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Ground Cover

Quick definition

Low-growing plants that spread across the soil surface, helping cover bare ground, suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and improve landscape appearance.

In plain terms

Ground covers grow outward rather than upward, forming a living layer over the soil. As they spread, they shade the ground, helping conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.

Some ground covers thrive in sunny locations, while others are adapted to deep shade. Many are valued because they require less maintenance than traditional lawns and can succeed in areas where turfgrass struggles.

Ground covers are commonly used on slopes, beneath trees, between larger plants, and in difficult-to-maintain areas of the landscape.

Why this matters

Ground covers provide both practical and ornamental benefits. They help protect soil, reduce maintenance, improve landscape design, and make use of spaces that may be unsuitable for grass or larger plants.

In practice

Examples

  • Creeping thyme forms a dense mat and produces seasonal flowers.
  • Sedums provide drought-tolerant ground cover in sunny locations.
  • Ajuga spreads well in partially shaded areas.
  • Woodland ground covers thrive beneath mature trees where turfgrass often fails.

Practical applications

  • Select ground covers based on sunlight, soil, and moisture conditions.
  • Use ground covers on slopes to help reduce erosion.
  • Apply mulch during establishment to reduce weed competition.
  • Space plants according to their mature spread.
  • Monitor aggressive spreaders to prevent them from overtaking nearby plants.

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