What are the alternatives to a grass lawn?
Well, I say grass lawn, but in fact a frequent complaint that new design clients have is that they already have an alternative to turf – moss!
However, this article is looking at all the possible alternatives to a grass lawn, real plants, hard landscaping and more.
The beauty of a turf lawn has been admired for centuries, but really came into its own with the invention of the mechanical lawn mower in the 19th century. Also known as the push lawn mower or hand lawn mower, it enabled many more homeowners to enjoy a green sward. It was a revelation to the gardeners on the large estates too. Previously they had used a scythe, hand shears or even sheep to keep the grass neatly trimmed.
What I intend to consider here is why you might not want a grass lawn and look at some of options available.
Why Would You Want to Get Rid of Your Turf Lawn?
Firstly, there is the argument that lawns are not environmentally friendly. That they are a monoculture kept evergreen with chemicals and precious water.
If this is one of your main reasons for not wanting a lawn, you’ll be heading down the route of alternative planting.
Secondly, it could be time factor. You may resent the time spent mowing your lawn and trimming the edges; making sure you’ve composted the lawn cuttings with twigs so they don’t go slimy; sweeping leaves off every autumn. Not forgetting the spiking and scarifying in spring. And…you could get someone in to do these chores for you, of course.
When it’s a time or resentment issue and there’s no-one else to care for the lawn (paid or unpaid) you may think an artificial surface is the answer. It might be.
Thirdly might be lack of space and too many demands on the lawn surface.
Fourthly could be that the area is not a terribly good one in which to grow a grass lawn. A damp, shady area doesn’t suit the sun loving grasses that are common in a British lawn seed mix.
Hard Landscaping Alternatives to a Grass Lawn
The last two options should be laid on a permeable or semi-permeable base. Decking requires weed suppressant membrane. Only patio paving is laid on an impermeable concrete base. If you were to choose a brick patio rather than slabs or pavers, then this does not need to be laid on concrete. The edging of some of these options is best set in concrete for stability.
- Patio
Re-using pavers is possible with some stone, for example, York stone - Decking
See Different types of Decking blog - Artificial Grass.
It is now possible to buy artificial turf made of recycled plastics. - Decorative Aggregates.
Some of these are waste materials, for example slate chippings, which would otherwise go into landfill
But I would always recommend increasing the rest of the planting when some of the lawn is replaced with hard landscaping. You could potentially increase the biodiversity of your garden as well as making it easier to maintain. And you reduce the risk of flooding in both your own and neighbouring gardens when there are plenty of plants to soak up heavy rainfall.
Planting Alternatives to a Turf Lawn
This does not have to mean more maintenance. It is a common misconception that a mixed herbaceous and shrub border requires more tending than a lawn. With carefully chosen plants, you’ll find that the time spent on basic gardening chores is less than with a lawn.
- Groundcover plants
Including some that have thug like tendencies. Research is important! - Herb lawns
Non flowering chamomile is a favourite for sunny spots. - Wild Flower Meadows
Do you need a path to walk through the meadow? - Moss
This can be a positive choice; think Japanese gardens - Flower and Shrub Borders
So much choice! With brick paths in between scented and evergreen borders you might not notice the lack of lawn at all. - Orchards
You could have grass between the trees, but you don’t have to - Herb Garden
Culinary, medicinal, or just for pleasure
Not all of the above are alternatives to a lawn in the sense of retaining the open space. Whilst herb lawns, ground cover plants and moss give you visual space, they’re not really suitable surfaces for playing football on. Light footfall is the accepted term for their usage.
Other Alternatives to a Grass Lawn
These may or may not have plants. If you do have a particularly wet area, then giving up on a lawn and going with the natural inclination of the land makes sense.
- Ponds
Formal or informal; fish or no fish; lots of choice - Bog Gardens
These can be developed in conjunction with a pond to increase the range of plants you grow. You may prefer this solution to a pond if you have small children and are concerned about the safety aspect of ponds. - Rain Gardens
More commonly used as a flood easement measure in public areas, they would work in certain domestic settings too.
Garden Lawn Alternatives – a Few Thoughts
Increasing the size of the borders surrounding the new artificial surface might actually increase the overall biodiversity of your garden. For example, the larger borders could be planted with a range of pollinator friendly flowers. Have a good mix of shrubs and herbaceous perennials to keep the maintenance easy and provide year-round interest.
Artificial lawns can get hot underfoot in the summer, as can paving. Think about whether you’re a barefoot-in-the-garden family.
Whether you decide on paving, decking, pond, mini orchard, herb garden or an enticing mixture of all of these, it’s unlikely to be a quick fix. Consider the relative maintenance requirements. Compare initial outlay budget and ongoing care budget between your favourite options to a real lawn.
Perhaps thinking of planting combined with paths leading to open areas for seating and play is a better idea for many. For example, retain the patio you already have; use recycled rubber tyres as a path and under a trampoline; increase the size of the borders and planting. Lay a herb lawn for a quiet seating area for adults. No turf lawn in sight…
You may want to consider whether it will affect the re-sale value of your home. This is more important if you’re planning to move fairly soon. A lack of grass lawn could be both a positive and a negative. Depending on what you’ve done, who you’re selling to and whether the lawn was an asset in the first place.
And finally..
Now, that’s given us a lot of alternatives to a grass lawn to think about! Far too many to discuss in detail in one article, which is why it’s a topic I will be returning to in the future. But hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas to start thinking about which lawn alternative might suit your situation. And if you’d like to talk about that, do please get in touch.
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