Best grass alternatives for nature strip

7 years ago

I have a footpath that doesn't get a lot of sunlight and the soil conditions are very poor and there are some large trees in the area - hence any nutrients get sucked up. First thought would be to improve the soil, lay appropriate grass and then end up mowing it! Second thought would be to plant it up with plants that are hardy. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Coolaroo

7 years ago

Hi warwick_absolon,

There are some great ideas in this thread!

You could consider synthetic grass as a good low maintenance option.

It's also a great alternative to lawn that grows patchy in some areas or too much in others -

You could introduce the synthetic turf to the nature strip (pic below is of the fresh cut turf which you can purchase from Bunnings)

It looks great year round, and doesn't mind the poor soil conditions!

We'd love to hear what you decide - Good luck with choosing an alternative for the space.

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Comments (17)

Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
7 years ago
What state are you in, and how would you describe your climate, wet, dry, hot cold, etc?

Compost is great to improve the soil. Are they gum trees?
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Warwick Absolon
Original Author
7 years ago
Err - can you tell I am a new poster? I am in Brisbane, Queensland. Tropical climate. Surrounding the current patch is a hedge of sheena's gold, another hedge of mock orange, a jacaranda tree and some sort of native tree (tristania conferta I think).
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Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
We have some Houzzers in Queensland.

Meantime I recommend compost but don't heap it around the trunks, as you could encourage collar rot. My go to for shade under trees is dianella. If it's right on the public path, try to select a non poisonous berries one. There is one native to Qld, don't know if it's poisonous.

other Houzzers familiar with tropical plants will come. Jacarandas and mock orange are good, I had both in Sydney.
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bigreader
7 years ago
Plant with a native grass. Check out Gardening with Angus to search for a plant.
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bigreader
7 years ago
Lomandra longifolia ‘Verday’ – Lomandra. Just saw photos of this. Grows in your area. Looks great.
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Warwick Absolon
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all so much. I really appreciate your thoughts.
Warwick Absolon
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks heaps - re the synthetic turf option. Hadn't really put much thought to that. Now I will!
montytaffy
7 years ago
If the murraya and other shrubs are growing well then the area must get sun and should grow grass. If it is a high traffic area you may never be able to grow grass in the area they constantly walk on. To renovate if it is sunny and neglected - spike with a garden fork all over the compacted areas put down some fresh lose topsoil and replant or turf. The only answer if it is constantly used is to put concrete or pavers down. If you haven't watered lately, water regularly and fertilise you will be amazed if it is a running type grass. Grass likes regular water and fertiliser .
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Gallifrey
7 years ago
Have you considered Pennisetum, which is a native grass. Photo of our footpath below: Grows really quick and looks great. No mowing!
Warwick Absolon thanked Gallifrey
Warwick Absolon
Original Author
7 years ago
I like that a lot. Thanks.
My Humble Abode Books and Gifts
7 years ago
Grew to this size from a tiny tube stock size in less than 6 months. I am going to grow some more from seed.
C P
7 years ago
Yes fill with ornamental grasses that don't need mowing. I don't think fake lawn would work that well if you have to go around trees - might look like lumpy carpet over the roots?
Warwick Absolon thanked C P
John Henson
7 years ago
Synthetic grass....the future asbestos
Tribbletrouble44152k7 Trek
7 years ago
How so?
Gallifrey
7 years ago
Asbestos??? If plastic is going to be the next asbestos. Fake grass will be the least of our worries.
John Henson
7 years ago
Asbestos is a great product, you can build almost anything from it. Hence our houses and blocks of land are full of it, like no other product. The problem lies in that it breaks down (then kills you),and is a nightmare to remove and replace because it cannot be repaired. Take some time and look at older fake lawns and most are ready for replacement. Some councils are considering making it illegal on verges due to this and the landfill dilemma that it is creating.

Best grass alternatives for nature strip

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