Unlike traditional turfgrass systems, this formulation prioritizes ecological function and root depth, improving soil health, drought tolerance, and long-term resilience. The result is a practical native alternative that handles occasional mowing, reduces fertilizer needs, and performs across a range of New York soil types.
Includes (#s/ac): Deer Tongue Grass (1.065), Wildrye, Canada (VNS) (2.13), Smooth Panicgrass (1.598), Red Top Panicgrass (1.864), Susan, Black-eyed (0.213), Bluestem, Little (VNS) (2.13), Alexander, Golden (0.16). Created January 2026
Primary Use
- Low-maintenance lawn alternative
- Native turf replacement
- Ecological groundcover.
What This Mix Does Well
- Establishes into a dense, mowable native stand
- Suppresses weeds without heavy chemical inputs
- Reduces fertilizer and irrigation requirements compared to turf
- Supports pollinators with selective forb inclusion
- Develops deep root systems for improved soil stability
Ideal Uses
- Residential lawn conversion
- Large yard or acreage “low-input” lawn areas
- Municipal and park applications
- Corporate campuses and conservation developments
- Utility corridors and right-of-way settings
Establishment Notes
- Seeding Rate: Designed for moderate-density establishment to balance weed suppression and mowability.
- Timing: Late fall dormant seeding or early spring planting.
- Method: Drill preferred; broadcast acceptable with firm seed-to-soil contact.
- Mowing: Mow 3–6 times annually depending on desired appearance. Maintain at 4–8 inches for best performance.
- Fertility: Avoid heavy fertilization; native grasses perform best on lean to moderate soils.
Management Expectations
This mix will not resemble traditional Kentucky bluegrass turf. Expect a naturalized appearance with seasonal texture variation and periodic flowering. Over time, it forms a stable, resilient native groundcover that reduces long-term maintenance inputs.
