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Lawn Alternatives: Ground Covers

Some ground cover plants make good alternatives to turfgrasses in some locations, especially in the xeriscaped landscape. They provide variety of texture and color, reduce soil erosion, and serve as a transition between grass areas and shrub or flower beds.

Ground cover plants should be considered in areas where watering and mowing are difficult, areas that require extra maintenance or are unsuitable for grass such as:

• Narrow strips between sidewalks and curbs or buildings

• Impractical to mow slopes

• Hot, dry areas on south and west exposures of walls or fences; and

• Shaded areas beneath trees or shrubs, north sides of walls and fences, and foundation plantings in front of low windows.

Ground covers also can enhance the beauty of shrub borders and break up the monotony of areas previously covered with decorative gravel.

Weed control in ground cover areas

Prior to planting ground covers, make sure that existing weeds are hoed, pulled our (complete with roots) or chemically controlled. Perennial weeds can be troublesome later if not eliminated prior to planting. Glyphosate (Roundup or Kleenup) controls most weeds if applied to weedy vegetation a few weeks prior to planting and when they are actively growing. This chemical does not leave a harmful residue in the soil and allows planting in treated areas a week after spraying.

Weeds also can be discouraged by using weed barrier fabrics available in many Garden centers. Anchor fabric edges with U-shaped wire pins about 6" long. Plant through slits cut into the barrier. Put a decorative mulch on top of the fabric. Avoid using plastic film for a weed barrier. Plastic films prevent weeds, but they also tend to suffocate plant roots.