subject: 7 Guidelines In Choosing The Right Ground Cover [print this page] Before selecting a ground cover you should plan your desired time frame, consider the climate of your area, evaluate what purpose you want it to serve, make sure that the plant is not invasive, consider the plant's required amount of maintenance, find out how high the plant will grow, and check if the plant is poisonous.
Plants of any variety growing closely over the ground are called ground covers. The uses of a ground cover are to stop erosion and drought, and can even limit or eliminate the growth of weeds. 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:
Set up a time frame
You should first plan out how long you want your landscape to have ground covers over it. Ground covers come in annual and perennial types. Annuals only last for one growing season. When they die, they drop seeds which will grow into new plants for the next season. 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 consideration your area's climate
Take into consideration the climate of your area and choose ground covers that can adapt to it. Turfgrass is a common option that can thrive in all types of climates. There are ground covers that are delicate and could not last through extreme weather.
Evaluate what purpose you want it to serve
If you want to have ground covers, its either you're thinking about its aesthetic or practical benefits. Decide which of these benefits are most important. Ground covers prevent erosion of a sloped landscape, and they also show off the depth in the landscape. There are many plant varieties available which can suit what you are looking for.
Make sure that the plant is not invasive
There are some ground covers that are invasive in nature. These plants spread quickly and can even cover parts of your landscape that you do not intend to cover. These kinds of ground covers also put your other plants at risk.
Take into consideration the amount of tending the plant needs
Every different type of plant requires different levels of care. 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.
Determine the heights of the plant's full growth
Some ground covers grow quite high, but most stay close to the ground even in maturity. Before you choose, ask a professional or do some research to find out how high the particular type of plant can grow. If a ground cover grows too high, other plants, which you were hoping to display, may be covered.
Make sure that the plant is not poisonous
Do some research to be sure that a particular plant is a safe one. Beware of plants that make nice ground covers, but may actually be poisonous. This is an important consideration to make especially if you have pets or children.
There are a lot of ground cover choices to choose from; however, the ideal one should be appropriate for your needs and landscaping plans.
