Buzz
Despite the obvious downsides, Americans remain deeply attached to their lawns. Many of us know that lawns are resource-intensive: they serve little practical purpose, consume vast amounts of water, promote the use of harmful chemicals, and demand constant upkeep that eats into our leisure time. Surprisingly, there are more lawns than cornfields in the U.S., even though maintaining a vibrant lawn is no small feat and demands significant effort.
The smartest move for your lawn is to remove it entirely and replace it with something more sustainable and eco-friendly. However, if you’re determined to keep your lawn despite its drawbacks (perhaps you find joy in spending countless hours mowing?), there’s one way to mitigate the impact: choose the right type of grass—ideally, the least harmful option for your climate and lifestyle.
Selecting the appropriate grass can reduce maintenance demands
To achieve the least harmful lawn, focus on reducing its resource consumption. The primary concern should be water usage: Americans use a staggering 9 billion gallons of water daily for landscape irrigation every single day, even as many regions face water shortages. Therefore, the best grass choice is one that requires minimal water and is drought-resistant.
Additionally, lawns consume a massive amount of pesticides—approximately 70 million pounds annually. These chemicals seep into the soil and groundwater, with many linked to severe health issues. Thus, your ideal grass should thrive without heavy reliance on pesticides.
Fortunately, there are several low-water, low-maintenance grass options suitable for various climates.
The top (least harmful) grass varieties for your lawn
Zoysia Grass. A versatile option, Zoysia grass is both drought- and pest-resistant, grows slowly to minimize mowing, and withstands heavy foot traffic. It’s incredibly resilient, making it ideal for both the eco-conscious and those seeking low-effort lawns. It thrives in warm climates, specifically USDA zones 6-11.
Red Fescue. Perfect for low-maintenance lawns, Red Fescue requires little mowing or care and forms a dense, lush carpet naturally. This cool-weather grass excels in Zones 1-7 and doesn’t need irrigation if annual rainfall exceeds 18-20 inches.
Buffalo Grass. Native to North America, Buffalo Grass is hardy and water-efficient, needing only about an inch of water monthly. It can be left long for a soft texture or trimmed for a traditional look. It grows well in Zones 3-9. The UC Verde variety, developed at the University of California, is even more water-efficient. However, it may require extra care to prevent weed growth.
St. Augustine Grass. This shade- and heat-tolerant grass (Zones 8-10) is perfect if you’ve shielded your yard from harsh sunlight. It’s also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal areas. Propagation is done via pods or plugs, as seeds aren’t available. While it needs ample watering initially, it becomes low-water once established. However, it attracts pests, which may increase pesticide use.
Centipedegrass. Though not the most water-efficient, Centipedegrass is highly pest-resistant, reducing the need for pesticides. It grows easily in Zones 7-9 and is famously low-maintenance, earning its nickname as the “lazy man’s grass.”
If you’re deeply attached to your lawn despite its drawbacks, opt for a grass variety that minimizes harm to both your peace of mind and the environment. These five grass types are excellent options for maintaining a lawn responsibly.
