How to Customize Ground Cover

Assess the site where ground cover is needed. Consider erosion potential, amount of sun and shade, soil type and access to irrigation. Native grasses and sedges have extensive fibrous root systems that are effective for erosion control. Non-native ground cover plants need a regular irrigation schedule either manually or by sprinkler system. Use clumping variety grasses in combination with other ground cover plants. Hair grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a native grass with delicate pink hair-like growth. Creek sedge (Carex blanda) grows in clumps and has upright, sword-shaped leaves.

Choose plants that solve specific landscape problems. Low-growing ground covers such as Hakone grass, cushion spurge or variegated goutweed provide colorful foliage alongside driveways and under trees. In moist environmental conditions, moss is useful in shaded areas. Consult native plant websites to learn about plant types indigenous to the local growing conditions. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center maintains a searchable database of native plants of each state.

Plant and maintain the ground cover according to local environmental conditions. Drought areas with low rainfall need plants that require little water, such as buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides), inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) or little bluestem (Sorghastrum nutans). Fertilize plants according to their individual needs. Indigenous plants such as firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella) and Virginia pennywort (Obolaria virginica) thrive without fertilizer. Consult a local native plants nursery for recommendations.