Traditional lawns were once a big part of the American Dream. Today, water restrictions and higher property taxes make that seem less appealing. There are some drawbacks to having a traditional lawn. A lawn can be difficult to maintain, tough to keep alive, and can consume a lot of water. This makes it an expense rather than an attraction. If you’re looking for some traditional lawn alternatives, here’s what else you can choose.
Soil Coverage
Soil coverage is an option for gardeners looking to replace their traditional lawns. It’s a good option If you plan to start gardening with a clean slate. Begin by introducing your landscape to nutrient-rich soil.
Traditional turf wastes resources. Soil coverage can bring new life and new possibilities into the garden. Wildflower mixtures and native plants add color and texture to your non-traditional lawn.
It’s your choice what to plant next!
Sand Coverage
Another traditional lawn alternative is sand. It is another useful material for ground cover and lends itself better to dry climates, though it might not be as nutrient-rich as choosing soil.
Like soil, sand coverage can give you more options than traditional lawns, and some plants flourish when planted in sand.
Other Grass Types For Lawn Alternatives
Traditional lawns use specific grass types, but gardeners should always remember that there are other grass varieties. Savannah grass types, for example, flourish in dry climates and won’t need as much watering – but they can still provide a great look.
Consider planting other grass types if you don’t want the hassle, fuss, or effort of having a traditional lawn with all its drawbacks.
Artificial Lawns
Artificial lawns can be a good option for areas where water conservation is necessary. The lawn stays green all year with zero watering. They might not be the most organic choice, but it’s the option with the least maintenance.
Clover Or Creeping Thyme Lawns
White dwarf clover is a popular eco-friendly alternative to replace a traditional grass lawn. Known for its dark green leaves and small white flowers, it provides a soft mat that resembles a green lawn.
Some benefits of clover include:
- Drought-tolerant – can flourish with little water
- Easy to grow and maintain
- It can grow in full sun or partial shade
- Requires less maintenance than a regular lawn
- Keeps growing wherever you choose to put it
Creeping thyme makes a beautiful replacement for your turf lawn. Purple flowers spread quickly and add color to your yard. This hardy ground cover can tolerate light foot traffic and low water. Both creeping thyme and clover are great options for traditional lawn alternatives.
Gravel or Stone
When used correctly, gravel or stone is great for filtration. It can lead water to and from all the right places in your garden. With the right landscaper on your side, you can create a great garden using stone and gravel elements.
Moss
Moss is one of the world’s most ancient plants. A moss lawn can replace a traditional lawn without all of the maintenance. It can provide great ground coverage in areas where traditional grass is not desired. Moss stays low to the ground and remains only a few inches tall.
Moss thrives on both ground and stone surfaces. It prefers ample shade and moist soil. You can introduce moss easily to a desired area by blending it with water and spreading this mixture. There are different types of mosses that make good lawn alternatives to traditional grass.
A helpful tip: paint the surface with an organic material like yogurt first.
Once you decide which lawn alternatives appeal to you, contact your landscaping professional for help and information to make the idea come to life.
Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.
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Fire Pit Designs Landscaping Services
Imagine the ambiance created in your backyard landscape by a custom fire pit. Nothing is more inviting on a cool spring night or for fall and winter gatherings of family and friends.A fire pit may be used to provide warmth during outdoor entertaining, but also as a heat source for outdoor cooking or simply roasting marshmallows. Our trained custom fire pit installers are experts in turning your vision into reality. More…
Outdoor Living Landscaping Services
Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen offers a professional outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor living room design, building, and installation services with FREE ESTIMATES. More…
Retaining Walls Landscaping Services
Enhance the beauty of your landscape with a retaining wall that is customized to coordinate with your home’s exterior.At Arbor Hills, our retaining wall designer will create a functional retaining wall that is aesthetically pleasing for your personal taste, and within your target budget. With the many materials available today, the retaining wall project you’ve been considering is just a phone call away! More…
Stamped and Colored Concrete
It is time to upgrade or replace some of the hardscape features surrounding your home? Stamped and colored concrete is a beautiful and affordable material. It enhances the color and texture featured on your home’s exterior.Stamped concrete in textures from modern to rustic is available to coordinate with your home’s existing design features. Colored concrete can be blended to match or enhance your home’s exterior color scheme. A designer from Arbor Hills will consider all these existing features at your site visit and when designing your project. More…
Patio Pavers Landscaping Services
Concrete pavers are a great way to improve your landscape and garden. In fact, they are super strong and lend themselves to many hardscaping projects. They rarely crack but if they do, each piece is easily replaceable. More…
Landscape Lighting Designs
Outdoor lighting can be nearly as important to the overall look and feel of your home as the landscaping itself. So you shouldn’t short-change yourself by skimping on quality lighting products. We are a full-service landscape and waterscape company that can solve all of your residential and commercial lighting needs anywhere in Omaha and the surrounding areas. More…
Water Feature Landscaping Designs
Imagine the sight and sound of bubbling water as you relax in your outdoor sanctuary. A water feature can give just the right ambiance to your outdoor retreat. Or, if you are looking for a water feature with traffic-slowing curb appeal, a designer from Arbor Hills will help you choose the water feature that best enhances your home. More…
Sod Installation Services
Whether you have just built your home, cleared agricultural land for your personal use, or simply want to improve the look of your existing yard, having sod installed is a fast way to create the lush, green carpet of grass you want.It offers instant satisfaction rather than weeks of waiting and anticipating whether or not your grass seed is going to grow. Plus, using sod offers a host of other benefits. More…More…
Mulch & Rock Landscaping Services
The concept, to design, to delivery and installation, we have more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our services include delivery, full installation, and mulch and rock cleaning around your beds, trees, and more. More…
Plants & Shrubs Landscaping
Plants and shrubs are the backbones of your landscape, therefore they should be the first things you plant. Proper selection will enhance a home’s appearance and increase property value while reflecting the homeowner’s style and personality. More…
Tree Nursery
Let our trained nursery professionals assist you in selecting the perfect tree or shrub to complete your landscape. We carry a selection that is unmatched in Omaha and the surrounding areas and are willing and eager to explain our favorites. Improved varieties are introduced each year and we always strive to carry the best and newest – varieties more resistant to disease, shade trees better able to withstand storm damage, and ornamentals in unique colors, shapes, and sizes you have to see to believe. More…