Interested in a low-effort, eco-friendly yard? Look into the benefits of a freedom lawn. A lawn with native plants saves time, money, and water while also reducing pollution. Plus, it protects pollinators and other beneficial insects, creating a healthier outdoor space for everyone in your household, including your pets.
Why a freedom lawn is better than traditional grass
Traditional turf lawns use up a lot of resources. They require pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and frequent watering and mowing, which can hurt local ecosystems.
“The perfectly manicured lawn with only one variety of grass and no tolerance for pests has been referred to as an industrial lawn and creates conditions that are often impossible for an ecosystem to endure,” says Julia Ann Hammes of Kansas State University, referencing author Paul D. Sachs’ book Handbook of Successful Ecological Lawn Care.
In contrast, freedom lawns feature native plants and adaptable grasses that thrive with minimal water and chemicals. It’s a hands-off, natural way of just letting whatever grows, grow.
Here’s everything a freedom lawn can do for you:
Saves money
A freedom lawn lets you mow less and cut back or even skip fertilizers and pesticides. This helps lower your gardening costs. On top of that, native and drought-tolerant plants can reduce water bills, saving you money in the long run.
Saves time
Caring for a freedom lawn takes much less time than a traditional lawn. Here are some time-saving aspects you should consider:
- Less frequent mowing: Part of the appeal of a freedom lawn is letting your grass grow a little taller. You may only need to mow every few weeks or less, depending on the season and type of vegetation you have.
- No need to apply fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides: In freedom lawns, the biodiversity of native plants, birds, and beneficial insects keeps the soil healthy and weeds and pests in check, so you won’t have to intervene much.
- No thatch management: Thanks to their resilience, native plants form deeper roots, which stops thatch buildup and eliminates the need for extra care from you.
- Less soil aeration: Traditional lawns need annual aeration to relieve compacted soil, but in freedom lawns, the mix of plant roots naturally aerates the soil for you.
- Less seasonal preparation: Since freedom lawns are mostly self-sufficient, you don’t need to stress about prepping for seasonal changes. The plants take care of that naturally.
With fewer lawn care chores on your to-do list, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard instead of working on it.
Saves water
Drought-resistant plants and native species common in freedom lawns need less water than traditional grass. This is especially helpful if you live in a drought-prone area with water restrictions. You can save water, protect the environment, and see lower utility bills in one fell swoop.
Reduces pollution
Herbicides and pesticides often contain synthetic materials or toxic chemicals that can pollute local waterways and cause algae growth, which harms aquatic life.
Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, the primary nutrients in fertilizers, have the same effect. To prevent pollution, many cities ban fertilizer use during rainy seasons or winter since lawns can’t absorb the nutrients at that time, leading to runoff.
Freedom lawns don’t need chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, so they help protect the environment. Plus, mowing your lawn less reduces emissions from gas-powered equipment.
Protects pollinators and other beneficial insects
Chemicals used in lawn care can mess with pollinators’ sense of direction, making it hard for them to get back to their hives after collecting nectar. Plus, they harm flowers or plants that provide food and habitat for various beneficial insects, including ladybugs, beetles, and lacewings.
Freedom lawns support native plants that attract and offer protection for beneficial insects. This helps strengthen local ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
Some excellent native plant options include:
- Drought-tolerant turfgrasses: Tall fescue, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, buffalograss, bermudagrass
- Native grasses: Little bluestem, big bluestem, Indian grass, weeping grass, switchgrass
- Wildflowers: Black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, coneflower, red columbine, California poppy
- Groundcovers: Bishop’s hat, bugleweed, Japanese pachysandra, sweet woodruff, yellow archangel
- Beneficial weeds: Dandelion, chickweed, clover, violet, nettles
- Herbs: Thyme, basil, mint, oregano, sage
The more beneficial insects you attract, the healthier your plants will be and the fewer chemical treatments you’ll need to do.
Is healthier for you, your family, and pets
A freedom lawn is safer for you, your family, and pets since it reduces exposure to harmful chemicals you may use in traditional lawn care. Plus, the plant diversity in a freedom lawn can improve air quality and make your yard a healthier place for outdoor fun.
FAQ about the benefits of a freedom lawn
Will my freedom lawn look messy or wild?
Freedom lawns tend to look more natural than traditional grass lawns, but you can still make yours visually appealing. Use various plant colors and textures to create a beautiful landscape that doesn’t look too polished, and keep them as even as possible height-wise.
One of the great things about freedom lawns is that they offer more room for creativity. Depending on the plants you select, your freedom lawn can reflect your style, whether you like bold colors or softer green hues.
Where can I turn for help to establish a freedom lawn?
Turn to landscaping classes, local extension services, nurseries, garden centers, gardening groups, and online resources. They can all provide support related to sustainable landscaping.
How long does it take to establish a freedom lawn?
It depends on your plant types, soil conditions, and local climate. You can expect to spend one to three growing seasons establishing a freedom lawn that looks good and brings benefits.
Consider an eco-friendly lawn
If you’re looking to save time, cut lawn care costs, or protect the environment, starting a freedom lawn can be the way to achieve those goals.
But if DIY projects sound like a lot of work, Lawn Love can connect you with a local lawn care professional to help you get started with zero stress.
Sources
- Julia Ann Hammes – Kansas State University (pdf)
- Sachs, Paul D. 1996. Handbook of Successful Ecological Lawn Care. Newbury, Vermont: The Edaphic Press via Julia Ann Hammes
Main Photo Credit: FotoHelin | Adobe Stock Free | License
