No Mow Lawns

Mowing is hard, dirty work. Especially in the heat of summer. But there are ways to lower the number of times you have to mow your lawn, or even to eliminate the need to mow altogether. Mowing is impossible for some people due to age, health issues or disabilities. These helpful hints are available for those who can't mow, don't want to mow, or who prefer a more ecological alternative to a traditional lawn.

If you like soft, green grass, but want to lower the number of times you mow, consider planting hard fescue. Use it for large areas of lawn, shady places or acreage. There are two forms of this particular grass. The type that clumps and the type used in seed mixes for lawns. The blades of this grass are narrower than the grasses traditionally used in landscaping. Once it is established, you can mow it occasionally or just let it grow freely. The lawn variety of hard fescue is actually quite soft.

It's hard to find a no mow species that will grow in the southern regions of the United States. That's because most of the grass seeds used in the slow growing turf mixes are found naturally in the cooler North and Midwest states. If you live in the south, look for grass mixes containing Alpine fescue.

Try planting a flowering lawn. This is a great alternative to a traditional lawn if you have hills, terracing, or any other type of landscape that makes it difficult to maneuver a lawn mower around. Look on line or call your county extension agent to find what types of flowers naturally thrive in your area. Next, decide if you want to buy perennial or annual mixes. Perennial mixes won't bloom the first year they are planted. But they don't need to be replanted year after year. Annuals are bursting with blooms the first year, but need to be replanted each year.

Minimize the amount of lawn you actually have to mow by adding ground cover under trees and around the edges of your lawn. There are many beautiful and hardy ground cover plants to choose from. This low maintenance alternative to grass add color and texture to you landscaping. Because most ground covers area creeping or clumping, it may take some time for it to fill in. You'll have to weed diligently for a while. Once established, however, ground covers choke out the weeds and your work is done.

Feeling eco-friendly? The only way to be sure you never have to the lawn again is to get rid of the lawn. Plant vegetable and flower gardens. Add stone walls and paths and raised beds. Have your own mini-field of native wildflowers. This trend is suburban farming is gaining in popularity. Just type "turn lawns to gardens" into your search box and you'll find a mega-list of websites,blogs, and books to help you get started on you own lawn-to-garden venture.