GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
Strive for the sweet spot with spacing . All photos by John C . Fech .
certain plants such as Bishop ’ s goutweed and anemone can be cut down to an inch or so in height once or twice a year to improve their appearance . In addition , some lowgrowing shrubs such as cranberry cotoneaster can take on the appearance and function of a groundcover if they are closely spaced . Although there are exceptions to these guidelines , the three “ qualifiers ” remain .
Just the name “ groundcovers ” begs the questions “ Where ?” and “ Why ?” There is certainly also the general feel or sense of place that a groundcover emits — low plants that hug the ground and fill in spaces between other plants . The question of “ Where ?” is answered by “ Anywhere ” — sun , shade , slopes , in the open , under other plants , in front of a bed , surrounding trees / shrubs , among pavers and next to fencing . “ Why ?” is a consideration of the many benefits of groundcovers .
Groundcovers sometimes need to be replaced or allowed to fill in on their own .
BENEFITS OF GROUNDCOVERS
Groundcovers fit squarely with the tried-and-true principle of Right Plant , Right Place ( RPRP ), adding a multitude of options for attractive and functional green plants in the landscape . Perhaps the most classic usage is to install them where turfgrass isn ’ t a good option due to low light levels and / or a prohibitive degree of slope for mowing . Since even the most shade-tolerant of mowed turfgrasses require a minimum of three to four hours of sunlight per day , they simply don ’ t qualify for shady sites in an RPRP sense . Likewise , with the safety of the operator in mind , severe slopes that don ’ t have to be mowed are a plus in the landscape . Erosion is greatly reduced on slopes that are covered with a vigorous , well-sited groundcover as compared to worn , heavily compacted and poorly performing turf . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2023 | SportsField Management
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