Use Alternatives

Grass is not a good choice for shade, popular paths and steep slopes.

  • A minimum of 4 hours of direct sun is needed even for shade tolerant grasses such as fescues.
  • For any grass to thrive concentrated foot or equipment traffic needs to be spread out. This includes varying mowing paths to distribute mower tire traffic.
  • Managing mowing equipment over steep areas is a hassle and potentially dangerous, alternative cover minimizes risk.

Here are some alternatives for these situations:

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Organic mulches (formerly living material) such as chopped leaves, straw, wood chips and shredded bark.

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Inorganic mulches such as gravel and stones.

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Shade-tolerant perennials, annuals, woodland natives and groundcovers such as Hosta species, impatiens, coleus, salvia, mosses, ferns, trilliums, wild ginger, lily-of-the-valley, sweet
woodruff, and bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum, pictured).

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Sun-loving groundcovers such as wildflowers, junipers, ivies and sedums.

For more options see: Weed Suppressive Groundcovers

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