If you love having a beautiful backyard, but aren’t a big fan of all of the upkeep that it takes to maintain the lawn, you might be interested in installing a low-maintenance alternative to grass instead. Whether you’re looking for drought-tolerant options or a set-it-and-forget it ground cover, there are plenty of plantings to consider. Today we’ll look at a few of our favorites.
Moss
Moss is perfect for recreating a grass look without all the added maintenance, and it grows especially well in shady areas with acidic soil. Moss won’t need to be fertilized or watered once it’s planted, but it’s not ideal for areas of heavy traffic. So if you’re installing moss in an area that sees a lot of traffic, consider adding a walkway or path made from stone or slate.
Clover
Clover, which is sometimes mislabeled as a weed, smells sweet, is inexpensive, and is super durable. Clover is great for low-water periods, and will maintain its pretty green color even if you don’t water it as frequently as you would water a grass lawn. It doesn’t need to be cut regularly, and it can grow strong and hardy without fertilizer. If you find your clover is attracting bees, just give it an occasional mow.
Dwarf Myrtle
Dwarf myrtle is an evergreen shrub that can handle full sunlight and is drought-tolerant. It’s a perfect choice for places with milder climates and areas that occasionally experience drought. As an added bonus, in the spring and summer months it will bloom with little white flowers.
To ensure the health of your ground cover, choose a plant that’s native to your area and well-suited to the climate. Be sure to check in on your ground cover periodically—even though these are low-maintenance options, they still require a little bit of attention.
Need a hand with your next big landscaping project? Call the experts at VistaPro today to get started!