I live in zone 8 L.R. Arkansas, 2000 sq ft front lawn with 3 tall wild trees. Single older women. Out of the three different lawns below which would take the the least water and maintenance : 1. Bermuda grass and 10% mini clover. (I have now a little burmuda left with bare spots). 2. Fluer de lawn. (Can I rake leaves off this type lawn)? 3. Different drought bushes, ground covers, etc.? I like privacy!!! Habitat build houses on both sides of mine. What bushes could I get for each side of my property. Is there any I wouldn't have to trim with a hedger? If the bush is 5' in diameter would the whole width need to be on my side of the property line? If trimmed, Who trims the neighbors side? I don't think they would. And if it is over 6' you can't hedge trim the top? Do you think a wood fence would be more trouble, painting it, etc. than bushes? Thanks so much for your help, I appreciate your advice. Rayleen
I would encourage you to contact your County Extension Office to inquire on the best lawn alternatives for you region.
They can also make recommendations on plant specifics.
Here is a link to locate the nearest office to you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
Here are several links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/lawn-alternatives-warm-areas.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-gardening-the-cheaper-landscape-alternative.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plants-for-forgetful-gardeners.htm
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/17-low-maintenance-plants-and-dwarf-shrubs-pictures
You may be able to contract a local garden landscape company to do annual maintenance of your plants.
I am new to southern Kansas from North Texas. I hate all the crabgrass that is everywhere because I can't keep it out of my rose and ornamental plant beds. Is there any low or slow growing grass I can plant? I have already killed all the Bermuda and crabgrass that was in my backyard. I have left some white dutch clover which I believe to be beneficial to the lawn and other plants. I just don't want all cover because of the bees that are attracted to it, some are fine but I spend a lot of time outside and don't like bee stings. Can you help with any suggestions? I have been using Preen to keep the crabgrass away until I can find a solution.
I would encourage you to contact you local County Extension Office for information on lawn choices in your specific area.
They are a valuable source of information for home owners.
Here is a link to help you locate your nearest office:
I created a 500 sq ft Dymondia "lawn" subsitute. I planted it one year ago this month. All has been well except lately I am getting some dead spots as well as dead trails. Is this a disease, fungus or something else??
This seems to be a mole or gopher related issue. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/mole-control.htm
Hi there What preparations should I do to the soil prior to laying turf?
Sure, we have an article that will offer you information on preparing for this: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/how-to-lay-an-artificial-lawn.htm
I would like to create a semi: non living and living garden in my front yard.I have a large bed under the front window and would like to extend it with a mixture of ?gravel/rocks/pea gravel ? substances and intermix with plants I have many hostas some hydrangea and rose,daylilly and asian lillies I don't know if i should just kill all the grass? then spread the nonliving material as a walkway and then plant? what I need to know is the steps to begin this project. I live in Cleveland ,Oh area. winter is coming soon and I don,t know if I should get rid of grass now or wait until spring?? please advise thank you!
I would say that removing the lawn when it is dead will be much easier than when it is alive. There are many ways to remove grass. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/is-burning-grass-safe.htm
This article will help you to find substitutes for your lawn: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/non-plant-alternatives-to-lawn-grass.htm
It may also help to lay down landscaping fabric after killing the lawn. This will help keep grass from returning. Then you can lay the pea gravel on the fabric.
This article will offer more information on xeriscape landscapes, which can be utilized with this type of yard: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/a-beginners-lesson-in-xeriscaping.htm
One of the fragrant herb plants would be favourite.
There are quite a few options available to you! These articles will offer many options: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/blue-star-creeper-lawn/blue-star-creeper-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/moss-lawn/how-to-grow-a-moss-lawn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen/high-traffic-lawn-options.htm
I want to replace the grass with something green, ground cover that dogs won't like to dig at and likes full sun.
Sure! Here are some articles that will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/lagen