Lawns are a relatively high water use component of the landscape. As such they should be treated as a premium product and used where they will provide the most benefit to those using the site for areas of play, relaxation and recreation. For residential purposes, turf is more appropriate for back gardens rather than being used indiscriminately on verges and front gardens.
The use of turf over a whole site can be the result of a lack of imagination or awareness of alternative options.
Large expanses of lawn with shallow perimeter plantings are not an appropriate design response to our drying climate.
Larger spaces can be re-configured into smaller areas with a variety of purposes. Include destination seating or alternative activity spaces.
Open areas can be given more depth with visual reference points and connecting paths, which make the space look larger and more interesting than a uniform expanse of lawn.
Incorporating a variety of hardy plant species
adds interest and biodiversity, as well as reducing water and maintenance requirements, saving clients time and money.
Ground covers
No species can reliably match the recuperative abilities and wear tolerance of turf, but some ground covers which are trafficable and work as a lawn substitute include Phyla nodiflora (Lippia) and Dichondra repens. Dichondra performs better in shade and will not provide much advantage over lawns in terms of watersaving, whereas Lippia is reasonably drought tolerant. A hard wearing, self layering plant growing only to 3mm it requires little to no maintenance. It does have bee attracting flowers in spring which can be mown off if required.
It has naturalized in many parts of Australia and become a weed problem in some areas, but this is not the case in WA.
For non-trafficable areas where a low open effect is required there are a range of ground covers which will survive with little to no water once established.
Paving
Excessive amounts of paving can cause problems with heat build up and stormwater run off. Permeable paving is a more
sustainable option
Design tips
In general minimize the use of turf which is not functional or where it will struggle to survive or be difficult to
maintain.
- Avoid turfing slopes unless absolutely essential.
- Don’t use lawn in small, narrow spaces which are difficult to maintain.
- Avoid lawn in small areas of median strips, parking bays etc. These dry out quickly and are prone to overspray and water wastage.
- Minimise use of lawn on verges. Where possible, avoid lawn that slopes towards roads.
- Avoid turf use for areas which are not functional, use alternative surfaces or drought tolerant ground
covers for open spaces where recreational zones are not required. - Minimise the use of turf for access, instead use paths, decked walkways, open gravel areas with trees or shade structures or trafficable drought tolerant ground covers.
Alternative surfaces
Loose gravels have been in use in landscape design for some time and allow water to penetrate. They are a good solution for paths, open areas and even as mulch as they are non-absorbent and allow water to penetrate readily.
New developments in stabilized gravels are proving very effective as they are proving resilient to traffic and erosion and provide a variety of design options.
Artificial turf
Artificial turf is widely promoted as a water saving alternative to natural turf. It can be useful in situations of low light and heavy wear and is a softer alternative to paving or concrete.
But artificial turf can heat up significantly and is not as pleasant for play and recreation so consider the application carefully depending on the brief and site requirements.