Can we talk about grass alternates?

[mrs.jacinthe]

We're *finally* getting around to re-landscaping our yard.  So far, we've got holes dug for our fruit trees (although it's too hot to plant them right now) and mulch down.  LOL  Our original landscape plan didn't call for grass of any kind because we didn't have a dog and we were planning on being a low-water landscape (except the trees for the first few years).  However, Missy has kind of changed all that, as she needs a place to potty.  So now we're looking at low-maintenance, no-mow grasses or grass alternatives.  Regular turf grass requires too much water and artificial grass is too hot for doggie paws and also *barf* at cleaning dog pee and poop off plastic.

SO, recommend your alternatives to turf grass?  I'd prefer <4" tall, no-mow, low water, and resilient under regular dog-potty use.

ETA: My USDA Zone is 9b.  My Sunset Zone is kind of right on the verge between 9 and 7, but I'm going to stick with 9.

[dr.girlfriend]

I'm on my phone so can't link but check out the two recent threads about clover lawns.

[2curlydogs]

Jul 12, 2017 15:44:14 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

I'm on my phone so can't link but check out the two recent threads about clover lawns.

A dog would tear up a clover lawn in a heartbeat. I would not recommend this approach.

I'd look at buffalo grass. It's a deep-rooting grass with low/no mow, minimal watering, is extremely tolerant of abuse, and looks closest to standard "turf grass" than other alternates.

[2curlydogs]

Also, for resources and reading, check out lawnreform.org/

[cmeon]

I'm in 9b/10a on the other coast- very, very sandy soils and our nematode population mean clover doesn't grow well here (it's generally only zoned to 8, temp wise, too). I've seen a few mixed Bahia/Clover lawns a little farther North, but, it just doesn't make it here (obviously YMMV on the other coast).

Sunshine mimosa or perennial peanut might be worth a look- the former is a sturdy FL native that's adorable ("sensitive plant"- touch the leaves and the curl up) with pink puffball flowers, the latter is a non-native, but, is a great plant for improving the soil- and very heat/crappy soil/dry weather (once established) tolerant.

ETA: Both of the plants I mentioned take foot traffic well (though, you'll want stepping stones for high traffic area). They're nitrogen fixers and aggressive enough here to choke out 'weeds'. I would definitely look into natives there, first, though- I bet there's something fun with such a diverse state!