Less mowing, less watering, less fertilizing: Ground covers are a beautiful alternative to lawn grass

Ground covers are a popular alternative to lawn grasses. They require far less maintenance (mowing, watering, fertilizing) than grass and are an important part of sustainable landscaping.

Ground covers can reduce maintenance, beautify problem areas and add a new dimension to your landscape. And March is an excellent time to plant them.

For a list of great ground covers for sun, shade and partial light conditions, click here.

Planting now will provide ground covers with a chance to become established before hot weather arrives.

The term ground cover is applied to low-growing plants, other than turf grass, used to cover areas of the landscape. Perennial, evergreen plants having a sprawling or spreading habit are most often used.

The plants are generally short, from a few inches to 18 inches tall, but taller-growing plants also are used appropriately in certain situations on a larger scale.

In addition to the beauty they provide, ground covers also have practical uses. Since most people are reluctant to walk through ground cover areas, they provide barriers to foot traffic and can guide movement through a site.

Some ground covers are effective in erosion control. Because they don't have to be mowed, they also reduce landscape maintenance and are useful in areas where mowing would be difficult, such as on steep slopes, under low-branched trees and shrubs, where the roots of large trees protrude and in confined areas.

Ground covers also are a good solution to areas under trees that have become too shady for grass to grow (mulching is another option).

When selecting a ground cover, first consider the growing conditions; is it sunny or shady? This will determine which plants you should choose.

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Less mowing, less watering, less fertilizing: Ground covers are a beautiful alternative to lawn grass