Fact Sheets no. The ideal ground cover reduces soil erosion, excludes weeds, and is attractive year-round. When selecting a ground cover, consider the size of the area, exposure, steepness of slope, foot traffic and soil condition.
Most ground covers require at least two years to provide serviceable cover.
At high elevations, plant seeded ground covers in the fall or spring. Rooted plants are best planted in the spring. The ideal ground cover plant forms a sufficiently dense mat of roots and foliage to reduce soil erosion, exclude weeds and provide an attractive, year-round appearance. A ground cover, by definition, spreads. Sod-forming grasses fit most of the above requirements and have the additional benefit of withstanding considerable traffic abuse.