How to Grow Grass Between Pavers: A Complete Guide for 2025

 


When it comes to landscaping, the areas between pavers often get overlooked. Many homeowners, however, are beginning to realize the beauty and practicality of growing grass between pavers. Not only does it create a visually appealing, green, and natural look, but it also enhances your outdoor spaces with a more organic feel, providing a soft surface for walking and reducing the visual harshness of hardscaping materials.

In this comprehensive 3000-word guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about growing grass between pavers in 2025. From preparation and choosing the right grass types to ongoing maintenance and the benefits of this landscaping technique, you'll find all the information you need to achieve a beautiful and functional paver lawn.

Why Grow Grass Between Pavers?

Before diving into the technicalities of planting and care, let’s explore the many benefits of growing grass between pavers.

1. Aesthetic Appeal

One of the main reasons people opt for grass between pavers is the visual appeal. Grass growing between stones or pavers creates a more natural, garden-like look. It softens the harsh lines and hard surfaces of walkways, patios, or driveways, blending the man-made with nature.

The contrast between the pavers and the vibrant green grass makes outdoor spaces look more cohesive and inviting. Additionally, the sight of grass softens the overall appearance of your backyard or garden and creates a sense of tranquility.

2. Low-Maintenance

When installed correctly, grass growing between pavers can be low-maintenance. With proper drainage, grass can thrive without requiring constant care. This is especially true if you choose low-maintenance grass varieties that can withstand foot traffic and dry spells. It can also reduce the need for traditional grass lawn areas, as the space between pavers can help reduce weed growth and improve drainage.

3. Improved Drainage

Gravel, sand, and paver systems already contribute to better water drainage. Adding grass to the gaps between the pavers improves this drainage system by absorbing water and preventing puddles from forming. It helps manage runoff water, preventing erosion and waterlogging in other parts of your yard.

4. Environmental Benefits

Growing grass between pavers contributes positively to the environment. Grass helps trap carbon dioxide, reduce dust, and improve air quality. Plus, it provides a habitat for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. It also enhances the biological diversity of your outdoor space.

5. Soft Walkways

Unlike solid concrete or stone paths, grass between pavers offers a softer walking surface. It makes walking barefoot more comfortable, especially in areas where people frequently walk, such as paths leading to a garden, patio, or front door.

Choosing the Right Grass for Between Pavers

The most critical aspect of growing grass between pavers is choosing the right type of grass. Not all grass varieties will thrive in narrow spaces, and some are better suited to harsh conditions. Here are some of the best options:

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Best for: Low-growing, fragrant, and resilient ground cover.

Creeping thyme is a perennial herb that makes an excellent choice for growing between pavers. It’s drought-tolerant, grows low to the ground, and forms a dense mat that’s resistant to foot traffic. This grass alternative doesn’t require much maintenance and can withstand hot summers and cold winters, making it perfect for a variety of climates.

Pros:

  • Drought-tolerant and resistant to foot traffic.

  • Can tolerate dry conditions and poor soil.

  • Fragrant flowers that attract pollinators.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for regions with heavy rainfall or extreme wet conditions.

2. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Best for: Tough, cold climates with well-drained soil.

Blue Fescue is an ornamental grass that features fine blue-green foliage. It’s a hardy, low-maintenance grass variety that thrives in areas with well-draining soil. This grass grows in a clumping form, creating a dense mat that can fill in the gaps between pavers without being invasive.

Pros:

  • Aesthetic blue-green color adds visual interest.

  • Tolerates dry and rocky soil well.

  • Low-growing and clumping, making it ideal for paver spaces.

Cons:

  • Needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.

3. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)

Best for: A soft carpet that requires minimal care.

Irish Moss is a low-growing, moss-like plant that forms a lush, green carpet between pavers. It's more of a moss-like groundcover than a traditional grass, and it's perfect for between pavers. Irish Moss thrives in moist, well-drained environments and requires little care once established.

Pros:

  • Dense growth prevents weed growth.

  • Requires little maintenance after establishment.

  • Creates a soft, lush surface between pavers.

Cons:

  • Needs consistent moisture for healthy growth.

