Say Goodbye to Lawn with Ground Covers and Mulch

Breaking Up with Tradition

You hear it on the news, you read it in the papers, and that nagging inner voice keeps telling you every time you walk out the front door: “It’s time to break up with that lawn of yours.” But hey, I totally understand the hesitation. Lawns are what we’re used to, and they can be pretty darn appealing. After all, who doesn’t love the lush, green carpet underfoot? But the times, they are a-changin’, my friend.

As a fellow Aberdeen homeowner, I’ve been through this conundrum myself. When I bought my little house, I knew it was time to make some changes to my yard. You see, with the ongoing drought issues in our region and the ever-increasing water rates, keeping that traditional lawn alive and thriving just doesn’t make much sense anymore. So, I decided to take the plunge and say goodbye to the grass for good.

The Cardboard Coup

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But how do I even begin?” Believe me, I was in the same boat. That’s why I turned to the experts at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden for some guidance. They laid out a simple, five-step process that’s easy on the wallet and the environment.

First up, you’ll want to cut your lawn as low as possible. This helps the cardboard do its job more effectively. Next, cover the entire area with a nice thick layer of cardboard. Yep, good old-fashioned cardboard. Don’t worry, it’s not as crazy as it sounds. The cardboard will eventually break down and add some much-needed carbon back into the soil.

Once the cardboard is in place, it’s time to dampen it. This helps hold everything together and prevents the wind from disrupting your hard work. Then, you’ll want to top it all off with 4 to 6 inches of mulch. This smothers the grass and makes it impossible for it to see the light of day.

The final step? Patience. You’ll need to wait until the fall to start planting your new ground covers and other low-water plants. During the spring and summer, your yard might not be as lush and green, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.

Bidding Farewell to the Lawn

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But what about my sprinklers? Do I need to rip those out too?” Nope, not necessarily. As the folks at the Arboretum pointed out, you can actually save a bundle by just decreasing the amount and frequency of watering, based on your new plant choices.

And speaking of plant choices, that’s where the real fun begins. Turfgrass specialist Alec Kowalewski from Oregon State University Extension Service says there are plenty of awesome alternatives to the traditional lawn, like edible or ornamental landscaping, mulch, or low-maintenance groundcovers.

Personally, I’m really excited about incorporating some native plants that will attract all sorts of cool critters to my yard. I’m talking things like the California pipevine, which is not only drought-tolerant but also a host plant for the beautiful pipevine swallowtail butterfly. How cool is that?

A New Front Yard Frontier

As I’m going through this process of transforming my lawn, I can’t help but feel a sense of adventure. Sure, it might not be as green and lush as it once was, but I’m embracing the idea of a “new front yard” – one that’s more sustainable, more wildlife-friendly, and way less thirsty.

And you know what? I’m not the only one taking this leap. Homeowners all over are saying goodbye to their high-maintenance lawns and embracing a more eco-friendly approach. It’s all part of that shift towards climate-ready gardening that the folks at the Arboretum are so passionate about.

So, if you’re ready to join me on this adventure and ditch that traditional lawn for good, just head on over to ABC Home & Renovation. They’ve got all the resources and expertise you need to make the switch to ground covers and mulch. Trust me, your wallet and the planet will thank you.

A Deeper Dive into Ground Covers and Mulch

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Okay, but what exactly are these ground covers and mulch you keep talking about?” Well, let me break it down for you.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are low-growing, spreading plants that can effectively replace a traditional lawn. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they’re super drought-tolerant. Some of my favorites include:

Mulch

Mulch is the key to keeping those ground covers healthy and happy. It helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and adds a touch of visual interest to your landscape. When it comes to mulch, you’ve got a few options:

• Wood Chips: A classic choice that’s widely available and relatively inexpensive.
• Shredded Bark: Adds a more natural, earthy look to your garden.
• Leaf Litter: If you’ve got a lot of trees on your property, you can use the fallen leaves as a free and eco-friendly mulch.

Regardless of the type you choose, the key is to apply a 4 to 6-inch layer to really smother those pesky weeds and grass. And don’t forget to replenish it every year or so to maintain that protective barrier.

The Final Countdown

So, there you have it – your step-by-step guide to saying goodbye to that thirsty lawn and hello to a lush, low-maintenance oasis filled with ground covers and mulch. It might seem like a big task, but trust me, it’s so worth it in the end.

And remember, you don’t have to go it alone. The team at ABC Home & Renovation in Aberdeen is here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s designing the perfect ground cover layout or installing that new mulch layer, they’ve got the expertise to make your lawn-free dream a reality.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start breaking up with that grass and embracing a more sustainable, wildlife-friendly future. Who knows, you might even find that you don’t miss that old lawn one bit. Happy gardening, my friend!