Eco-Friendly Lawn Alternatives for Homeowners

Ask most homeowners where they put in the most work, and more likely than not, they will say their lawns. The well-manicured lawn has been a longtime symbol of the American dream. Therefore, even the most eco-friendly of families may not be willing to neglect or remove it from their home. Keep reading for some ways that you can start being more eco-friendly when it comes to your home's lawn.

Groundcovers

One of the most common annoyances reported by homeowners is the constant need to mow their lawns. A great substitute to explore if this is your problem is the use of groundcovers. Groundcovers are essentially plants that grow wide but not tall. They can take the place of grass, thus eliminating or reducing the need to mow. The climate you reside in affects the type of groundcovers you choose from. A sunny and bright climate will allow you to utilize the Asian star jasmine or the barberry cotoneaster, to name a few. Drought-tolerant lantana or stonecrop succulents would do just fine in humid growing zones. Those living in a more shady or cloudy area can rest assured that groundcovers such as the sweet woodruff can thrive rather easily.

Artificial Grass

A very popular option for homeowners is the use of artificial grass to replace their lawns partially or entirely. This is quickly becoming a selling point for most homeowners as the millennial generation is now coming into the home market. Even if your buyers are not too concerned about being eco-friendly, they sure will after you show them the maintenance costs and time required to maintain a traditional lawn. There are many benefits of artificial grass if you have concerns about water usage or maintenance. Artificial grass is easy to care for and can give your lawn a perfectly manicured, natural, and always-green look.

Ornamental Native Grasses

Ornamental grasses are often the preferred choice for many eco-friendly homeowners. These plants look dramatic and beautiful, and they're also low-maintenance. Ornamental grasses tend to be very drought-resistant, which means they can last a very long time without the need for water. In addition, ornamental grasses produce clumps of grass that can resemble a traditional green lawn. 

Americans understand the need to conserve energy and other resources. One of the most wasteful uses of water is for the upkeep of home lawns. Check out the suggestions on the list above to start finding new eco-friendly alternatives for your home's lawn.