Why are we so enthralled with turfgrass? Is there a scientific law that states lawns must dominate a landscape plan or have we been indoctrinated by a billion dollar a year turf industry? Whatever the reason, maintaining vast areas of this monoculture is one of the most environmentally destructive, time consuming and costly horticultural practices that we perform. Click here for more details of turf’s destructive nature.
If we are to help restore and maintain essential elements of our ecosystem, we have to re-evaluate the extensive
use of turf. The ideal eco-landscape plan for a large rural lot would replace expansive areas of turf with groves of native trees, plantings of native shrubs, wildflower meadows, ponds and pathways. As with any major landscape modification, this overall plan could be broken down into smaller projects to fit any budget. Why not start by replacing part of the turf area with a wildflower meadow!
Meadows are a natural component of our ecosystem, providing essential
habitat for native flora and fauna. Reputable seed mixes contain a variety
of native perennial wildflowers and grasses that are adapted to our 
soil and climate conditions, thus eliminating the need for supplemental irrigation and fertilizer applications. Unlike monocultures, exotics and cultivars, native plants are quite pest resistant. No pesticides required here! Once established, this area simply needs to be cut back once a year. Wildflower meadows are not particularly suited for properties of less than an acre. For information on eco-landscapes for small properties, check out Go Natural.
Maintaining a portion of your property in a low growing ground cover may be deemed necessary to serve as a play area for children, as a seating area for entertaining or as a transition zone. Consider overseeding these turf areas with clover. Although it is a monoculture, it is an ecologically sound alternative to turf. Depending on the desired effect, you may find that mowing isn’t necessary. At the very least, it will certainly reduce the number of cuts per season. Clover withstands heavy foot traffic, is drought tolerant, competes well with typical lawn weeds and is pest resistant.
Initiating a turf reduction project on your property will help restore biodiversity, increase wildlife habitat, reduce air, water and soil pollution and conserve our water resources.
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