Growing Ground Covers For Weeds Is A Beautiful No-Brainer - Are There Hidden Downsides?

Battling unwanted growth can be one of the most frustrating outdoor tasks, which is why many people are using easy-to-grow ground covers to smother weeds in their yards and gardens. Although nobody wants to deal with these pesky plants, chemicals aren't always the best solution either. Sometimes called living mulch, ground covers are attractive, low-maintenance plants that can keep weeds at bay. Once established, they outcompete weeds for resources while adding more color and texture to your backyard. Plus, they're a more eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and often provide long-term defense against weeds, so you won't waste any more time pulling or spraying them. However, there are downsides you may not have thought of.

Unfortunately, ground covers don't work overnight. They also aren't a completely maintenance-free solution, and some are aggressive growers. While mature ground covers aren't as needy as grass, you'll still need to regularly water, fertilize, and provide routine care to grow thriving ground cover plants in your yard. Over time, you may also need to remove excess growth or trim the edges to prevent them from spreading too far. Because you need to space them out and give them time to cover the soil, you may need to pull a few weeds while they establish.  Although there are a few downsides, a little planning can help you enjoy all the benefits ground covers can offer and avoid the common pitfalls.

Just because ground covers can compete with weeds doesn't mean they'll win. One of the downsides of using ground covers is that established weeds can crowd out your ground cover if you don't take early steps to control them. Your new plants will need some time to settle in and establish their root systems, so give them the upper hand by eliminating all of the weeds and preparing the soil before planting. The goal is to create an environment where your ground cover thrives. For example, if you have clay or sandy soil, you may need to amend it to improve drainage or moisture holding abilities. Add a layer of organic matter, like compost or manure, to add nutrients and improve soil texture.

Another downside of some ground covers is their own weediness. The last thing you want is to replace one pesky plant with another. There are several fast-spreading invasive ground covers to steer clear of because they can grow outside of the intended area. They won't just kill your weeds; they may also smother nearby plants you actually want in your garden. One example is periwinkle (Vinca minor), a plant commonly recommended as a ground cover, but its vigorous growth through underground rhizomes makes it nearly impossible to control. To benefit both you and the environment, opt for native species that thrive in your region and match the growing conditions and climate of your yard. Spreading varieties tend to work best for covering large areas, while clumping types work well for defining smaller spaces.