Colorado Ground Cover Grass Alternatives – Create A Resilient
Do you feel like you are constantly fighting a losing battle against your thirsty, brown lawn every summer? You are certainly not alone, as many of us in the Centennial State struggle to maintain traditional turf in our unique, semi-arid climate.
The good news is that you can have a stunning, lush landscape without the endless mowing and astronomical water bills. In this guide, I will show you how to transition to colorado ground cover grass alternatives that thrive in our intense sun and alkaline soils.
We will explore the best plant species for our region, from fragrant herbs to hardy succulents, and I will give you a step-by-step plan to ensure your new garden takes root and flourishes. Let’s turn that high-maintenance grass into a beautiful, water-wise sanctuary!
What's On the Page
- 1 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Colorado Landscaping
- 2 Selecting the Best Colorado ground cover grass alternatives for Your Microclimate
- 3 Native Grasses: The Low-Mow Compromise
- 4 Shady Solutions: Thriving in the Shadows
- 5 Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Lawn
- 6 Pro-Tips for Long-Term Success
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About colorado ground cover grass alternatives
- 8 Go Forth and Grow!
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Colorado Landscaping
Before we dig into the specific plants, we need to talk about why Colorado is such a “tough mudder” for traditional lawns. Our state sits at a high altitude, which means the UV rays are significantly more intense than at sea level.
Combined with our low humidity and frequent “Chinook” winds, plants lose moisture rapidly through their leaves. This process, known as transpiration, is why your Kentucky Bluegrass seems to scream for water the moment the temperature hits 85 degrees.
Furthermore, much of the soil along the Front Range and Western Slope is heavy alkaline clay. This type of soil drains slowly but can also bake into a brick-like consistency during a dry spell, making it hard for traditional grass roots to breathe.
By choosing colorado ground cover grass alternatives, you are working with nature instead of against it. These plants have evolved or been selected for their ability to thrive in poor soil and survive on a fraction of the water a standard lawn requires.
Think of this transition as an investment in your time and your environment. You are creating a habitat for local pollinators like honeybees and butterflies while significantly reducing your carbon footprint by ditching the gas-powered mower.
Selecting the Best Colorado ground cover grass alternatives for Your Microclimate
Not all yards are created equal, and your specific “microclimate” will dictate which plants will be your best performers. A south-facing slope in Denver will need different care than a shaded backyard in Colorado Springs.
When selecting your new ground cover, consider the amount of foot traffic the area receives. Some alternatives are “step-on” friendly, while others are purely ornamental and should be tucked away from paws and feet.
The Magic of Creeping Thyme
If you want a lawn replacement that you can actually walk on, Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox) is my absolute favorite recommendation. It is incredibly hardy, drought-tolerant, and releases a heavenly scent when crushed.
There are several varieties to choose from, including “Elfin” thyme, which stays very tight to the ground, and “Red Creeping Thyme,” which produces a carpet of vibrant magenta flowers in early summer.
Thyme thrives in full sun and requires excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, I suggest mixing in some fine gravel or compost before planting to ensure the roots don’t get “wet feet” during our spring snowmelts.
Hardy Sedums and Stonecrops
For those areas of your yard that are scorching hot and rarely see a hose, Sedums are the ultimate “set it and forget it” solution. These succulents store water in their fleshy leaves, making them virtually bulletproof in a drought.
“Dragon’s Blood” sedum offers stunning red foliage that deepens in the winter, providing year-round interest. Another great choice is “Angelina” sedum, which features needle-like yellow foliage that turns orange in the autumn.
Sedums are best used in areas with light foot traffic or as a decorative border. They spread relatively quickly and are excellent at suppressing weeds once they form a dense mat over the soil.
Microclover: The Green Hybrid Approach
If you aren’t ready to give up the “green carpet” look entirely, Microclover (Trifolium repens L. ‘Pipolina’) is a game-changer. Unlike the common white clover you see in hayfields, microclover has tiny leaves and a low growth habit.
It stays green much longer than grass during a drought and actually “fixes” nitrogen into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer for your yard. You can plant it alone or mix it with a drought-tolerant grass seed.
One of the best things about microclover is its durability. It handles dog urine much better than traditional grass and can withstand the occasional backyard soccer game without thinning out or dying.
Native Grasses: The Low-Mow Compromise
Sometimes, you just want the look of grass without the high-intensity maintenance. This is where Colorado’s native species shine. These grasses have lived here for thousands of years and are perfectly adapted to our semi-arid environment.
Replacing your thirsty sod with native species is one of the most effective ways to utilize colorado ground cover grass alternatives while maintaining a familiar aesthetic. These plants require significantly less supplemental water once established.
Buffalo Grass: The True Native
Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is perhaps the most famous Colorado native lawn alternative. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it loves the heat of July and August and goes dormant (turns a beautiful golden tan) in the winter.
It only grows about 4 to 6 inches tall, so you only need to mow it once or twice a year—or not at all if you prefer a “meadow” look. Look for cultivars like “Legacy” or “Prestige” which have been bred for a denser, greener appearance.
Keep in mind that Buffalo Grass does not like shade. If your yard is under a canopy of large cottonwoods or maples, this grass will struggle to fill in, leaving gaps for weeds to take hold.
Blue Grama: The “Eyelash” Grass
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is another fantastic native option, often recognized by its unique seed heads that look like tiny eyelashes. It is the state grass of Colorado for a reason—it is tough as nails.
A popular variety called “Hachita” is particularly well-suited for home landscapes. It can be grown as a bunch grass or seeded heavily to create a solid sod. It is extremely drought-tolerant and requires very little fertilization.
Blue Grama is also a host plant for several species of native butterflies. By planting it, you are directly contributing to the local ecosystem while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance yard.
