A healthy and beautiful lawn is an essential component of a home that people want. The problem, however, is that the perfect lawn requires a lot of care & maintenance and costs money to maintain. Many home owners are searching for grass alternatives for Colorado.
If you live in Colorado, where growing grass can be challenging due to the semi-arid climate and higher elevation, water conservation is always a top priority.
One way to reduce the amount of water your lawn requires is to choose grass alternatives that will save water, be easy to take care of, and look great.
Top grass alternatives Colorado
There are different types of grass alternatives that you can use in place of traditional turf grass on your lawn in Colorado. Here are a few of the most popular and effective ones:
#1. Ground Covers:
Ground covers provide the same aesthetic appeal as grass but require less water and maintenance. Some of the best ground covers for Colorado lawns include:
Creeping Jenny- This ground cover is a fast-spreading perennial that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for areas of your yard that get a lot of foot traffic as it is very tough and can tolerate being trampled on.
Lamium- This is another excellent ground cover for shady areas of your yard, as it does not require a lot of sunlight to prosper. It’s a low-growing plant that produces white or pink flowers.
Sedum- Sedum is a very low-maintenance plant that does well in many different soil types. It creates a lovely, colorful carpet over your lawn, and it can help ease the transition from grass to other types of plants.
Veronica- It’s a drought-tolerant ground cover that can survive in both full sun and partial shade. It produces beautiful blue flowers and can spread quickly, so it’s perfect for covering large areas of your lawn.
Irish Moss- This ground cover is an excellent choice if you want to quickly and easily fill your yard with color. It produces small yellow flowers throughout the summer, and since it grows low to the ground, it’s perfect for areas prone to foot traffic.
Vinca Minor- Vinca Minor is an excellent choice if you want something that requires low maintenance and is fast growing. It works incredibly well in shady areas where regular grass cannot grow properly.
#2. Edible Alternatives:
Another great way to reduce the amount of water your lawn requires is to install an edible landscape. That will save you money on your water bill and groceries and still give you a yard you can be proud of. Some of the best edible plants for a Colorado lawn include:
Fruit Trees- A fruit tree can provide your yard with shade, beauty, and delicious fruits that you can enjoy all summer long. You can also decorate your tree with lights or other holiday decorations to add a festive touch to your yard in the fall and winter.
Vegetables- A vegetable garden is a great way to get fresh, healthy produce right in your backyard. You can grow a wide variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, squash, and beans.
Herbs- Herbs are a perfect addition to any landscape, as they provide a pop of color and can be used to enhance the flavor of your food. They also have numerous health benefits, so you’ll be getting two gifts for the price of one.
#3. Wildflower Alternatives
Wildflowers are a great choice if you’re looking for a colorful and low-maintenance alternative to grass. You can find wildflower seeds at most garden stores, and they’re straightforward to plant. Once they start blooming, you’ll have a beautiful and colorful landscape that requires very little maintenance.
Some of the best wildflowers for a Colorado yard include:
Sunflowers- Sunflowers are easy to grow and have a variety of colors. They also attract beautiful birds, like hummingbirds, to your yard, which can add an extra element of charm.
Poppy Flowers- Poppies are a classic wildflower that adds a pop of color to almost any landscape. They’re easy to grow from seed and can enrich your soil too.
Lavender- Lavender is a versatile plant that looks great in formal and informal landscapes. It can also be used to make delicious, soothing herbal tea.
#4. Rock Gardens:
A rock garden is a perfect way to reduce the amount of water your lawn uses while also providing an attractive and unique landscape. You can use different rocks to create exciting patterns and designs that perfectly complement your home and yard.
If you’ve no idea where to begin, there’re plenty of inspirations for rock gardens around us to help you get started.
So the next time you visit a national park or drive in the countryside, look at how the rocks are used to create beautiful and natural-looking landscapes and imagine how you can imitate the same beauty in your yard.
Grass alternatives Colorado: Final thoughts
No matter what type of lawn alternative you choose for your Colorado yard, you’ll love the results.
With some creativity and a little bit of work, you can create the perfect lawn for your home that saves you money on your water bill.
Related Article: The Best Time of Year to Plant Grass in Colorado