green bee buzz

Welcome to Green Bee Realty's monthly column —Green Bee Buzz. Every month, we deep-dive into a sustainability-related topic, from the built environment to nature. No subject is off-limits as long as it's green!

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august 2024

It's August — as summer winds down, you might be reflecting on the time spent maintaining your lawn. While a lush, green turf lawn can look impressive, its benefits end there.

Traditional turf lawns demand constant care: regular watering, mowing, and spot treatments—especially if you have a dog. For me, as a busy landlord with a dog-friendly space, this upkeep became quite burdensome. I even resorted to using pet-safe green dye to hide the brown patches—let’s keep that between us!

Frustrated with the constant maintenance required to keep my lawn green, I began searching for a better solution. That’s when I discovered a greener alternative that not only requires less upkeep but is also more durable: clover.

Transitioning to a clover lawn—a pollinator-friendly alternative to traditional turf—was an easy choice. Clover needs less watering, infrequent mowing, and handles foot traffic well. Plus, it maintains its vibrant green color better than turf grass, making it a more dog-friendly option.

If you're exploring other alternatives, here are a few options I've researched:

1. Moss: Moss lawns are low-maintenance, requiring no mowing or fertilization, and use less water than traditional lawns. They remain green through winter but are not suited for heavy foot traffic, making them less ideal for families with pets or children.

2. Creeping Thyme: This groundcover plant, which produces small purple flowers, is an eco-friendly choice that seldom needs mowing and enhances soil quality. It can tolerate more foot traffic than moss but is not as durable as clover.

There are many fantastic alternatives to traditional turf lawns that can save you time and water while still looking great. Consider these options the next time your lawn is showing signs of wear. For my part, I’m slowly transitioning my lawn by spreading clover seeds in the brown spots. It’s a gradual process, but it’s a step towards a more eco-friendly and low-maintenance lawn.

Remember, the grass is always greener on the side of the fence with an eco-friendly lawn!💚🐝