Hi, 

Unfortunately thyme is not a great lawn alternative for our area because it does not do well in our climate and soils. It prefers better draining soil (not clay based) and the higher heat and humidity don't do it any favors either. It isn't native though but also not invasive and naturalized in some areas of the country. (I'm from norther NY originally and thyme is inter-mixed in sunny lawn areas all over!)

Creeping thyme also doesn't hold up to heavy foot traffic. So as a lawn alternative for dogs, it isn't going to do well. Really if you have a dog, a more traditional well maintained lawn is the best way to go. It can handle the foot traffic and pet urine better than other plants, (although even pet urine on turf can be a challenge). As for the safety of other lawn alternatives for pets, you could check with your vet or look on the ASPCA webpage for a list of poisonous plants.

A lot of people are incorporating clover into their lawns, and while it also isn't native, it can support some pollinators. We wouldn't recommend an entire 'lawn' of clover but allowing some to pop up, along with violets (which are native and used as a food source for a number of fritillary butterflies), is ok! Accepting some of the 'weeds' that people are usually quick to try to get rid of is a better approach to lawn care. 

What can be even better than trying to use a lawn alternative (especially when you still need space for pets) is planting native trees to help clean our air, give us shade and cooler soil temperatures, and provide a food source for native wildlife. Oak species are some of the best trees for this, if you have the space. Recently there has been a lot of Oak decline in our wooded areas and planned landscapes. People sometimes assume that we'd discourage oak replanting given how many appear to be dying around the region but, we definitely still encourage the planting of oaks given how important they are to biodiversity in our ecosystem. Younger trees must replace the dying older trees if the forest age range is to remain diverse. 

With nearly twenty native oak species in Maryland, there's probably several well-suited to most growing conditions (dry soil, wet soil, compaction, pollution, high-ish pH, etc.) though admittedly finding them at nurseries might be somewhat challenging as the same palette tend to be sold (White, Willow, Pin, Northern Red, sometimes Swamp White and Scarlet). If you have a smaller yard, there is a hybrid species called Quercus 'Regal Prince' and while it can still get tall it is more a columnar form and has some good resistance to disease and borers. There are still a number of smaller tree native species that are great additions to your home landscape as well. 

Another way to help the environment and the local biodiversity is planting a native pollinator garden. Maybe incorporating some more robust plants that your dog may not like to investigate as they are getting established. If you have the placement for one, installing a rain barrel or rain garden to retain water runoff is also a great support for the environment. 

If you are seeking a lawn alternative because of shade or poor drainage, then there are some alternatives you could seek out. (assuming you were asking about thyme for a sunny area though). Creating a woodland garden for shade with native plant species and ground covers is a great alternative to turf grass that is going to be difficult to grow under large trees with heavy shade and large roots. Using wood chips or mulch for areas or paths may be helpful for pets. 

Composting yard waste and kitchen scraps is another thing you could consider if you don't already. 

There are many positive steps you can take around your home yard to help with climate change while still having a lawn pace to enjoy for pets, children, or some 'open space'. Maybe you can reduce your lawn space, or not worry about some weeds as much. Fertilizing once a year in the fall is also a step in the right direction. One of the best things to maintain a healthy lawn with minimal use of chemicals, is to core aerate and overseed in the fall. This helps reduce compaction from foot traffic and pets and replaces the turf species as they age and die out. A thicker lawn will reduce weed seed growth and the need for herbicides, whether you use organic methods or chemical. 

Here area a number of web resources we have available to help guide you with reducing lawn space, lawn alternatives, and how to garden with climate change. Please feel free to review and reach out with further questions, or if you have more questions about lawn alternatives and your specific site conditions, feel free to attach photos and we can help with specific plant recommendations. 

Climate Change & Gardening

Challenge of Growing Lawns in Maryland

Lawn Alternatives 

Organic Lawn Care

Pollinator Gardens

Native Plants for the Home Landscape

Emily