No-Mow Grasses

Buffalograss

• Buffalograss is a native American slow-growing grass that reaches a height of around 6 inches. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, including clay, but doesn't grow well in very sandy soil. It tolerates high temperatures and temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, Buffalograss doesn't need any fertilizer and requires very little water once established. In California, some varieties of buffalograss use 40 to 80 percent less water than the Bermuda grasses and fescues commonly planted there. Buffalograss has no known disease or insect problems, and it can be grown in the eastern two-thirds of the United States and in California. It doesn't do well in very shady areas or where there's a lot of foot traffic.

Fine Fescues

• Fine fescues like red, Chewings or hard fescue are low-growing grasses that reach a height of 4 to 6 inches. No-mow fescues are usually a blend of several slow growing varieties. Fine fescues grow well in shade and poor soil and don't need much water once they're established. They can be grown in the northern third of the United States and in southern Canada. Fine fescues are cool season grasses and may turn brown if the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparation

• Before replacing your lawn with a slow-growing grass, you need to remove all of the existing grass. The easiest way to do this is to rent a sodcutter. Some horticulturists recommend that you don't till because it will bring weed seeds up to the surface. Other horticulturists recommend tilling and watering your lawn area several times prior to planting to encourage weed growth, because it's easier to clear out weeds before rather than after planting. Early fall is the best time to plant your new lawn.

Maintenance

• No-mow grasses require less maintenance than traditional turfgrass. Some varieties don't require any fertilizer, but even for those that benefit from fertilizing, you can fertilize them less often to reduce how fast the grass grows. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center recommends mowing native lawns like buffalograss once a year to ensure that they stay healthy and don't decline, which unmowed lawns tend to do after several years. If you mow, use a mulching mower so you won't have to rake up the clippings. Weeds can be a problem, especially when you're first establishing your lawn. Apply a broadleaf herbicide twice a summer to reduce weeds.