Who doesn’t love a manicured, lush green lawn in summer? Water, fertilizer, and constant mowing are the most considerable requirements for a prize-winning lawn. Imagine planting grass that hardly requires mowing but gives the same results.
Types of grass that hardly require mowing are Black Mondo Grass, Kyoto Dwarf Grass, Buffalo Grass, Centipede Grass, and Seashore Paspalum. These types of grass are all slower growing in nature and are considered a dwarf variety or a ground cover. They are hardy and easy to maintain.
Not needing to mow the grass constantly will give you more time and money to spend on other landscaping projects to beautify your garden. Let's look at these time-saving grass varieties and learn more about them:
Grass that Does not Require Mowing
Mowing your lawn can take quite a lot of time, and it is not for everyone. You might need more time to keep the lawn looking great, or you might not have the energy and want grass that doesn’t require mowing. There are a few grass alternatives that do not require mowing.
Grass that does not require mowing is excellent because it grows very slowly or reaches its max height short enough not to mow.
Here are a few alternatives for grass that don’t require mowing:
1. Mondo Grass
Two types of Mondo Grass are suitable for no-mowing to happen. These two are Kyoto Dwarf Grass and Black Mondo Grass. Black Mondo Grass can grow six inches or less since it is a slow-growing grass. Its appearance is purplish-black and dense.
If you would like shorter grass, Kyoto Dwarf Grass is your best choice. It grows to around three or four inches high and is drought resistant. This species of grass that curved, thin, ribbon-like leaves that help make a solid-looking lawn.
They are used as mostly ground covers. They can also make tiny flowers on small stems in summer. This plant also grows well in any soil and light condition. It is a beautiful and outstanding landscaping tool with many uses.
2. Buffalo Grass
Found in North America Plains, this is the perfect drought-resistant and slow-growing grass. The grass can grow to four inches tall when given minimal water. When given more water, the grass can grow to six inches tall.
This grass makes a green-grey-colored lawn that can usually be mowed at the end of winter to remove any dead, brown grass. It is rougher than some lawns and has a short, broad leaf. It is well known for its lengthened growth process, so many people choose it.
Not only does it grow the perfect length, but it is also a tremendous slow-growing grass. It is more a warm-season lawn but can withstand the cold much better than most warm-season grass.
3. Centipede Grass
Centipede Grass is the color of a green apple and has a slow growth rate. It is called the lazy mans grass and forms a dense lawn. When this grass is not mowed, it can reach anywhere between four and six inches in height.
This grass remains green all year round when put in a climate that gives off at least six hours of sun, which is a fantastic feature. It does not take too well to a lot of movement but is low maintenance. This grass has unique features since it has heat tolerance and low maintenance needs. This type of grass hardly requires attention, unlike other grass in its growing zone. This benefits you by not having to worry a lot about mowing your lawn.
4. Seashore Paspalum
This grass is salt tolerant and grows well in ditches and other places where height isn’t a problem. It can grow up to twenty inches and has a deep-rooted system. This grass has no problem with lots of foot traffic and will recover fast.
It is a light color and does require a lot of fertilizer and water to grow well. This lawn only requires a little attention and creates a dense lawn.
Alternatives to No-Mow Grass
Mowing your lawn every few weeks can get a bit much, especially if you’re very busy. Some people may enjoy it, but others don’t. It causes a mess you must clean up after and can be time-consuming. Here are several no-mow grass alternatives:
1. Hard Fescue And Hybrid Fescue
You’ll only have to mow the lawn once or twice a year when planting hard fescue or specific fine fescue mixes. Fine fescue is a popular cool-season grass requiring little to no mowing. They grow very well in shade and dry areas.
2. Zoysia Tenuifolia
Zoysia tenuifolia grass is a warm-season grass and can tolerate drought, and requires only two mowings a year. Its bright green color has fine blades, making it the best choice for golf courses and southern lawns.
Regular Zoysia requires weekly mowing, but because Zoysia tenuifolia grows slowly, it requires little maintenance.
3. Ground Cover
Ground cover goes with flowers and striking evergreens. It is a beautiful no-mow way to fill areas with no grass and keep your lawn healthy for a long time. Ground covers can grow on many lawns. It can grow there, whether it is in rain gardens, rock gardens, under trees, or around hardscape features.
4. Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is very tidy and always looks green. It is the perfect grass for children to play on and can handle any climate in the U.S. It also protects the environment from fertilizer chemicals used on lawns. (Related article: Can You Lay Sod Over Existing Grass?)
5. Wildflower Meadow
With Wildflower Meadow, you can forget about mowing and enjoy the bees and butterflies around your garden. These flowers are very colorful and will turn your lawn into a eco-friendly colorful garden.
It will save you money on fertilizer, water, and pesticide. Your garden can grow naturally without any chemicals. You will have to mow it once in the fall to ensure the seed heads fall, and you will have to water it when there is a dry spell.
If you are a butterfly lover, here are the best wildflowers for them:
No-Mow Grass Pros and Cons
The main pro of no-mow grass is that it reduces the need to mow it. There are a few pros and cons, such as:
Pros:
Cons:
Final Thoughts
If you aren’t the type of person to have the time for mowing or the want of it but still want a pretty garden, there are many choices. No-mow grass is perfect for everyone and takes little to no maintenance.
