GROUNDS MANAGEMENT
Many groundcover species thrive in shade where turfgrass often struggles .
A hallmark of a groundcover is that it has the capacity to add texture , leaf shape and color differences to the landscape . Enhanced textural appeal is created when round and oval leaves are placed next to the lance-shaped upright blades of turfgrass or placed between upright shrubs as filler plants . Of course , since color is one of the most powerful landscaping influences , the potential to introduce complementary or contrasting hues with another low-height ornamental mass in lieu of turf is a real plus . Groundcovers embody the technique of massing , the pulling together of like-sized , shaped and colored plant material , which gives the overall landscape a sense of unity and the opportunity to repeat similar elements throughout .
PITFALLS OF GROUNDCOVERS
Unfortunately , the road to effective groundcover use is not paved with gold , as using them is not a push-the-easy-button endeavor . First , by definition , groundcovers spread ; some species are more aggressive lateral growers than others , and creep into nearby turf or other groundcover areas . This tendency usually requires the use of herbicides and hand labor to keep the ones that aren ’ t “ well behaved ” in line . Weed control in a groundcover bed can be difficult , especially during establishment . There are a few preemergence herbicides that can be utilized ; however , hand pulling and hoeing is usually necessary at least to some degree .
Small or irregularly shaped spaces in the landscape are often best suited for groundcovers .
28 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com