I like the idea of the silent neighborhood. No lawnmowers, leafblowers, etc..
The use bunch grasses or groundcovers can give the same clean effect as a lawn with much less water.
Does anyone have water consumption data comparing a turf alternative like berkley sedge or mondo grass to a tall fescue?
Carex can look identical to a turf lawn if you are moving at 25mph or faster. I have noticed that if planted on a slope it should be planted a bit tighter to give the same blurred green effect, otherwise you start to see the patchiness.
For my residential projects the first thing I recommend to my clients is that they remove any unused lawn areas. I try and sell the idea that texture and color will add more interest and habitat quality.
