What is a common reason for choosing ground covers in landscape design?

Choosing ground covers in landscape design is frequently motivated by their ability to serve as a turf alternative. Ground covers are low-growing plants that can effectively cover large areas of ground, providing a lush, green appearance similar to grass, but often with additional benefits.

Ground covers require less maintenance than traditional lawns, as they typically need less mowing, watering, and fertilizing. These plants can establish more readily in challenging conditions where turf grass may struggle, such as in shady areas, on slopes, or in dry soils. They can also help suppress weeds by outcompeting them for resources. This makes them an ideal choice for eco-friendly landscaping that conserves resources and minimizes lawn care efforts. Their variety in texture, color, and flowering can additionally enhance the aesthetic appeal of the landscape.

While attracting wildlife, providing shade, and influencing tree root growth can be relevant concerns in landscape management, the primary role of ground covers is to efficiently cover the ground and replace or complement the traditional turf, making them especially useful in various landscape designs.