That's where other kinds of ground covers come in. Some are nearly as compact and uniform as lawn, while others grow in a jumbled mass several feet high. But all of them require far less upkeep than grass. The 32 plants covered here thrive in four of the most typical trouble spots for lawn. Steep Slopes Growing and caring for plants on slopes is a real challenge.
Soil tends to be shallow or poor.
And because water will run off, it erodes what soil there is and doesn't soak in to nourish roots. Slopes also make mowing and other lawn maintenance treacherous. The following plants are easier to establish than grass and most other ground covers. They also require less watering, feeding and other maintenance. Noted among them are erosion-control plants with especially dense, strong roots that help protect soil from being washed and blown away.