Low-Mow Lawns in Zone 5

Limited Growth Mixes

• The low-growing grasses grow to a maximum of about 8 inches. They can be mowed once a month or less and they save significantly on time and maintenance costs. Most are fescue mixes, and their root systems are deeper and can access more water and nutrients than other types. While they are low-growing, they have a less manicured look than mainstream grass blends. Most blends aren't well suited for shady situations, and they often won't stand up to traffic the way the tougher ryegrasses or bluegrasses might.

Naturally Short Grasses

• Some grasses grow short naturally. Bentgrass, a favorite of golf course greens, is a fine grass that can be cut short and can tolerate high foot traffic, but it is a high-maintenance grass. It requires a lot of water, fertilizer and mowing.

  Dwarf fescues are a better bet if both low-growth and low-maintenance grasses are desired. They stay greener than bentgrasses and have deeper root systems, allowing them to access more water, and they are dwarf, so they stay short. Therefore, they require less irrigation, fertilizer and mowing.

Growth Regulators

• Applying a growth regulator is one option that's available but seldom used. It reduces the rate at which grass grows, and if applied before the grass sets seed, it may prevent unsightly seed growth as well. The lawn should be mowed in spring and the growth regulator applied right after mowing, when rain isn't expected for at least 24 hours. Often, a growth regulator has the added benefit of making the grass greener. Growth regulators are usually effective for six to eight weeks.

Grassless Lawns

• If low maintenance is desired, it may be better to get away from grass altogether. Many ground covers can have a neat, manicured appearance and can even be mowed from time to time. Certain ivies can have the same visual impact, but varieties like English ivy are considered a noxious weed in some states.

  Some people like mosses, which can vary in color from rich emerald green to yellowish-green. Surprisingly, some are turning to yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as a lawn substitute, as it has the same overall appearance as grass but stays greener. Flowers begin to grow lower to avoid lawn mower blades, and can be pretty, but may not be desirable.