Groundcover plants are typically low-growing plants with a spreading, trailing or mat-forming growth habit. They are used in various ways in the landscape to fill spaces between large plants in landscape beds and gardens, under large trees and in other areas where grass will not grow, on slopes or steep embankments as erosion controllers, and sometimes even as a lawn substitute. Groundcovers in the landscape are hugely important - they tie all other plantings together improving the overall look of the landscape or garden, and are are a useful and economical replacement for mulch. You can think of them as living mulch!
Instructions for planting groundcovers
- Site Preparation: In areas where you will plant groundcovers make sure to eliminate any existing weeds or grasses first. Spray existing weeds with a solution of a weed killer such as Killzall Super Concentrate. (Follow instructions on the product label for mixing and application.) Allow two hours after spraying before you begin planting. You may till area to be planted however it is not necessary. Be careful tilling around the root systems of large trees as you will not want to damage them. Note: After planting, we highly recommend broadcasting Treflan Weed Peventer Granules over the planted area to provide up to 1 year of weed control. Treflan Granules kill weed seeds before they germinate.
- Groundcover Selection: Look in the Plant Files on our web site or, better yet, use the 'Plant Search' to determine what type of groundcover you would like to plant. There are groundcovers suitable for sun or shade and some, such as Purple Winter Creeper, which tolerate full sun or full shade! Certain groundcovers, such as the low-growing Junipers, are perfect for use on steep slopes or embankments. Others are more suited for use under large trees, in foundation plantings to grow in and around shrubs, or between stepping stones or pavers. After selecting the type of groundcover you want to plant make note of suggested spacing distance. You will need this to determine the number of groundcover plants that will be required to cover the area.
- Measure the Area: Measure the planting area to determine how many plants will be needed to cover the area. Start by taking measurements of the length and width of the area to be planted. Then multiply the length by the width of the area to be planted to determine total square footage. For example: if the length is 50', and the width is 10', your area will have 500 total square feet. For circular areas measure the length of the radius of the circle (measure from center of the circle to the outside edge/ half the diamter). Then multiply the radius by itself (If the radius is 10', multiply 10 x 10 to get 100). Then multiply this number by 3.14 and you will have the total square footage of the circular area. For right (90 degree) triangles multiply length by width and divide by 2 to determine total square footage. For other odd shaped beds, or areas where you will be planting groundcovers amongst other shrubs, use the suggested spacing to determine the number of groundcovers needed. Once you know the total square footage, click on the link below to find a helpful plant calculation chart.
