Using Groundcovers For Problem Areas

By Leslie McGuire, managing editor

Groundcovers are an interesting way to turn problem areas into assets. Traffic flow, irrigation issues on slopes, light/shade problems and medians or islands that present maintenance issues can be mitigated by careful placement of these sturdy plantings. In addition, groundcovers can direct traffic away from high use or any of the other turf areas that will face problems if they become compacted by foot traffic. Not only can you balance the dominance of turf with any kind of low foliage ground cover, you can ease up on maintenance issues as well as break up the monotony of large areas.

Narrow strips of turf may receive less care because they are inaccessible, and groundcovers offer a wonderful alternative.

In order to be considered a groundcover, the plant should be less than 18 inches tall and grow together adequately to form a stand of foliage or flowering low shrubs. Since they grow well where others don?EUR??,,????'???t, they also help reduce soil erosion. The key to establishing groundcovers is making sure the soil conditions are good. Since most ground covers spread by offshoots or runners, they fill in quickly when the drainage and aeration are good and the organic content of the soil is correct.

Ideal for Slopes

Slopes are often dangerous to mow and difficult to irrigate properly, and as such become a natural spot for ground covers. Often, slopes are topped with fencing which makes them even harder to maintain. A useful and visually pleasing alternative, especially if more than one or two different groundcovers are combined, they offer extra appeal by breaking up the spaces into visually pleasing patterns.

This winding path is heavily shaded and therefore a hard place to maintain grass. Variegated groundcovers combined with those of different heights create a peaceful softening of the transition from path to greenery while being relatively easy to care for.

Combine With Hardscape Elements

Often hardscaping, if not softened with plantings, can seem very harsh in the middle of large turf areas. A layered approach to the design of the groundcover can add visual interest, and taller groundcovers can be used around benches, mailboxes, cable boxes and other conspicuous amenities.

Sempervivum tectorum: Hens and Chicks; Height: 2?EUR??,,????'?? to 4?EUR??,,????'?? Full sun to part shade; Water: Dry; Bloom time: Summer.

Place Under Shade Trees

Deeply shaded areas under trees are excellent places for establishing shade tolerant groundcovers to replace thin or discolored turf grass, especially since areas close to tree trunks are difficult to mow. Repeating the ground cover masses under each tree brings a uniformity to the planting plan and also allows for choices that have the same watering needs.

Galium oderatum: Sweet Woodruff; Height: 6?EUR??,,????'?? to 8?EUR??,,????'?? Part to full shade; Water: Moist; Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Contrast Turf with Texture, Color and Height

Flowering groundcovers are good for contrast with solid green areas. Chosen for their specific flowering colors, the leaves have a range of color from grey to grey green, to pale green and dark green as well as different leaf shapes, patterns and thicknesses creating extra visual appeal when the flowers are gone. The leaves should stay clean and healthy between flowerings. You can also combine different groundcovers to have blooming periods in tandem so there is always a different color coming into flower.

Campanula: Bellflower; Height 6?EUR??,,????'?? to 12?EUR??,,????'?? Full sun to part shade; Water: Moist to dry; Bloom time: Late spring to early summer.

Separate Ornamental Beds From Turf Areas

Unfortunately turf and flowers placed close together may have different water and fertilizer needs. Ground covers will create a transition to the turf, and colors can be chosen that will enhance the ornamentals beds. Narrow strips of turf next to flowerbeds are difficult to mow, fertilize and irrigate properly. By analyzing the areas where you plan to place the groundcover plants, you can group together plants with similar requirements.

Cerastium tomentosum: Snow in Summer; Height: 6?EUR??,,????'?? to 12?EUR??,,????'?? Full sun; Water: Moist; Bloom time: late spring to early summer.

Enhance Medians and Islands

Small areas in parking lots as well as those dividing streets or walkways are difficult to maintain Ground covers are not maintenance free, however they are sturdier than turf. Even though their watering needs may equal those of the surrounding plantings or turf, they still need to be checked for weeds and routinely inspected for pests as well as occasional pruning.

Protect Traffic Overflow Areas

When the desire lines of the traffic patterns don?EUR??,,????'???t exactly conform to the actual traffic flow, it often helps to plant groundcovers in the overflow areas. That creates a visual barrier and tends to guide people to the stairs, paths, walkways or concession stands as originally laid out. In areas next to staircases, or hardscape convergences, the ground cover, unlike turf, will prevent people from taking advantage of open areas and thus damaging the existing turf.

Aubrieta: False Rockcress; Height: 2?EUR??,,????'?? Full sun; Water: Dry; Bloom time: Spring to early summer

Always Make a Plan

It helps to first plan your groundcover areas on paper. A visual examination of the problems areas should be made, and then each area requiring a groundcover can be indicated on a ?EUR??,,????'??map.?EUR??,,????'?? By being aware up front of which areas need which kinds of ground cover while balancing soil, moisture, sun, and color preference, you can make intelligent choices that will provide pleasing and relatively maintenance free corrections to your landscape.