If your lawn feels more like a chore than a joy, it might be time to rethink the grass altogether. Traditional turf grass demands a lot—regular mowing, watering, fertilizing—and for what? A patch of green that’s often finicky and not always friendly to the environment.
Luckily, a new wave of lawn lovers are swapping out high-maintenance grass for sustainable alternatives that are just as beautiful—if not more so—and much easier on the planet.
Why Switch to Alternative Lawn Grasses?
- Less Water, More Savings: Many alternative grasses and groundcovers are drought-tolerant and need far less irrigation.
- No Mow, No Problem: Say goodbye to constant mowing! Some varieties only grow a few inches tall.
- Pollinator Friendly: Native and flowering groundcovers like white clover help support bees and other pollinators.
- Fewer Chemicals: These low-input options often require no fertilizers or pesticides, which is better for your family and the environment.
Best Lawn Alternatives for Minnesota Yards
- White Clover: A standout choice for Minnesota! It stays green through drought, resists foot traffic, and attracts pollinators with tiny white blooms. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, meaning it actually improves your soil over time.
- Fine Fescue: Great for shady areas, fine fescue grasses are soft, slow-growing, and super low maintenance. They’re also cold-hardy—perfect for our long winters.
- Creeping Thyme: A fragrant, flowering option for sunny yards. It can handle some foot traffic and offers a lovely bloom that pollinators adore.
- Eco-Lawn Mixes: Look for blends made for northern climates that include fescues, clover, and low-growing perennials. These are specifically formulated to be resilient, beautiful, and easy.
Want to start your own alternative lawn?
Stop by Sunnyside Gardens for expert advice and ground cover options that work for your yard—and the planet.
Feeling inspired?
Check out our MN Native Garden Design, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletters for even more Sunnyside.
