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Ditch traditional turf!
Shop Sustainable lawn Solutions
Grow a sustainable lawn that is green, resilient, drought-tolerant and can handle just about anything.
It's time to ditch your traditional turf! For areas where you want a durable space where people or pets can walk and play, our sustainable solutions are the answer. Discover low-water lawns that will save water, while still providing a soft green groundcover for your waterwise yard. Ready to remove your lawn? Waterwise groundcovers will add layers of color and texture.
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Grass Plugs
Our low-growing, low-water grass plugs require minimal mowing. Varieties include Dog Tuff Grass, Buffalo Grass, and more.
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Grass Seeds
Our innovative lawn seed mixes need minimal water and minimal mowing. We also offer native grass seeds to restore habitat in your yard.
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Groundcovers
Perennial groundcovers are great no-mow lawn alternatives. They offer waterwise solutions for shade and pollinator-friendly yards.
Shop GroundcoversComfortable, Waterwise, Resilient: All About Dog Tuff Grass
Sustainable Lawns Comparison Chart
Compare grass seeds and plugs to match your conditions. Warm-season grasses plant after last spring frost; cool-season grasses plant mid-spring to early summer, or late summer to early fall.
| Product | Annual Water Required | Light | Season | Height | Mowing | Traffic | At a Glance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Tuff™ Grass Plugs | Xeric: 15–20" | Full Sun | Warm | 2.5–4" | 0–6×/year | High | Durable, dog-spot resistant, dense, weed resistant. Zones 5–10. |
| Legacy® Buffalo Grass Plugs | Xeric: 6–10" | Full Sun | Warm | 4–6" | 0–4×/year | Moderate | Low, drought-tolerant turf alternative; best for colder northern states. Zones 3–9. |
| Prestige Buffalo Grass Plugs | Xeric: 6–10" | Full Sun | Warm | 4–6" | 1–4×/year | Moderate | Deep roots; moisture/humidity tolerant; great for South/Southeast and coastal PNW. Zones 5–10. |
| UC Verde® Buffalo Grass Plugs | Xeric: 6–10" | Full Sun | Warm | 4–8" | 1–6×/year | Moderate | Best for AZ & Southern CA; low-water, weed resistant, quick-spreading, low pollen. Zones 7–10. |
| Hachita Blue Grama Grass (Seed; plugs also referenced) | Low Water: 15–25" | Full Sun | Warm | 4" lawn, up to 15" w/ seed heads | 0–4×/year | Low–Moderate | Vigorous native; lawn or meadow look; tolerates sandy or clay soils. Zones 3–10. |
| Bella™ Bluegrass Plugs | Low Water: 30–40" | Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade | Cool | 2–5" | 0–1×/year | High | Up to 80% shade tolerant; green early spring to late fall. Zones 4–8. |
| No Mow Lawn Grass Seed | Low Water: 30–40" | Full Sun & Part Sun | Cool | 3–12" | 0–4×/year | High | Six dwarf fine fescues; swirling, soft texture; most of US except the South. Zones 3–7. |
| Low Work & Water Dwarf Fescue Seed | Low Water: 30–40" | Full Sun & Part Sun | Cool | 3–12" | 0–4×/year | High | Two dwarf fine fescues; bred for heat, summer density, pest/disease resistance. Zones 4–10. |
| Microclover (Pelleted Seed) | Low Water: 30–40" | Full Sun & Part Sun | Cool | 3–6" | 1–6×/year | High | Dense, cushiony surface; stands up to high traffic; tolerates part shade. Zones 3–8. |
| Microclover Low-Water Lawn Seed Mix | Low Water: 30–40" | Full Sun & Part Sun | Cool | ~6" | 1–6×/year | High | Stays green in heat; durable, soft; disease and pest resistant; tolerates part shade. Zones 3–8. |
| Kentucky Bluegrass (comparison only, not for sale) | High: 48–60" | Full Sun & Part Sun | Cool | 18–24" | 16+×/year | High | High water and maintenance; frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizing required. |
Data summarized from High Country Gardens’ Sustainable Lawn Solutions page.
More Resources For Sustainable Lawns
Success With Dog Tuff Grass Plugs
Our customer in Colorado shared her success story of planting Dog Tuff Grass Plugs to replace a high-maintenance Bluegrass lawn. The new family-friendly yard offers an attractive green space that needs little work, and it's durable enough for three kids to run and play. Read on to see the amazing results, including before and after photos!
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Looking For Alternative Lawn Inspiration?
At her classic Denver home, our customer breaks all the molds for what you would expect from a traditional back yard. This entire yard has been transformed into a colorful, creative, and effusively cheerful garden.
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