A well-manicured lawn is something all homeowners strive for, however, with the continuous upkeep and maintenance, many are left wondering if opting for a different type of ground cover could enhance their landscaping while minimizing the effort of upkeep. Luckily there are quite a few different types of groundcovers, ensuring there is something for everyone. From drought-tolerant and low maintenance options to groundcover sprinkled with color thanks to little flowers, to the lovely aromas of herbal choices, the options are truly endless. While different ground covers do best in specific climates, we’ve compiled a list of a few grass alternatives that thrive in the beautiful PNW.
Popular Ground Cover to Replace Your Grass
Native Ground Covers
- Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Popular due to its evergreen properties, Kinnikinnick is drought-tolerant and thrives in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
- Salal (Gaultheria shallon): Salal is best suited for yards that get a good amount of shade as it doesn’t like direct light. A hardy evergreen, salal thrives with minimal moisture.
Evergreen Ground Covers
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A great option for those with families thanks to its ability to tolerate foot traffic, creeping thyme is fragrant, slow growing and thrives in lawns that see plenty of sun in the summer months as long as there is proper drainage.
- Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei): A huge perk to incorporating wintercreeper into your landscaping is its ability to grow in either the sun or the shade, allowing a cohesive look throughout your landscaping.
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor): Great for boosting curb appeal thanks to the small blue and purple flowers that bloom in the Spring, periwinkle is fast growing and evergreen, creating a lush lawn in no time!
Low-Maintenance Ground Covers
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Best suited for shaded and moist areas, sweet woodruff produces beautiful white flowers that have a soft aroma, often attracting pollinators.
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Great for partially shaded yards, creeping jenny is a trailing plant that can fill in your yard and thrives in moist soil.
- Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): Boasting beautiful blooms during the Spring, Bugleweed does great in both partially shaded and sunny areas.
Ground Covers for Erosion Control
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A great option for sloped backyards, creeping phlox has beautiful Spring flowers and can handle direct sun.
- Sedum (Stonecrop): Sedum is a part of the succulent family and needs well drained rocky soil to help control the amount of moisture.
Lawn Alternatives
- Clover (Trifolium repens): Clover lawns have become more and more popular over the past several years, they are hardy, fast growing, and easy to maintain. Providing an evergreen look, it is a great lawn alternative for those wanting a more “traditional” lawn.
There are multiple different options out there when it comes to ground cover. It is important to do your research and consult with a professional landscaper to ensure you find the best option that suits your outdoor space and your desire aesthetic. From colorful blooms in Spring to evergreen clover, there is truly a type of ground cover for every outdoor space, and with the right team to help, it can transform your yard into a true eye catcher, ultimately boosting your curb appeal and making your home the envy of the neighborhood. Contact us today to discuss your options and we’d love to help create the outdoor oasis of your dreams!