How to make this space friendly for kids and walkability? - Ask Extension
Hi there, our HOA is contemplating refreshing this space because it has gone neglected for several years now. The plants that are currently here overg...
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How to make this space friendly for kids and walkability? #926593
Asked March 23, 2026, 3:16 PM EDT
Hi there, our HOA is contemplating refreshing this space because it has gone neglected for several years now. The plants that are currently here overgrow way too wildly and we want something that is simple, easy to maintain but also friendly for young children running, playing, falling, etc. We have thought about grass, but are not sure about the sunlight required. I’m attaching what it looks like currently and then a couple mock ups of ideas that AI generated. But I would love to get your expert thoughts on what would be best if not grass but still simple and any design ideas too. The landscaper contractor recommended Korean boxwoods as an option. Thank you!
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Janie,
From the pictures this area appears to be urban with tall buildings around it. Grass requires full sun to thrive, 4-6 hrs./day. Even shade tolerant grass requires a minimum of 2 hrs./day and does not do well in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Korean boxwood is not native to the US and can be susceptible to pests and diseases. In addition, it can grow to 10 feet at maturity so it will require regular pruning if you want it to look like the AI pictures.
You could ask your landscaper to provide some native shrub alternatives that tolerate partial shade and some ground covers rather than turf grass. Here's a link to the Extension webpage on groundcovers that may help:
Groundcovers | University of Maryland Extension
Some suggestions for alternatives to Korean boxwood are: dwarf youpon holly, dwarf sweetspire and dwarf fothergilla. The first 2 are evergreen, and the fothergilla is deciduous. However, it turns a beautiful orange color in the fall before it drops it's leaves.
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
From the pictures this area appears to be urban with tall buildings around it. Grass requires full sun to thrive, 4-6 hrs./day. Even shade tolerant grass requires a minimum of 2 hrs./day and does not do well in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Korean boxwood is not native to the US and can be susceptible to pests and diseases. In addition, it can grow to 10 feet at maturity so it will require regular pruning if you want it to look like the AI pictures.
You could ask your landscaper to provide some native shrub alternatives that tolerate partial shade and some ground covers rather than turf grass. Here's a link to the Extension webpage on groundcovers that may help:
Groundcovers | University of Maryland Extension
Some suggestions for alternatives to Korean boxwood are: dwarf youpon holly, dwarf sweetspire and dwarf fothergilla. The first 2 are evergreen, and the fothergilla is deciduous. However, it turns a beautiful orange color in the fall before it drops it's leaves.
Thanks for contacting us,
Judy
