Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Maintenance Free Island Suggestions

I have a 2000 square foot island with a small willow tree in the middle. I was mowing the island every couple of weeks to keep the Fescue under control but now want to plant something that will be virtually maintenance free but still look presentable. The island has 4:1 steep sides, and flattens out near the middle. I was thinking of Bermuda since it won't grow that tall and choke out most everything else. I am located in the NC Piedmont region. Thanks. Dave

Maybe a ground cover if your willow provides enough shade.

If the weather permits, I personally think Bermuda's a great choice for "maintenance free" areas. It needs a little love to get it started, but after it's up and growing, most any broadleaf weed killer will help eliminate any residual weeds. It's a tough, quick spreading grass, but can get leggy if it's not mowed occasionally.

You can also burn it off in late winter, and keep the thatch to a minimum.

You could plant a silvergrass cultivar, but be sure to get one that does not spread by seed.

Doing some additional research over the weekend, looks like Dutch White Clover may be something to consider. Chokes out weeds and does not grow very tall. Anyone have any experience growing this by itself? Thanks.

It grows around here. 6" tall max. No need to mow if you don't want to.

Do others think ladino clover will be maintenance free?

The issue with growing clovers by themselves is controlling other broadleaf weeds in them. Either mowing or special chemicals are needed, just not mowing as often as with grass. Also with the fescue that is already there you may have a problem killing all if it and have grass issues in the clovers, there are other chemicals that can control grasses. Clovers are lower maintenance but not maintenance free. Sorry I maintain 4 acres of clover plots so fairly familiar with them.

I once tried alksike clover and it didn't do anything to control other weeds. What I found worked best for me was unsing Bison Grass but I spot spray twice a year, spring and fall with a broad leaf spray. I don't even know if you can buy Bison Grass anymore as I looked on the internet a year ago and I didn't see it for sale. As I remember it was a cross of Buffalo grass and something else. But Buffalo grass might work well. I planted 5 1/2 acres like this.

My amur silvergrass is maintenance free once established, but it burns wicked hot. The variety that I have grows about 6 foot tall and has nice seed heads that persist through the winter. It does not spread by seed, but forms a solid mat.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/miscanthus-sacchariflorus/3630.html