subject: 7 Important Considerations When Selecting Ground Cover [print this page] Ground covers are any variety of plants that grows closely over the ground. Hampering weed growth, protecting the soil from drought, and protecting the soil from erosion are the benefits of having a ground cover. Apart from its practical benefits, ground covers have an aesthetic appeal and are popularly used for landscaping. Here are important things to consider when deciding what textures and blooms you should use as ground covers:
Plan your desired time frame
Before anything else, you need to figure out how long your ground covers will stay. Ground covers come in annual and perennial types. Annuals leave behind seeds when they expire after every growing season. These seeds in return become new plants that will cultivate in the subsequent year. Perennials, on the other hand, may withdraw during the end of the growing season but do not die. Providing color to the landscape even during the winter months, there are also evergreen perennials which will thrive through different seasons.
Take into account your place's weather conditions
It is important that you also choose ground covers that are appropriate for the climate where you live. One frequently used option is turfgrass, which thrives in all different climates. There are ground covers that are delicate and could not last through extreme weather.
Decide on what intention it should serve
Ground covers offer both practical and aesthetic benefits. Decide which of these benefits are most important. To emphasize depth in your landscape or for protecting a sloped area from erosion, you may want to use ground covers for these purposes. There are many varieties of plants that can suit your needs.
Make sure that the plant is not invasive
Certain ground covers invade the entire area they are planted in. They can grow out quickly and cover up some areas of your landscape that you never intend to cover. Ground covers in this nature can also endanger your other plants.
Consider the plant's required amount of maintenance
The amount of care that you are going to put into different plants vary. Some plants need meticulous tending, while others can thrive on their own without much maintenance. Select a plant from a family that doesn't need meticulous care.
Find out how high the plants will grow
Many ground covers grow close to the ground; however, some can grow a lot taller. Before you choose, ask a professional or do some research to find out how high the particular type of plant can grow. Tall ground covers plants can block the visibility of other plants.
Determine whether the plant is poisonous
Do some research to be sure that a particular plant is a safe one. Some plants are actually poisonous, even though they may look decorative as ground covers. This is very important to think about, particularly if you have children or pets in the family.
There are many ground cover options you can choose from, but the best will be one that serves your needs and landscaping plans.
