A creeping thyme lawn is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to grass lawns. Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that doesn’t mind being dry. When used as a lawn, it makes a soft, fragrant carpet. A thyme lawn has many benefits, but there are also some things that could go wrong. Let’s talk about the main pros and cons of turning your yard into a creeping thyme lawn.
Pros of a Creeping Thyme Lawn
There are many advantages to choosing creeping thyme over turf grass for your lawn, Here are some of the top benefits
Low Maintenance
Once established, creeping thyme requires very little maintenance compared to a traditional lawn. It only needs to be mowed once a year and does not require fertilizing or frequent watering. This makes it an ideal low-maintenance groundcover.
Drought Resistant
Thyme thrives in dry conditions and has very low watering needs. It can withstand drought, heat waves and neglect far better than thirsty grass lawns. This makes thyme a great choice for low-water landscaping.
No Weeds
The dense, matted foliage of thyme is effective at choking out weeds. Less time and money is needed for weed control.
Soft and Fragrant
Thyme has a pleasant, spicy herbal fragrance. When walked on, it releases its lovely aroma. It looks nice instead of grass because it has soft leaves and small flowers.
Attracts Pollinators
The small flowers of thyme attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinating insects to your garden. This supports biodiversity.
Edible and Medicinal
As an herb, thyme has edible leaves and flowers that can be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes. Thyme also has natural medicinal properties.
Evergreen Groundcover
Thyme remains green and functional as a groundcover all year round. The foliage and flowers persist through winter in milder climates.
No Mowing or Trimming
If you have a thyme lawn, you won’t need grass cutters that are loud and full of gas. The weeding and edging requirements are also significantly reduced.
Cons of a Creeping Thyme Lawn
However, there are also some potential disadvantages that you should be aware of if considering a creeping thyme lawn:
Slower to Establish
Converting a section of your yard to creeping thyme takes patience and time. It can take up to 2-3 years for the thyme to fully spread and fill in bare patches. Results won’t happen overnight.
Can’t Withstand Heavy Foot Traffic
While thyme is somewhat tolerant of foot traffic once established, a pathway or pavers should be installed in high traffic areas. Too much wear and tear may damage the plants.
Not for Large Areas
Thyme lawns work best in small areas like rock gardens or as a lawn border because they take a long time to grow and cost a lot to set up. Entire lawn conversions are not always realistic for large properties.
Prefers Sun
Creeping thyme thrives in full sun. Too much shade will cause the plants to struggle or die out. This limits suitable planting locations.
Can Be Invasive
Some aggressive varieties of thyme can spread beyond controlled areas. Regular pruning around borders may be required to keep it in check.
Costly to Install
Converting a lawn to creeping thyme can be an expensive project, especially for larger areas. Purchasing enough starter plants alone has a hefty price tag.
Not Family or Pet Friendly
Thyme’s sensitivity to foot traffic makes it a poor choice for families with kids or dogs who will damage the lawn with heavy activity. Grass is better for high traffic play areas.
Prone to Problems if Overwatered
Thyme hates wet feet. Excess moisture encourages fungus and root rot issues. Good drainage is imperative.
Requires Weed Blocking Layer
Much labor is involved in properly preparing the soil prior to planting, including digging up and removing grass then laying weed block fabric.
No Mowing but Other Maintenance
While mowing and fertilizing are not needed, some occasional pruning, weeding and dividing is required to keep thyme looking its best.
Is a Creeping Thyme Lawn Right for You?
As you can see, there are convincing pros and cons for converting traditional lawns to creeping thyme. It mainly comes down to your climate, garden size, budget, lawn usage and maintenance expectations. Thyme makes an excellent fragrant, eco-friendly groundcover for small, sunny spots that require minimal upkeep. However, for high traffic play areas or large landscape conversions, thyme may prove challenging. Assess your individual needs and garden conditions to decide if a creeping thyme lawn will be a good fit or not. With proper planning and care, you can enjoy the benefits of this charming herbaceous alternative.
No Need to Fertilize
One of our favorite things about having a creeping thyme lawn is that you don’t have to fertilize it! This beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to grass really is low-maintenance.
It’s Also An Herb Garden
While having a creeping thyme lawn, it’s like having an herb garden all in one! Thyme leaves can be used in many ways in the kitchen, and their strong flavor is great for many dishes.
Everything You Need to Know About Creeping Thyme!
FAQ
What is the downside of creeping thyme lawn?
Downsides include: Tolerates less foot traffic, but thrives around pavers or stepping stones. Flowers attract bees and may need regular mowing if you want to minimize them. Potential for woody growth if not mowed or pruned. Woody plants may need replacement with younger ones.
Is creeping thyme poisonous to dogs?
So, is Creeping Thyme a dog’s bane? Not exactly. It’s not classified as highly toxic, but it’s not a canine superfood either. In moderation, it’s unlikely to cause harm, but in larger quantities, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Does creeping thyme attract rodents?
Deer- and rodent-resistant, Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant once established and really tough. It can handle being walked on, mowed or ignored, and even then it may self-sow and creep some more. Hardy evergreen perennial.
Can I just scatter creeping thyme seeds?
It’s easy to grow creeping thyme herb from seed. Start by sowing the seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Scatter over a seed-starting mix, lightly pressing into the surface as the seeds need light to germinate. Keep the mix consistently moist and provide plenty of light.