Top Questions About Lawn Substitutes

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Questions About Lawn Substitutes

Asked by
Anonymous on
April 19, 2011

Q. Drought Resistant Lawn Substitute

I live on 7 1/2 acres in Los Angeles. My home is an east coast looking home with an expansive lawn. I’m considering clover because it is drought resistant and needs little fertilizing. I’m having a tough time picturing what five acres of clover would look like and haven’t found any such photos on the Web (acres of clover in front of a home). Might you have some photos to share?

What other drought resistant lawn alternatives (that look close to being lawn) would you suggest? They need to be safe for the local fauna to eat. Of the recommendation you have, how often (and for how long) should they be watered?

Answered by
Nikki on
April 19, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

The following articles should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/plant-alternatives-to-traditional-lawn-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/monkey-grass/monkey-grass-a-spectacular-groundcover-for-the-lawn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/using-lawn-substitutes-for-your-yard.htm

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Asked by
Chantelle on
May 13, 2011

Q. What Nitrogen-Fixer Will Out Compete Grass?

I live in a windy, semi-arid location. I have a big lawn of hardy grass. I want to replace much of it with organic food production. I have dug up areas of grass, planted natives and laid carpet down around them, but the grass keeps growing back. Are there any nitrogen fixing plants which might help me beat back the grass? If not nitrogen fixing, then what other plants might help?

Answered by
Heather on
May 16, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

White clover might work for you. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/white-clover/grow-a-white-clover-lawn.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
May 30, 2011

Q. Lawn Substitute in Alaska

I live in Anchorage, Alaska and have a VERY shady backyard. I was wondering what options there are for a lawn substitute that would do well in the shade and survive through the winter. Do you have any suggestions?

Answered by
Nikki on
May 30, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

Here are some articles that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/using-lawn-substitutes-for-your-yard.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/plant-alternatives-to-traditional-lawn-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/non-plant-alternatives-to-lawn-grass.htm

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Asked by
Anonymous on
July 1, 2011

Q. Dichondra Lawn Substitute

I live in Perth, western Australia and have a very sandy soil. Eighteen months ago, when I planted my Dichondra lawn substitue, I mixed a blend of cow and sheep manure into the soil to give the grass a good start. It worked well, but now my grass looks like it could do with a good feed. Could you please let me know what fertilizer I should apply to it?

Answered by
Nikki on
July 1, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

Generally, most turf grasses are fed at the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turf. Feed dichondra one-half this strength. If choosing manure, opt for composted manure.

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Asked by
Anonymous on
July 21, 2011

Q. Lawn Substitute

Southern California at 400 sq. ft. — there must be more recommendations. I was a landscape contractor for over 20 years and just looking for some suggestions, flowers a must.

Answered by
Heather on
July 21, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

Have you looked at trying chamomile? That is a popular flowering lawn substitute. Here are some suggestions for some others: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/using-lawn-substitutes-for-your-yard.htm

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Asked by
DebNeed11 on
August 25, 2011

Q. I Want to Find a Replacement for a Grass Lawn

I moved into a new home in a new subdivision (June 2011). Grass sod was put down. What I thought would be nice grass has turned out to be weedy and full of crabgrass. I will be speaking to the builder. I’m just wondering if I should take this opportunity to try something different. Since I’m really not fond of grass, is there something I could put in place of the grass that would look like grass but would be very, very slow growing grass or even artificial grass (something like astro turf)?

Answered by
Heather on
August 26, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

There are some nice artificial grasses out there today. You can read a little more about your options with that here: https://extension.colostate.edu/ptlk/1537.html

There are a few option out there for living lawn alternatives. Which you use will depend on what you are looking for and how much traffic your lawn gets. Here are some options: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/using-lawn-substitutes-for-your-yard.htm

There are not many lawn alternatives that have the look and the durability of grass, though. If you are looking for less care, you may want to look at zoysia grass. It is aggressive enough to keep out weeds but grows slowly so does not need to be cut as often as some other grasses.

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Asked by
Anonymous on
November 3, 2011

Q. Lawn Alternatives

I have a yard that is costing a fortune to water. It is now all lawn. What can I do on the cheap to change it over without taking the lawn itself out? Will clover seed takeover the lawn if I plant it in the lawn? It is in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I need possible alternatives that are reasonable and it is a large lawn. I am retired and hope to find ways to maintain the yard with things that don’t cost much to do.

Answered by
Nikki on
November 4, 2011
Certified Expert
A.

The following articles should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/plant-alternatives-to-traditional-lawn-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/monkey-grass/monkey-grass-a-spectacular-groundcover-for-the-lawn.htm https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/white-clover/grow-a-white-clover-lawn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/using-lawn-substitutes-for-your-yard.htm

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