Alternatives to Problematic Turf

A turfgrass lawn is attractive and benefits the landscape by reducing runoff, but there some some areas where it simply won't grow. Perhaps a part of your lawn is too shady, or receives too much foot traffic. Maybe you're just tired of all the mowing. There are alternatives to turfgrass, like shade-loving groundcovers, mulched beds, and even permeable paving.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Do I Really Need All That Lawn?

UF/IFAS Publications

• Sustainable Landscape Materials: Aggregates and Precast Pavers and Blocks (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Asiatic Jasmine
• Bromeliads as Ground Covers
• Fabulous Ferns
• Ground Covers
• Ground Covers for Shade
• Mulch
• Ornamental Grasses
• Patio Planning
• Perennial Peanut

Other Sites

• Alternatives to Turfgrass Lawns--Ithaca (NY) College
• Backyard Living 101: What is Permeable Paving?--Examiner.com
• Permeable Pavement--Toolbase Services
• Permeable Paving--Sierra Club Green Home
• Reducing the Lawn: Meadows and Other Lawn Alternatives--Audubon.org (PDF)
• Turfgrass Madness: Reasons to Reduce the Turfgrass in Your Landscape--University of Delaware Cooperative Extension (PDF)