Pros of No-Mow Grass
Now that you know the types of grasses you should use, let’s dig into no-mow grass pros and cons. There are quite a few benefits of having a no-mow lawn, such as:
Beneficial for Wildlife and Insects
Longer grass can provide food and shelter to various types of insects and wildlife, such as newts, frogs, lizards, and birds. All of these living creatures benefit from the shelter of the dense grass.
Plus, allowing the grass to grow along with different types of plants, it can also provide a food source for pollinators and wildlife.
Requires Less Maintenance
Many people are drawn to no-mow lawns because they require much less maintenance. The type of grasses used for the yard are slow-growing, which means you don’t need to cut the grass every week.
In fact, even if you want a shorter manicured yard you can still get away with mowing about once per month. However, as stated before, most no-mow yards are only mowed about twice per year, with some additional maintenance required for pathways.
Save Water
Another pro of no-mow grass is that it saves water. The fescue grass root systems run deep, enabling it to retain moisture more easily, and it establishes quickly.
This water-saving measure can also be beneficial for areas prone to drought conditions because your yard will stay lush and green without having to stick to a consistent watering schedule.
Cons of No-Mow Grass
You should always weigh the pros and cons of no-mow grass. So, let’s discuss a few disadvantages of this type of yard to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Mowing Can Be Difficult
The benefit of no-mow grass is that you only have to cut it a few times per year. However, mowing can be much more difficult because this type of grass is long and dense.
When it is time to mow, you must take your time and remove piles of grass clippings. Remember to ensure your mower blades are sharp and ready to take on this task. If the prospect of mowing no-mow grass is too difficult, consider hiring a local lawn care service to tackle it for you.
Attracts Snakes and Pests
While it’s wonderful to have a no-mow lawn that benefits wildlife and insects, the downside is it can also attract some unwanted guests, such as snakes and other lawn pests. Dense grass can give slithering snakes an easy place to hide, which can be dangerous for you and pets.
It can also attract various types of pests, such as ticks, which may be a nuisance if you spend a lot of time outdoors in your yard.
You Still Need to Maintain Walkways
Although you will not spend as much time on your mower, you will still need to maintain any walkways, flowerbeds, or edges you want to prevent grass from growing. Fescue grass grows dense and can layover into these areas, so you will need to trim it back.
Alternatives to No-Mow Grass
If you’re not sold on no-mow grass, there are alternatives you can use instead. Here are some gorgeous, low-maintenance alternatives that will make your lawn luscious without the labor:
Artificial Grass: If you’re looking for a lawn that will stay green year-round, consider installing artificial grass. There’s a variety of styles to choose from, and it can last up to 25 years. There are pros and cons of artificial grass to consider, but it can be ideal if it suits your circumstances.
Clover Lawn: Opt for clover as an easy alternative to no-mow grass. White clover is beautiful, attracts bees and pollinators, and grows to heights between 2 inches to 8 inches tall.
Moss: An excellent choice to attain a low-maintenance, whimsical-looking lawn. There are many different types of moss to choose from, and it provides a rich green color and has a soft, springy texture.
Creeping Thyme: Rather than going for the green look, why not have gorgeous blooms flowering throughout your yard instead? Creeping thyme is a flowering plant that grows about 2 inches to 3 inches tall and produces beautiful flowers for a lovely-looking lawn while providing a source of food for pollinators.
Wildflower Yard: If you fancy the thought of a lawn full of exquisite wildflowers, this is the perfect option for a no-mow yard. Wildflowers would make an excellent eco-friendly lawn that would benefit wildlife without worrying about mowing the grass.