, but like clover, they promote biodiversity and provide food and shelter for insects and pollinators. Not to mention they add pops of color to your yard.

Before you start, consider the scope of what you want to achieve. How much of your lawn do you want to replace? It’s also crucial that you evaluate sun exposure, soil quality and type, rainfall and the shape of the land. Knowing this information will help you correctly choose which alternative lawn is right for you.

An alternative lawn improves curb appeal, which in turn increases home value, so don’t forget to reach out to your AmShield agent to ensure you have the proper coverage and check out AmShield’s homeowners coverage options.