Water scarcity It is one of the great challenges facing modern gardens, especially in areas with a Mediterranean climate. Choosing correctly the type of grass for our green space allows you to enjoy a green carpet throughout the year, reduce water consumption and facilitate maintenance, thus contributing to environmental protection.
The importance of selecting the right grass
In regions with dry and hot summers, such as many areas of Spain, it is essential to opt for low-water-use lawnsThese varieties are not only drought-resistant, but also better adapt to extreme sun exposure and partial shade, making them sustainable allies for home, community, and public gardens.
Furthermore, the choice of appropriate species also influences the saving time and resources, in as much as They require less mowing, fertilization and treatment, thus contributing to a more ecological and economical management of the garden.
Low-water-intensive grass varieties
There are various species and mixtures specifically designed to withstand drought and heat, maintaining a good appearance most of the year and needing a minimum irrigation.
- Zoysia tenuifoliaThis variety, known as Mascarene grass, is characterized by its high drought resistance and compact growth. It tolerates the sun very well and can go up to 40 days without watering in summer. Its metabolism slows down due to a decrease in water consumption, which reduces its water requirements. It requires one or two waterings per week during warmer weather and requires minimal mowing if left untrodden.
- Stenotaphrum (Gramón): Widely used in Mediterranean climates, it can survive up to 30 days without irrigation and tolerates both intense sun and shade from trees and buildings. It requires very little maintenance.
- Lippia nodifloraPerfect for warm climates, it stands out for its compact, dense cover. It requires watering every ten days in summer and is resistant to trampling. Although it loses some of its attractiveness in winter, it regains its vigor and blooms in spring.
- Frankenia laevis: It's a unique and decorative option, as its foliage changes from red to violet in winter and blooms with small pink flowers in spring. It requires one to two waterings per week in summer and is resistant to low temperatures. It tolerates saline environments and requires regular weed control during the first year.
- Tall fescue: Popular in Spanish gardens for its resistance to both heat and cold. It develops deep roots, tolerates some shade, and withstands intensive use and disease. In commercial mixtures, it can save up to 30% of water compared to traditional lawns.
- Bermudagrass (Bermuda grass): Especially suitable for Mediterranean areas, it withstands drought, trampling, and soils of varying quality. Although it goes dormant in winter, mixing it with other species keeps it green all year round.
- dichondra repensMore than a traditional grass, it has rounded leaves and is notable for its tolerance to shade and drought. It doesn't tolerate intensive trampling or severe frost well.
Essential care and sustainable maintenance techniques
The success of a low-energy lawn depends not only on the species chosen, but also on how it is cared for and maintained:
- Efficient irrigation: Deep, even watering is preferable to encourage deep roots. During the first year, watering more frequently is recommended to facilitate rooting. Once established, many species require only one or two waterings per year, except in extremely dry summers.
- Weed management: Hand weeding or selective use of anti-germination herbicides as part of initial maintenance helps prevent competition for water.
- Moderate subscriber: Using slow-release and organic fertilizers helps species develop and reduces water consumption.
- Biodiversity and mixturesCombining several species increases the turf's resistance to different conditions and reduces the need for chemical treatments.
- Mycorrhizae:Associating beneficial fungi with lawns improves their access to nutrients and water, allowing for savings of up to 40% on irrigation.
Maintaining your lawn with these techniques not only saves resources, it also ensures a healthy and sustainable green space, more resilient to climate change and beneficial to the surrounding biodiversity.
Choosing low-water-use grass species and mixes is the best way to achieve a beautiful garden, healthy and aligned with environmental sustainability, made up of adapted species and easy to maintain throughout the year.
More information - How to care for the lawn
Source - infogarden
Photo – Lancing Nature
