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Seven Things To Think About When Choosing A Ground Cover

Decide how long you want to have ground covers, think about your local climate, decide on what intention it should serve, ensure that the plant you choose is not invasive, take into consideration the amount of tending the plant needs, see how tall the plants will grow, and determine whether the plant is poisonous are some of the things you should think about when choosing a ground cover.

Author: Danica Reynes
Date: Jan 2, 2011 - 9:04:20 PM

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When selecting a ground cover, there are things you should keep in mind including: setting up a time frame, taking into consideration your area's climate, determining what purpose it should have, learning whether the foliage is an invasive species, thinking about how much maintenance the plant is going to need, determining the heights of the plant's full growth, and making sure that the plant is not poisonous.

Any type of plants that grows low on the ground is known as ground covers. Hampering weed growth, protecting the soil from drought, and protecting the soil from erosion are the benefits of having a ground cover. Ground covers are mostly used for landscaping, owing to its aesthetic appeal, apart from its practical benefits. Here are some considerations to help you select which of the many varieties of textures and blooms you should use for your own lawn:

Set up a time frame

Before anything else, you need to figure out how long your ground covers will stay. You may select either perennial or annual ground covers. 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 consideration your area's climate

It is important that you also choose ground covers that are appropriate for the climate where you live. Turfgrass is a common option that can thrive in all types of climates. Other ground covers are more delicate and may die when exposed to extreme weather.

Figure out what's your purpose of having ground covers

Ground covers offer two benefits: practical and aesthetic. From these benefits, select which one is the 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

Some ground covers are invasive. They can grow out quickly and cover up some areas of your landscape that you never intend to cover. These types of ground covers can also endanger your other plants.

Take into consideration the amount of tending the plant needs

Various types of plants naturally require different types and amounts of maintenance. There are some plants that can survive without a great deal of care, while others need constant attention. Decide on a plant that is maintainable, without being taxing.

See how tall the plants will grow

Usually, ground covers grow close to the ground, but there are some of them that can grow taller. To find out how high the particular type of plant can grow, ask a professional or do some research before choosing. Ground covers that grow high can block out other plants that you might have wanted to be visible.

Check if the plant is poisonous

Do some research to be sure that a particular plant is a safe one. There are plants out there that may look nice as ground covers, but may actually be poisonous. If you are having pets with you or if you are in the company of children, then in that case, this consideration assumes a lot of significance.

There are a lot of ground cover choices to choose from; however, the ideal one should be appropriate for your needs and landscaping plans.

View all articles by Danica Reynes

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