Some gardeners would like to save themselves time-consuming maintenance work by installing a replacement lawn. However, he must keep in mind that most ground cover and upholstery perennials are only partially resistant to foot traffic. A lawn replacement is therefore primarily suitable as an ornamental lawn.
Which plants are suitable as a sturdy lawn replacement?
Soft lawn replacements include plants such as Roman chamomile, thyme varieties, polei mint, feather pads and star moss. Only step on the replacement lawn carefully and occasionally to avoid unsightly walkways.
Solid ground cover for lawn replacement
The expert differentiates between the plants suitable as lawn replacements between those that are hard-wearing and those that can be walked on. Tread resistance means that the ground cover and upholstery perennials can tolerate frequent, firm foot traffic. Varieties classified as walkable, on the other hand, should only be walked on rarely and carefully, if at all. The hard-wearing varieties include:
- Chamomile, especially Roman chamomile
- All thyme varieties
- Polei mint
- feather pads
- Star moss
Lawn replacement that should only be walked on with caution:
- Hazelroot
- Types of nettle
- Sorrel
Walking streets caused by walking too frequently
If you are planning to plant a replacement lawn, you should keep in mind that even plants that are classified as hard-wearing are much more sensitive than real lawn.
The areas should not be walked on too often, otherwise ugly walkways will form. If the replacement lawn has to be crossed frequently, you should lay stepping stones (€54.00 on Amazon) as a path.
Exceptions include Roman chamomile and star moss. Roman chamomile is said to grow more vigorously the more often it is trodden. With star moss, walking on the area prevents the plants from detaching from the ground and having to be pressed down again.
Do not walk over the grass replacement with bare feet
It is often recommended that you only walk on replacement lawns barefoot. This is very gentle on the plants, but not entirely safe for the feet.
Flowering ground covers in particular are often visited by bees and wasps. Painful stitches in the soles of the feet are often the result.
Only enter a flowering lawn with suitable footwear.
Lawn replacement is particularly useful in small gardens
Basically it can be said that a lawn replacement can only replace an ornamental lawn. Especially for very small properties in areas that are too shady or too sunny, a lawn replacement is an alternative to real lawn.
Tips & Tricks
The carpet verbena “Summer Pearls”, imported from Japan, is one of the few plants for replacement lawns that are characterized by high tread resistance. It can even tolerate occasional soccer games without creating unsightly running paths.