4. Zoysia Grass

Best for: Warmer climates with full sun exposure.

Zoysia grass is a drought-tolerant grass variety that thrives in warm climates. It grows in a dense mat, making it an excellent option for filling the spaces between pavers. Zoysia can handle foot traffic and withstand heat, but it may require more watering in the summer months.

Pros:

  • Drought-resistant and handles heat well.

  • Tolerates foot traffic and wear.

  • Forms a dense, attractive turf.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for cooler climates.

5. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Best for: Shaded areas and ground cover.

Creeping Jenny is another excellent option for spaces between pavers. This fast-growing plant forms a dense carpet of small green leaves that turn yellow in the summer. Creeping Jenny thrives in moist, shady conditions and is great for places where sunlight is limited.

Pros:

  • Fast-growing and covers large areas quickly.

  • Tolerates shade and moist conditions.

  • Adds vibrant color with its green leaves and yellow flowers.

Cons:

  • May spread beyond the pavers if not controlled.

How to Plant Grass Between Pavers

Planting grass between pavers involves a few key steps to ensure the grass grows successfully and fills the gaps between stones or bricks.

1. Prepare the Ground

Begin by cleaning the gaps between the pavers. Use a brush or small shovel to remove any debris, dirt, or existing weeds. If you have deep cracks or gaps, fill them with sand to create a stable base for your grass seeds or plants.

2. Add Soil for Better Growth

After cleaning, add a layer of soil between the pavers to improve soil fertility and ensure good drainage. Use a well-draining potting soil mixed with compost to provide nutrients for the grass. The soil should be about 1–2 inches deep in each gap. This step will ensure the grass roots have enough space to grow.

3. Choose the Right Grass Type

Select the appropriate grass based on your climate, light exposure, and personal preference. Follow the recommendations above on the best grasses for between pavers.

  • For seeds: Sprinkle the grass seeds over the soil, making sure they are evenly distributed. Lightly press the seeds into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

  • For plants or plugs: Plant the young grass plants or plugs into the gaps. Space them according to the specific plant’s needs (usually 6–8 inches apart).

4. Watering and Care

After planting the grass, gently water the area. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the germination period. New grass needs consistent moisture to establish strong roots, but too much water can lead to root rot, especially between pavers.

Once the grass is established, water it once a week, depending on rainfall and climate conditions. Ensure that the grass doesn’t dry out, especially in the warmer months.

5. Maintenance

  • Mowing: Trim the grass regularly to prevent it from growing too tall and interfering with the pavers. Most ground cover grasses require cutting every 4–6 weeks.

  • Weeding: Weeds can sprout in the cracks between pavers, so be vigilant and remove them as soon as you spot them. Mulching the gaps can also help to reduce weed growth.

  • Fertilizing: Apply a light fertilizer once a year to keep the grass healthy, especially during the growing season.

Benefits of Growing Grass Between Pavers

Now that you know how to grow grass between pavers, here’s a look at some of the top benefits:

1. Aesthetic Appeal

As mentioned earlier, grass between pavers can enhance the overall look of your garden, patio, or walkway. It softens the hard lines of stone paths and creates a more organic, cohesive appearance.

2. Environmental Benefits

Grass between pavers can help with drainage, preventing water from pooling on your pathways and reducing erosion. It also provides a habitat for beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies.

3. Natural Walkway

Grass offers a soft, natural surface to walk on. Instead of walking on hard concrete or stone, you can enjoy a comfortable, cushioned path created by the grass growing between the pavers.

4. Low Maintenance

Once established, grass between pavers requires minimal care compared to traditional grass lawns. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance landscaping solution.

Where to Buy Grass and Supplies for Pavers

If you're ready to get started on your project, check out these Amazon affiliate links for seeds, plants, and other supplies you'll need for growing grass between pavers:

Growing grass between pavers in 2025 offers homeowners an affordable, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re creating a peaceful path, a patio with a natural look, or improving your garden with some greenery, the benefits of having grass between your pavers are clear.

With the right care, tools, and grass selection, your outdoor space can be transformed into something beautiful and functional. So why not give it a try? Happy planting!

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