GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
Groundcovers – Benefits and Pitfalls
By John C . Fech
On campuses , sports fields and other recreational facility grounds , turfgrass can sometimes be the default groundcover . However , in certain instances , it ’ s not the best choice . Locations for non-turf plants include shady sites , small spaces and heavily trafficked spots . Other considerations for replacing current plant material with groundcovers are mowing reduction , introducing texture and height variation , and the option of all-season appeal . Just like maintenance of turfgrass , considerations of pests , edging , irrigation zoning , height control and replanting are key to success .
WHAT ’ S A GROUNDCOVER ?
For topics such as this , it ’ s best to start with a clear definition — what actually is a groundcover and what isn ’ t ? In the landscapes referenced above , a groundcover is best thought of as a group of plants that is : 1 . Low growing 2 . Spreading 3 . Isn ’ t routinely mowed Each of these three parts of the definition can vary quite a bit . For example , “ low growing ” generally means a mature height of between 2 and 12 inches . Spreading can occur slowly or rapidly within a growing season , and can occur via rhizomes , stolons or seed dispersal . While groundcovers are not shorn with mowing equipment ,
26 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com