Are you looking for a fantastic ground cover to use as a grass alternative? Here is the solution: Dichondra lawn works better than other turfs and remains well-manicured and green throughout. However, learning some of the Dichondra lawn pros and cons is good if you want to have it in your yard. This article will help you learn more.
Dichondra lawn pros include low maintenance requirements, are always evergreen, drought-tolerant, and can grow in places other grass alternatives can’t.
On the other hand, dichondra cons include less tolerance to traffic and shade and is prone to pests.
Although it has some disadvantages, Dichondra Repens, originally from New Zealand, is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a grass alternative in your yard.
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Dichondra Vs Clover
You can also use clover as your yard’s ground cover besides dichondra. Both are worth considering as grass replacements in homes with fewer people and pet traffic.
Nevertheless, dichondra and clover have differences. Dichondra grass is a warm-season perennial plant that covers the ground. The grass suits the cool coastal conditions best. Although it can grow in partial sun, dichondra thrives in full sun.
Additionally, dichondra requires little water to thrive and do well in partially shady places. On the other hand, clover flourishes during winter and needs more watering during summer for it to remain green.
Furthermore, you cannot end the conversation between Clover vs Dichondra without the mention of this last difference. Dichondra can’t tolerate all shady areas, although it’s shade-tolerant.
Dichondra Lawn Pros
Here are some of the advantages of growing dichondra in your yard:
1. Requires low maintenance
Once the dichondra lawn is well established, it requires less watering, mowing, and fertilizing. You can trim twice yearly, but mowing is only necessary if the plant grows above two inches tall.
2. The plant is evergreen
This plant is classified as a warm-season crop. However, it grows and remains green even when the temperatures are low. Therefore, it stays green throughout the year.
3. It is drought tolerant
The Dichondra plant is widely known as an excellent grass alternative due to its ability to withstand drought. In fact, it requires less watering and grows poorly in waterlogged soil.
4. Can grow anywhere
Consider dichondra crop if you want a plant that flourishes in places where other turf types don’t grow. This plant does well even in poorly drained and fertilized soil and requires fewer maintenance practices.
Dichondra Lawn Cons
These are the main dichondra lawn cons:
i. It’s not shade-tolerant
Dichondra does well in areas with full sunlight. However, you can still grow it in partially shady areas, although it will have smaller leaves and thin stems.
ii. Dichondra is less tolerant of foot traffic
This plant is soft and delicate and gets damaged by foot traffic. Therefore, use it as an alternative to grass if you can keep pets and children off the lawn.
iii. The plant is prone to pests infestation
Although dichondra is healthy and doesn’t encounter disease infections frequently, cutworms and flea beetles love to feed on it often.
Is Dichondra Toxic to Dogs?
Dichondra is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. Dichondra is a genus of flowering plants, and some species are used as ground covers in lawns and gardens. While the plants are not known to be toxic to dogs, it’s always a good idea to monitor your pets when introducing new plants into your home or garden.
However, there can be variations between different species of Dichondra, so it’s essential to identify the specific type you have to be sure.
Additionally, dogs may sometimes exhibit allergic reactions to certain plants, even if the plants are not inherently toxic. If you have any concerns about the safety of a particular plant in your home or garden, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian or a local plant expert for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best fertilizer for the dichondra lawn?
A: The best fertilizer for the dichondra lawn is methylene urea, and you should apply it in February, October, and December. You can also use organic fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen.
Note: excess fertilizer can promote disease infestation and damage dichondra.
Q: Where does dichondra grow best?
A: Dichondra thrives in full sunlight but can grow in partial shade. However, if this plant receives less than six hours of daylight daily, it will grow with small leaves. Additionally, the stem will have less foliage due to insufficient sunlight.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an alternative to grass due to pollen allergy or other reasons, consider planting the dichondra plant. However, knowing the various dichondra pros and cons is good before you grow the crop.
Dichondra’s pros include low maintenance requirement, always evergreen, drought-tolerant, and can grow in places where other lawn alternatives can’t.
The plant is also associated with cons such as less traffic and shade tolerance and being prone to pests. Although it has disadvantages, this plant is an excellent ground cover, especially in smaller lawns.
