10 Low-Maintenance Groundcover Options

Why They’re a Popular Alternative to Grass

Maintaining a lush green lawn takes work. While some grasses are more tolerant to sun, shade, and drought conditions, there’s also mowing and watering to consider. Those looking for a low-maintenance lawn are opting for alternatives to grass. Certain groundcover plants are a sustainable solution that requires less labor than traditional turf—if you can live without the consistent, manicured look. Learn what some of these groundcover options are and why it may be right for you.

Alternatives to Grass

Proper lawn care used to mean regularly watering, mowing, and fertilizing grass so that it grows strong, healthy, and green. However, the amount of time, money, and resources this takes leaves some property owners stressed. Certain lawn care techniques can also harm the environment if the wrong products are used. The manicured lawn look is becoming less popular with those who want a low-maintenance, eco-friendly option. Green grass is getting swapped for fast-spreading groundcover like clover, moss, and creeping thyme. Here’s why:

• Low-Maintenance. Short plants don’t require as much mowing, block weeds, and act as natural fertilizer.
• Drought-Tolerant. Less watering saves time and money.
• Spreads. Creeping plants can blanket large areas quickly.

Since groundcover is known to spread, it may take a little work to keep it contained in a certain area. But if you’re looking for it to take over your entire lawn and garden, let it run!

Types of Plants to Try 

Here are some of the popular groundcover options. Some plants prefer sun over shade, others are evergreen, and a few even bloom beautiful flowers. But they’re all low-growers that create a carpet-like effect to your lawn. 

• Clover. Drought-tolerant and can adjust nitrogen levels in the soil. Flowers attract pollinators. 
• Moss. Thrives in shady areas. 
• Creeping Thyme. Fragrant, colorful blooms are drought- and heat-tolerant. Also attracts pollinators. 
• Creeping Jenny. A low-growing, hardy perennial that can fill an area quickly. 
• Creeping Phlox. Trailing growth creates a dense foliage that helps suppress weed and prevent soil erosion. 
• Creeping Juniper. A cold-hardy evergreen that blankets an area with blue-green foliage. 
• Mint. Fragrant herb that spreads quickly. 
• Dichondra. Grass-like and tolerates foot traffic but requires less mowing. 
• Pachysandra. Dense evergreen that thrives in shady areas. 
• Sweet Woodruff. Creeping perennial that tolerates shade and is deer-resistant. 

While some groundcover is soft enough to walk on, the flowers it produce can attract bees, so it’s important to tread carefully. 

Maintaining Groundcover 

While these plants may not require the level of care as a pristine lawn, it’s still a living thing that needs the right amount of light and nutrients. Pick a plant that will thrive in the area you want it to grow. Water it regularly until it becomes established. If you notice signs of poor health, it could be a treatable disease or pest infestation. Contact Cardinal Lawns for an evaluation. Our team of plant care specialists can recommend individual treatments to help bring your groundcover back to life and create the sustainable lawn of your low-maintenance dreams.