When you think of a lawn, you probably envision a neat, tidy space of bright green grass at a uniform height. Maybe there are a couple of trees or a little garden, but mostly it’s this empty space. It’s good for activities and get-togethers, but it doesn’t exude much excitement. The reality is that almost every house has the same lawn, and the average homeowner expends tons of energy to keep the lawn “looking good,” in other words, exactly like their neighbor’s lawn.

What if instead you could do something creative with that green space? How about something environmentally friendly that doesn’t rely on pesticides and treatments to flourish? There are plenty of lawn alternatives to the artificial turf style that has become so common.

A Smart Approach To Lawn Maintenance

More property owners are moving away from traditional lawn in favor of using plants that promote biodiversity. Native and indigenous plants will thrive without requiring additional water or chemicals. You won’t need to spend every weekend weeding and otherwise taking care of your lawn, as these plants will grow perfectly well with minimal effort.

For inspiration on how to design a smarter lawn, look to nature. Any understory plants hovering around the base of trees, like ferns, are a good choice. Cost-saving ground covers are becoming more popular as well such as:

• Low-growing evergreens
• Clovers
• Ivy
• Ferns
• Violets
• Creeping Jenny
• Moss
• Mint
• Chamomile

By planting local wildflowers and shrubs, you’ll encourage the return of bees, birds, and butterflies to your property. You’ll also save dozens of gallons of water every week as many of these species are drought-resistant. You may consider adding a rock pathway, mulch, and wood chips to add a bit of variety to the lawn’s look.

Depending on where you live, you may want to take a different approach. For example, some property owners are converting their yard into a space to grow edibles like tomatoes and herbs. You may also want to cover the lawn in tall, native grasses with a simple pathway down the middle for a really wild look.

If you want to learn more about how to create a beautiful, natural lawn, we can help. Soil Advocates Inc. believes in promoting the latest tools in climate change mitigation, urban green spaces, recreation and conservation. We’re at the cutting edge of everything involving sustainability education, research and consulting. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help save money implementing the best solution for your challenges.