Replacing Grass Lawns with Ground Cover Plants

Tired of mowing your lawn every weekend? It’s time to think outside the grass box. Groundcovers offer a fresh take on landscaping, giving your yard a new look while cutting down on maintenance. Swapping your grass for groundcovers can save time, water, and energy. These low-growing plants spread across the ground, crowding out weeds and creating a lush carpet of greenery. From creeping phlox to blue star creeper, there are options for every climate and soil type. They aren’t just practical – they’re pretty, too. Imagine a sea of tiny flowers in pink, purple, or white instead of a plain green lawn. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing your grass lawn with lovely ground cover plants.

Replacing your lawn with ground cover plants

For those new to ground cover plants, see our in-depth guide to the various types and classifications of ground cover plants.

Why Replace Grass Lawns?

Grass lawns are thirsty. They guzzle water like there’s no tomorrow, and in many places, that’s a big problem.

Grass needs constant care, too. Mowing, fertilizing, and weeding take time and energy. Who wants to spend their weekends pushing a noisy mower around?

Chemicals are another issue. Many people use weed killers and bug sprays on their lawns, which can harm beneficial insects and even pets.

Grass doesn’t do much for wildlife, either. It’s like a food desert for bees and butterflies, who need flowers to survive.

Money is a factor, too. Keeping a lawn looking nice can cost a pretty penny. Between water bills and lawn care products, it adds up fast.

Climate change is making things worse. Extreme weather can turn lawns brown or wash them away. Groundcovers are often tougher and can better handle these challenges.

Groundcovers offer solutions to these problems. They need less water, care, and chemicals. Many attract butterflies and bees. They can save you money and time. Plus, they look great!

Cost Comparisons: Grass vs. Groundcovers

Grass lawns might seem cheaper at first glance. A bag of grass seed costs between $1 and $10 per pound, which is less than many groundcover plants.

But don’t be fooled by the upfront price tag! Grass needs a lot of care over time. Think about all the mowing, watering, and fertilizing you’ll have to do.

Groundcovers, on the other hand, can save you money in the long run. They don’t need mowing, and many types use less water than grass. This means lower water bills and no need to buy or fuel a lawn mower.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Expense	Grass	Groundcovers
Initial cost	Lower	Higher
Water usage	Higher	Lower
Mowing	Regular	None
Fertilizer	Often needed	Rarely needed

Remember, the best choice depends on your yard and how you use it. If you love to play catch on the lawn, grass might still be your best bet.

But for low-traffic areas, groundcovers could be a smart money-saving switch.

Ground Cover Durability

Ground covers offer a few unique benefits for replacing traditional grass lawns. They can stand up to foot traffic while providing eco-friendly and low-maintenance alternatives.

Water Conservation and Eco-Friendliness

Ground covers typically need less water than grass lawns. Many varieties are drought-tolerant and can thrive with minimal watering. This saves water and cuts down on utility bills.

They also help the environment in other ways. They prevent soil erosion and provide homes for beneficial insects. Some types, like clover, even add nutrients to the soil naturally. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

Unlike bare gravel or pavers, plants keep the soil cool, helping to fight the urban heat island effect. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality.

Low Maintenance and Aesthetic Appeal

They need much less upkeep than grass lawns. Most don’t require mowing, saving time and energy. Ground covers to prevent weeds can help crowd out unwanted plants.

Many also stay green year-round, looking good in all seasons. They come in various colors and textures to suit different tastes. Some bloom with pretty flowers, adding visual interest to yards.

Ground covers can handle light foot traffic while they may not be as tough as grass for rough play. Plants like blue star creeper and creeping thyme can grow between stepping stones or pavers.

Best Ground Covers for Lawn Replacement

Ground covers offer a great alternative to traditional grass lawns. They come in many varieties, suited for different conditions and preferences. Here are some of my favorite options for replacing your grass:

Groundcovers for Sunny Areas

Creeping thyme is a popular choice for sunny spots. It forms a low mat of tiny leaves and produces small pink, white, or purple flowers. This herb is fragrant when stepped on and can handle light foot traffic.
Blue Star Creeper is another sun-loving option. It grows only 4 inches tall and creates a carpet of tiny blue flowers. It’s tough enough to walk on and looks great between stepping stones or in pathways.
For a burst of color, try creeping phlox. In spring, it blankets the ground with vibrant pink, purple, or white blooms. This plant is perfect for rock gardens or sloping areas.

Further reading: the best ground covers for full sun gardens.

Groundcovers for Shady Spots

Lily turf (Liriope) thrives in shady areas. It has grass-like leaves and produces spikes of purple or white flowers. This tough plant can handle some foot traffic and stays green year-round in mild climates.
For deep shade, consider sweet woodruff. It has whorls of bright green leaves and tiny white flowers in spring. This plant spreads quickly and gives off a pleasant scent when crushed.
Bugleweed is another shade-lover that forms a dense mat of leaves. It comes in various colors, from deep green to purple, and produces blue flower spikes in spring.

Kid and Pet-Friendly Groundcovers

Clover is an excellent option for areas with heavy use. White clover stays short, withstands foot traffic, and feels soft underfoot. It’s also safe for pets to nibble on.
Another good choice is creeping Jenny. This plant forms a low carpet of round, bright green leaves. It’s tough enough to handle romping kids and pets, and it spreads quickly to fill in bare spots.
Elfin thyme is a super-low-growing variety that can take some trampling. It forms a tight mat of tiny leaves and produces little pink flowers. Plus, it smells great when stepped on!

