[NB_Res]

We live in a neighbourhood where having a front lawn is pretty well mandatory. However, we were wondering if there was a "green" low maintenance alternative to traditional sod or grass seed that will reasonably satisfy the neigbours.

Also... has anyone heard of a grass/grass-like alternative to asphalt or paving stones for a driveway?

Thanks.

Brian.

[Olive Branch]

There are a number of products out there intended for driveways or drivable areas. I believe one product might be called turf drive or something like that. The may not be intended for everyday use though.

[dan deutekom]

Try this link for some ideas STEPABLES.COM - Plants that tolerate foot traffic

[cklandscapingorlando]

I dont think you'll ever get synthetic turf past the hoa.You could try Dwarf mondo grass,babys tears,carpet bugleweed,juniper,lambs ears,aztec grass, or any number of ground covers

[NCSULandscaper]

i was also going to say dwarf mondo, and speaking of the synthetic turf and HOAs, read this article

Fake grass causing neighborhood flap :: WRAL.com

[Mau]

I've used Carex praegracilis in small 400 sq. ft. areas here in So. Cal. I found it to be a good alternative to the normal fescues used here.

And I think what Olive Branch was referring to was Turfstone.

[landscaeproblemsolvr]

How big of an area are you trying to replace?

Remember, turf is probably your easiest and least expensive thing to care for.

Any newly installed plants, either drought tolerant or not will require a descent amount of your time to water and weed to simply get them established. This means, depending on what time of the year they're planted and the temperature, you may need to water each plant 3 times per week for the first month and then monitor weekly for the first year.

When you open up a lot of soil to sunlight by removing turf, you'll experience a lot of new weed growth that will need to be dealt with. Add water to the equation for your new plants and you'll see even more.

Do your homework, select the right plant and have a plan ready before you tackle this project. Even consult a local professional, they will have some good advice to help get you started and moving in the right direction.

What you don't want a year down the road is a front lawn of dead plants and thriving weeds

Good luck.

Todd

[agla]

Why do you want an alternative? Is it for environmental reasons? or maintenance? or what?

This will help you or anyone else in offering up an alternative that matches the function.

[henry777]

You could always use a ground cover crop?

[LabourofLove]

Zone 3 where? Lots of snow cover or just really plenty cold & windy? Does it need to tolerate serious foot traffic or is it just to look at?