<h1>Lawn Alternatives</h1>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em">The Pacific Northwest has many spectacular native, hybrid native, and other&nbsp;<a href="http://conserveh2o.org/using-water-efficient-plants" style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #318ca7; text-decoration: underline; padding-top: 0px" title="plants">plants</a>&nbsp;adapted to local climate and soil conditions.&nbsp; Once established, these plants are very low maintenance, require little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on available water.</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em">Depending on your site&rsquo;s growing conditions and how you would like to utilize your landscape, you may want to consider one of the following alternatives to lawn:</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em"><strong style="padding-bottom: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 0px">Alternative Seed Mixes:</strong>&nbsp;Another popular alternative to turf has been the emergence of alternative lawn seed mixes used for areas that traditionally have been dedicated to turf grasses.&nbsp; In general, alternative lawn seed mixes contain low growing, drought tolerant plant varieties that require less mowing and irrigation once established.</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em"><strong style="padding-bottom: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 0px">Groundcovers:</strong>&nbsp;Groundcovers come in a wide variety of textures and colors, and some have interesting features like flowers and berries.&nbsp; Once established, groundcovers typically require much less water than lawns. In fact, some groundcovers can actually be planted in a way that will mimic the appearance of a traditional turf lawn without requiring water, fertilizer and maintenance in general. Many varieties can be walked on or used as foot paths due to their cushion-like feel and durability.</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em"><strong style="padding-bottom: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 0px">Shrubs and Trees:</strong>&nbsp;Shrubs and trees can provide dramatic impact to the way we experience a landscape.&nbsp; Unlike turf, trees can eventually provide shade and protection from the wind.&nbsp; In winter, deciduous trees will allow light to penetrate and help illuminate and warm structures.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em">Shrubs and trees are available in virtually limitless sizes, shapes, textures and colors.&nbsp; Shrubs and trees add structure and definition to a landscape and greatly enhance the habitat opportunities for local wildlife. Once established, they generally require much less water than a lawn, and in some cases, no supplemental irrigation is required after roots are deeply set.</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em"><strong style="padding-bottom: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 0px">Hardscapes:</strong>&nbsp;Hardscapes are a great way to enhance your yard.&nbsp; The use of rocks, concrete and wood for pathways and patios adds texture and areas of interest to your landscape.</p>
<p style="padding-bottom: 0.4em; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #333333; padding-top: 0.4em">Looking for more in-depth information on lawns and lawn alternatives?&nbsp; Download our&nbsp;<a href="/sites/default/files/resources/rwpc_resources/Planting_Maint_Lawn2012.pdf" style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; color: #318ca7; text-decoration: underline; padding-top: 0px">brochure</a>.&nbsp;(PDF)</p>
