by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: May 14, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2012

Ground covers are very useful and beneficial in landscape design. Plants that are used as ground covers are typically low growing plants that spread fast and that create a densely packed cover over the ground. Their growing requirements vary, with some preferring more shade while others prefer full sun. Some are pure green, other types have flowers, while some have foliage that changes according to whether the plants are planted in sunny or shady conditions.

The main reason for which people plant ground covers is because they need something that is attractive and that won't require substantial amounts of maintenance.

There are many purposes for which ground covers may be used. Some of the most obvious and important include:

  • Ground covers are ideal for filling in bare areas where there isn't enough room to plant anything else.

  • They are useful at reducing maintenance requirements

  • They are helpful in the prevention of soil erosion. Some actually give back nutrients that other plants take out of the soil.

  • They can add greatly to the landscaping appeal.

  • Some ground covers will grow in areas where grass cannot or will not grow.

  • Ground covers make great fillers, in between bushes, or under trees because they eliminate the need to mow there.

  • Ground covers can protect shallow roots of trees.

  • They can help to maintain soil moisture for longer. When used to aid in moisture retention, ground covers can be a more attractive alternative to mulch. They are equally capable of preventing soil erosion or putting back nutrients into the soil.

  • In particularly dry areas where water conservation is of the essence, planting succulent type ground covers can provide an attractive cover to the ground, add landscape appeal and because of the type of plant that they are, succulents are capable of holding water in their leaves, providing the plant with it's own private water supply.

• Preparation For Planting  

Depending on where the ground cover will be planted, it may or may not be necessary to prepare an entire bed. In areas where a large amount of ground cover will be planted, the bed should be prepared.

  • Open areas 

When preparing the soil for planting in open areas, the entire bed should be tilled. It should be tilled to a depth of six to eight inches. To ensure optimally

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