If you have no need to maintain a turf area like we discussed in my previous post, and don't want to leave your turfgrass in its un-mowed natural state, you may consider some groundcover alternatives.
If your budget allows, you can remove your existing lawn and convert to a groundcover that can tolerate foot traffic and doesn't require mowing. Examples of these are Dog Tuff Grass and creeping thyme. Dog Tuff Grass is promoted by Plant Select for it's drought tolerance and resistance to dog urine. It is planted via plugs since it only reproduces via runners, not seed, and will grow up to 4" tall if left un-mowed. Some drawbacks to Dog Tuff Grass are that it is a warm season grass (green only about May through September), cannot tolerate shade, and can be damaged if snow sits on it too long in a north facing yard. It also comes apart almost like hay during the winter months, so if your dog rolls around in it, you'll need to brush them off before letting them come back inside. One of my other favorites for a groundcover alternative to turf is creeping thyme. Most years it is evergreen and provides a great bloom display in spring. Thyme will even tolerate part shade but it is not tolerant of dog urine and can only take light foot traffic. Both thyme and Dog Tuff Grass will work with your existing overhead spray irrigation while requiring much less water than Kentucky Bluegrass, though you will need to edge them to keep them maintained.
Another budget benefit for converting a turf area to a no-mow groundcover is that you can leave your spray irrigation system in place.
If you're thinking your space needs more variety than just a groundcover conversion and are hoping to save even more water, follow on to my next blog post on xeriscape conversions.
Contact me today to discuss these and more groundcover options to replace your turf!
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