A green and lush lawn is a great way to spruce up your outdoor living space. But in high-traffic areas, grass can be a challenge to maintain. That’s why many people are turning to ground-cover plants as a viable lawn alternative.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at why you should consider ground-cover plants for areas that receive heavy foot traffic, the benefits of using them, and a list of ground-cover native plants and green foliage for your landscape installation.
Why Consider Alternatives to Grass For High-Traffic Areas
Grass can be a challenge to maintain in high-traffic areas with partial shade, such as around your pool, along pathways, and in play areas. The grass is often prone to damage from foot traffic, and it can be difficult to keep it lush and green, especially if you have a shady garden.
That’s why many people are turning to ground-cover plants that require little maintenance as a viable alternative. Ground cover plants are hardy and resilient to dry climate, and can handle the wear and tear of foot traffic in a traditional lawn or a clover lawn.
Benefits of Ground Cover Plants
Ground cover plants have many benefits. They require less maintenance than grass and are often drought-tolerant. They also help to prevent soil erosion and can be used to suppress weeds. A green lawn can add texture and color to your outdoor space and can be used to create an attractive and inviting landscape.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ground Cover Plants
When choosing ground cover plants, there are a few factors to consider. Soil type and pH requirements, sunlight exposure, water needs, and foot traffic tolerance are all important factors to consider.
When selecting ground cover plants, it is also important to consider the type of foliage and color you desire for the area. Do you want low-lying, spreading plants that have evergreen foliage or something more varied or ornamental? Are you looking for a ground cover that will provide a subtle variation in color or a more vivid one? Depending on your goals, there are a variety of ground cover plants that can fit your needs.
Researching the ground cover plants you are considering is important to ensure they are the right fit for your garden. It is also important to properly prepare the soil before planting and to provide the right amount of water and maintenance in order to ensure the health of the plants. With the right ground cover plants, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance landscape.
Soil Type and pH Requirements
Choosing a ground cover plant that is suited to your soil type and pH level is important. Most ground cover plants prefer well-drained soil and a slightly acidic pH level.
Sunlight Exposure
Ground cover plants vary in their sunlight needs. Some prefer full sun, while others are more tolerant of light shade. Be sure to choose a ground cover plant suited to your yard’s sunlight exposure.
Water Needs
Ground cover plants have different water needs, from drought tolerant to needing regular watering. Be sure to choose a ground cover plant suited to your yard’s water needs.
Foot Traffic Tolerance
When choosing a ground cover plant for a high-traffic area, it’s important to choose one tolerant of foot traffic. Some ground cover plants are more resilient to wear and tear, while others are more fragile and may not suit high-traffic areas.
High-Traffic Ground Cover Options
Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing ground cover plants, here’s a wide range of high-traffic ground cover options, including perennial plants, ornamental grasses, and more.
- White Flowers – White flowers are a great choice for a ground cover option in high-traffic areas. They are easy to maintain, drought tolerant, and can tolerate foot traffic.
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- Creeping thyme – Creeping thyme is a great option for high-traffic areas. It’s a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and foot traffic and is low maintenance.
- Irish moss – Irish moss is a great ground cover option for high-traffic areas. It’s hardy, drought tolerant, and can handle foot traffic.
- Common snowberry – Common snowberry is another great option for high-traffic areas. It’s a hardy plant that is tolerant of foot traffic and can handle some drought conditions.
- Corsican mint – A Corsican mint is a great option for a high-traffic area. It’s hardy, drought tolerant, and can handle foot traffic.
- Mazus reptans – Mazus reptans is a great ground cover plant for high-traffic areas. It’s a hardy plant that is tolerant of foot traffic and can handle some drought conditions.
- Lamium – Lamium is a great ground cover option for high-traffic areas. It’s hardy, drought tolerant, and can handle foot traffic.
- Vinca – Vinca is another great ground cover option for high-traffic areas. It’s a hardy plant that is tolerant of foot traffic and can handle some drought conditions.
Ground cover plants are a great alternative to grass in high-traffic areas. They require less maintenance, are often drought tolerant, and can handle the wear and tear of foot traffic. This guide provides a list of high-traffic ground cover plants to consider for your yard or garden.
Work With OC’s Premier Plant Landscape Designers
The landscape plant design can make all the difference to the look and feel of your outdoor environment. Our landscape installation experts at West Hills Masonry can help you design a perfect garden with a striking combination of modern landscape plants, flowers, and shrubs.
We have a team of landscape designers and landscape architects who are experienced in various garden design principles, planting design techniques, and plant installation.
You can rely on West Hill Masonry to create visually appealing landscapes that are well-maintained. Get in touch with our team at West Hills Masonry today to learn more about our other landscape design services.