Shady Solutions: Thriving in the Shadows
Many homeowners struggle with “dead zones” under trees where grass simply refuses to grow. Instead of fighting the shade, embrace it with plants that love the cooler, darker corners of your garden.
Shade-loving ground covers often have the added benefit of beautiful blooms or interesting leaf textures that you won’t find in a standard sunny lawn. They create a serene, woodland feel that is perfect for relaxation.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca Minor is a classic choice for shady spots. It features glossy evergreen leaves and charming purple flowers that appear in the spring. It is quite vigorous and will quickly cover a bare patch of earth under a tree.
While it is very effective, be mindful that Vinca can be a bit aggressive. I recommend using it in contained areas where it won’t escape into your neighbor’s flower beds or local open spaces.
It is remarkably low-maintenance once established. It handles our cold winters with ease and stays green even when the rest of the landscape has gone dormant for the season.
Sweet Woodruff
For a softer, more delicate look, Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is an excellent choice. It has star-shaped leaves and produces tiny, white, honey-scented flowers in late spring.
It creates a lush, green carpet that feels wonderful underfoot, though it isn’t meant for heavy daily traffic. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, so it’s perfect for those areas near a north-facing wall or under a dense shrubbery.
Sweet Woodruff is also known for its herbal properties; the dried leaves have a pleasant vanilla-like scent and were historically used to flavor May wine. It’s a plant with both beauty and history!
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Lawn
Transitioning to colorado ground cover grass alternatives is a process that requires a bit of “sweat equity” upfront, but the long-term rewards are well worth the effort. Follow these steps for a successful installation.
- Remove the Old Turf: You can use a sod cutter for large areas or the “smothering” method (laying down cardboard and mulch) if you have time. Avoid using heavy herbicides if you want to maintain a healthy soil biome.
- Amend the Soil: Most Colorado soils benefit from a bit of organic matter. Mix in about 1-2 inches of high-quality compost to improve drainage in clay or water retention in sandy soil.
- Design Your Layout: Don’t just plant randomly. Group plants with similar water needs together (hydrozoning). Place your most drought-tolerant plants in the sunniest, highest spots of your yard.
- Planting: If using plugs or potted plants, space them according to their mature width. It may look a bit sparse at first, but they will fill in. Use a transplant fertilizer to help the roots establish quickly.
- Mulch Heavily: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of wood chips or fine gravel between your new plants. This regulates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and keeps moisture in the ground where the plants need it.
During the first growing season, your new ground covers will need regular watering. Even the most drought-tolerant plants need a “helping hand” until their root systems are deep enough to survive our dry spells.
I recommend watering deeply and less frequently to encourage those roots to grow downward. Once your plants are established (usually by the second year), you can begin to taper off the irrigation significantly.
Pro-Tips for Long-Term Success
Maintaining your new landscape is much easier than a lawn, but it isn’t “zero maintenance.” A little bit of attention at the right times will keep your garden looking professional and vibrant.
Weed Management: In the first year, you must stay on top of weeding. Once your ground cover fills in and forms a dense mat, it will naturally outcompete most weeds. Use a hand tool to pull weeds by the root to avoid disturbing your new plants.
Winter Watering: Colorado is famous for “dry winters.” If we go more than three weeks without significant snow or rain, give your new ground covers a light drink on a warm afternoon. This prevents winter desiccation, which is a leading cause of plant death in our state.
Seasonal Cleanup: Most ground covers don’t need much pruning. However, for plants like Creeping Phlox or Thyme, a light “haircut” after they finish blooming can encourage a second flush of growth and keep the plants from becoming too woody.
Always keep an eye on your local Extension Office or the Plant Select program. These organizations provide incredible data on which specific cultivars are performing best in our local trials and can offer expert advice tailored to your specific county.
Frequently Asked Questions About colorado ground cover grass alternatives
Can I walk on these alternatives like I do with regular grass?
It depends on the species! Creeping Thyme and Microclover are very resilient and can handle moderate foot traffic. However, succulents like Sedum or delicate flowers like Sweet Woodruff are better suited for areas where people won’t be walking frequently.
How much water will I actually save?
On average, homeowners who switch to native grasses or xeric ground covers can reduce their outdoor water usage by 50% to 80%. In Colorado, where water rates continue to rise, this can result in significant financial savings over the years.
Are these plants safe for my pets?
Most of the common ground covers like Thyme, Microclover, and most Sedums are non-toxic to dogs and cats. However, it is always a good idea to double-check specific species with the ASPCA toxic plants list before planting if you have a curious pup who likes to nibble.
Will these plants attract more bees to my yard?
Yes! Most flowering ground covers are a magnet for pollinators. This is generally a wonderful thing for the environment. If you have a severe bee allergy, you may want to stick to non-flowering options or native grasses like Buffalo Grass.
How long does it take for the ground cover to fill in completely?
Most ground covers take about two to three growing seasons to reach full “carpet” status. This is often referred to as the “Sleep, Creep, Leap” rule: the first year they sleep (establish roots), the second year they creep (spread slowly), and the third year they leap (fill in the gaps).
Go Forth and Grow!
Replacing your lawn might feel like a daunting task, but remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one small corner of your yard—perhaps that stubborn dry patch or the shaded area under your favorite oak tree.
By choosing colorado ground cover grass alternatives, you are creating a landscape that is resilient, beautiful, and uniquely suited to the place we call home. You’ll spend less time behind a mower and more time enjoying the vibrant colors and textures of a truly healthy garden.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and colors! Gardening is a journey, and every plant you put in the ground is a step toward a more sustainable and enjoyable outdoor living space. Happy planting, and enjoy your new, low-maintenance oasis!
