Installing pavers is an inexpensive way of creating walkways on your lawn. Having something to grow in the spaces between the pavers can create an extraordinary and attractive view of your garden. So, can you grow grass between pavers?
Yes, growing grass between pavers is not only beautiful but also stops weeds and other unwanted plants from growing in the spaces. Further, the grass prevents soil erosion from surface runoff and high winds.
Can you Grow Grass between Pavers?
It’s ideal to grow grass in spaces between pavers. It provides a natural blend that makes your garden attractive and extraordinary. The grass prevents erosion caused by surface runoff and speeding winds. Grass between pavers also stops the invasion of weeds in the spaces.
Where you can apply grass pavers?
Here are some areas in your garden where you can apply grass pavers:
1. Footpath
Grass pavers act as stepping stones when walking around your compound while the grass provides a soft landing on the foot. Walkways can run from the entry gate to the house or from the house to the playing and relaxing area.
2. Driveway
Grass pavers provide a stable and fixed surface to drive on. Driving on gravel or grass alone have the possibility of creating tire furrows in the surface. Using pavers with hard-wearing grass as a driveway is also an eco-friendly way.
3. Around the swimming pool
Pool coping stones do not offer drainage solutions for water splash. Using grass pavers along the swimming pool provides permeable options for splash water to infiltrate into the soil. Grass pavers also provide a beautiful match with adjoining grassland.
How to Grow Grass Between Pavers
You can easily grow your favourite grass between the pavers as follows:
1. Prepare the spaces
Growing grass between pavers should be planned prior to installation. Flagstones or concrete pavers should be installed in a manner that leaves some spaces in between where to grow the grass. The spaces should have loose soil to allow better penetration of roots.
Clear the spaces between the pavers by removing dirt, sand, sticks, stones and other debris. Use a hoe to till the land between the pavers to a depth of 6 inches. Be careful not to damage the pavers.
2. Amend the soil
Apply and incorporate a layer of organic matter into the soil up to a depth of 6 inches. Be sure to use well-decomposed compost or manure. The organic matter will help to improve fertility, drainage and aeration of the soil
3. Fertilize the soil
Apply starter fertilizer into the soil. The fertilizer should have a high ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus to boost initial growth and proper development of roots. Use a hand-held spreader to apply fertilizer on the soil between the pavers. Be sure not to over-fertilize the soil.
When using fertilizers containing herbicides, wait for at least 10 days before planting grass seed. Herbicides contain chemicals that can prevent germination or may kill newly germinated grass seedlings.
4. Choose the Right type of grass
The best type of grass to grow in the spaces between pavers should be tough, durable and adaptable to high foot traffic. It should also be suitable for the climatic conditions of your area.
There are different varieties of grass that are suitable for spaces between pavers. They include Bermuda, Zoysia, Perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and Tall fescue grass.
5. Plant the seed
Rake the surface of the soil into fine particles. Spread grass seeds on the surface of the soil evenly using a hand-held spreader. Cover the soil with a layer of straw to reduce seed movement, prevent birds from munching on the seeds and conserve the soil moisture.
6. Water the seeded area
Water the seeded areas for 10 to 15 minutes immediately after planting. Water twice daily to a depth of 2 inches until when the seed germinates. The seed may take 1 to 4 weeks to germinate depending on the type of grass.
What Type of Grass is Best for Pavers?
Pavers are high-traffic areas that require grass that is durable and adaptable to changing temperatures and water availability. The grass should be able to endure high levels of foot traffic. Here is the type of grass that is best for pavers:
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda is a warm-season grass suitable for pavers due to its durability and drought-tolerance characteristics. It also has an extensive root system which enables it to get water and nutrients from deep down the soil.
It has an aggressive growth that allows it to cover an intended area within a short period of time.
Bermuda grass color ranges from blue-green, grey-green to dark green. Since it’s a warm-season grass, it fares best in the southern climate. During the cold weather of winter, Bermuda grass goes dormant and will come back to life when the temperatures are warm.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is also a warm-season grass that is durable due to its thick and dense growth pattern. It thrives well in different types of soil and some of its cultivars are also shaded tolerant. However, it has a high maintenance cost as compared to other types of grass,
Zoysia grass texture and color vary. Generally, the color may range from light green to medium green. Since it’s a warm-season grass, it does well in warm spring and summer temperatures. Check how to make Zoysia grass spread fast.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is a cold-season grass suitable for pavers due to its durability and beauty. It grows into thick and dense turf which protects itself from heavy foot traffic. It has excellent winter hardiness but will go dormant in extended drought or high summer temperatures.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass is also a cold-season grass. It has tough blades that are able to withstand high foot traffic areas like pavers. Perennial ryegrass is fast-growing and drought-tolerant. Therefore, it is ideal for transitional zones that receive cool winter and warm summer temperatures.
Perennial ryegrass prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. However, it requires regular watering and fertilizer to grow healthy.
Tall Fescue Grass
Tall fescue is another cool-season grass with sturdy blades and deep roots. It’s durable against high-traffic areas like pavers and is adaptable to ever-changing temperatures and water availability. It’s also a drought resistance grass variety that is ideal for growing in northern climates.
Final Thoughts
Grass between the pavers gets a lot of stress from foot traffic. Therefore, they require special care to grow and develop properly. Once established, water twice or once per week. Be sure to provide at least 1 inch of water per session.
Fertilize with fertilizer containing a high percentage ratio of nitrogen and potassium to boost deep green growth and tolerance to stress, drought and pests.