Water-saving Alternatives To A Green Lawn

By Author: Carolyn Clayton
Total Articles: 129
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Lawns are beautiful and traditional, but they are also difficult and expensive. A large lawn can require daily watering and the use of weed killers to maintain its appearance, plus regular mowing. Alternatives can be more environmentally friendly, cheaper, and an all-around better choice for some.

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that cover the ground, as indicated. They come in all different colors and sizes, and some are perennials while others are annuals. Ask your local nursery to recommend one or more that fits your needs, and choose those that need little watering. Native plants often need little watering because they are adapted to the local rainfall.

Clovers are green like grasses, cheap and hardy, though not as tough as a traditional lawn. A small amount of walking and playing on top of them is possible, however. They are great for the soil, and can be turned over into it for regular fertilization, if you so desire. Besides these attributes, the plants don't need mowing, and rarely need watering.

Flower beds are a great visual alternative to lawns. Carefully-selected flowers can be very environmentally ...
... friendly, needing little watering and requiring few or no pesticides. You can choose low-maintenance types, which are appropriate for people who don't want to do a lot with their plants, but enjoy the view.

If you must have grass, consider choosing a native or ornamental type that doesn't need herbicides or frequent watering. Native grasses might not stay green year-round, but they will be considerably better for the environment than a conventional lawn. Ornamental grasses can be a variety of interesting shades, and some have pretty flowers, too.

Consider decreasing the size of your lawn, if you can't part with it altogether. The shape is also important, because efficient watering with a sprinkler system requires that the entire lawn be easily reached, but not overshot by the spray. Try to avoid the use of herbicides and other pesticides, because these can get into the soil and are bad for the environment. Water during the evening or early morning when the ground soaks up more than during the hotter parts of the day.

Use organic fertilizers for all of your plants. It will provide just the boost that they need, without sacrificing the environmental health of your yard and the surrounding areas. You can even make your own compost with a composting bin and your leftovers, if you are so inclined.
For Lawn Care Services try the premier Lawn Care company, LawnsOne Ltd based in the south east.