Water-Wise Groundcovers for Dry Climates

Sedum is a superstar for dry areas. This succulent comes in many varieties, from low-growing mats to taller types. It stores water in its leaves and can survive long periods without rain.
Ice plant is another water-wise option. It has fleshy leaves and produces daisy-like flowers in bright colors. This plant thrives in poor soil and coastal areas.
For a grass-like look, try blue fescue. This ornamental grass forms clumps of blue-gray leaves. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and adds interesting texture to the landscape.

Drought-Tolerant Options

Woolly thyme is a champ in dry conditions. It forms a dense mat of fuzzy, gray-green leaves. This plant can survive with very little water and feels soft underfoot.
Another tough plant is creeping speedwell. It spreads quickly to form a low carpet of small leaves. In spring, it’s covered with tiny blue flowers. This plant can handle drought and poor soil.
For a splash of color, try moss rose (Portulaca). This low-growing succulent has fleshy leaves and produces bright flowers that open in the sun. It thrives in hot, dry conditions.

Pollinator-Friendly Groundcovers

Creeping thyme is a favorite ground cover for bees and butterflies. Its tiny flowers provide nectar throughout the growing season. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and smells great.
Creeping phlox is another pollinator magnet. Its masses of spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This plant looks stunning, cascading over walls or rocks.
For later-season blooms, try creeping zinnia. It forms a low mat of leaves and produces small, daisy-like flowers from summer to fall. Butterflies love it!

Evergreen Groundcovers for Year-Round Beauty

Creeping juniper is a tough evergreen that forms a dense mat. It comes in various shades of green and blue-green. This plant is great for slopes and can handle poor soil.
For shady spots, try Japanese spurge. It has glossy, dark green leaves that stay attractive all year. In spring, it produces spikes of tiny white flowers.
Wintercreeper is another good choice. It forms a low carpet of leaves that turn reddish in winter. This plant is great for covering large areas and can even climb walls if you let it.

Discover our favorite easy-care ground cover plants for every garden.

How to Replace Your Lawn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plants That Will Wreak Havoc on Your Lawn

Here’s how to make the switch in your yard:

Lawn Removal and Soil Preparation

Start by killing off the existing grass. Spray a non-selective herbicide and wait for the lawn to turn brown. This may take a few weeks. Once it’s dead, mow it as short as possible. Remove the clippings to prep the area.

Next, test your soil. This helps you pick plants that will thrive. Based on the results, add any needed amendments. Loosen the top few inches of soil with a tiller or garden fork. This breaks up compaction and helps new plants take root.

Level the area and remove rocks or debris. Add a layer of compost to boost nutrients and improve drainage. Rake it smooth. Your yard is now ready for planting!

Planting and Spacing Tips

Choose groundcovers that fit your climate and yard conditions. Sun-loving options work best in open areas, while shade-tolerant types are great under trees.

Space plants based on their mature size. This info is usually on the plant tag. As a rule of thumb:

Small groundcovers: 6-12 inches apart
Medium types: 12-18 inches apart
Large varieties: 18-24 inches apart

Dig holes twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Place plants at the same depth they were in their pots. Water well after planting to help roots settle in.

When to Plant

Spring and fall are ideal times to plant groundcovers. The cooler weather and more frequent rain give new plants a good start. Avoid planting in the summer heat, which can stress young plants.

In mild climates, you can plant year-round. Just keep an eye on watering needs. Winter planting works in areas without hard freezes. This gives roots time to grow before spring.

Some groundcovers spread quickly. Plant these in spring to fill in gaps by summer’s end. Slower-growing types may need a full season to get established.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Water new plants regularly until they’re established. This usually takes a few weeks to a month. After that, most groundcovers need less water than grass.

Weed often in the first year. As plants spread, they’ll crowd out most weeds on their own. Add a layer of mulch between plants to block weeds and hold moisture.

Trim back fast-growing types to keep them in bounds. Some groundcovers benefit from yearly pruning to stay full and healthy. Remove dead leaves and stems to keep the area tidy.

Feed your groundcover once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Spring is a good time for this boost. Watch for pests or diseases and treat problems early to keep your new lawn alternative looking its best.

Groundcover Myths and Facts

Many people think groundcovers are boring, but that’s not true! These plants come in lots of colors and textures. Some flower, while others have interesting leaves. You can mix and match to create eye-catching designs.

A common myth is that groundcovers are weak. In reality, many are tough cookies. They can handle foot traffic and resist pests and diseases. Some even thrive in poor soil where grass struggles.

Folks also often worry groundcovers will take over their yard. While some spread quickly, others are well-behaved. Pick the right plant for your space, and it won’t cause problems.

“Groundcovers need no care” is another tall tale. They do need less work than lawns but don’t neglect them completely. A bit of watering and weeding goes a long way.

Remember, groundcovers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Do your homework to find the perfect match for your yard. With the right choice, you’ll have a beautiful, low-fuss landscape in no time!

Wrapping Up

Switching from a traditional grass lawn to groundcovers can be a game-changer for your yard. It’s a smart move that saves time, water, and energy, and it adds beauty and variety to your outdoor space.

Remember, choosing the right plants is key. Pick ones that fit your climate and soil type. Some great options include white clover, creeping phlox, and lyreleaf sage. These tough little plants can handle foot traffic and look good doing it.

Happy planting!

Linsay Evans

Contributing Editor | linsay@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.

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