When to Use Ground Cover Instead of Grass in Florida

Florida may be known for its stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and alluring travel destinations, but for those with an eye for landscaping, it’s impossible to overlook the gorgeous green lawns that are everywhere across the state.

In Tampa Bay, you can find manicured lawns and beautiful green spaces everywhere you look, and it isn’t just because of the grass. Ground cover plays a huge role in crafting a well-rounded, eye-catching landscape, whether you’re managing an HOA property or cementing your home as the top landscape in the neighborhood.

When it comes to planting ground cover instead of grass, the important thing is to know when it is most effective. Being strategic with your ground cover ensures that your landscape looks cohesive, and the ground cover complements the rest of the property to perfection.

The question is, when do you use ground cover instead of grass? Well, we’re glad you asked, and we are happy to offer our professional insights to guide you to landscaping perfection!

Ground Cover or Grass? The Ideal Recipe for Florida Landscaping Success

Whether you’re looking for professional landscaping advice to help your property reach its full potential or simply searching for ideas for ground cover instead of grass, Landcrafters is here to help.

Designing and implementing a thoughtful landscaping plan is key to unlocking the curb appeal, welcoming environment, and superb home environment that the best properties in Tampa Bay embody. Read on for your guide to when you should choose ground cover or grass, as well as how ground cover can truly revolutionize your property.

Ground Cover vs. Grass for Shady Areas

Where the sun shines, the grass grows. This is more than just a fun anecdote to say; it’s also entirely true. Most Florida grasses will thrive in the sunshine, and Florida has plenty of that to go around.

What does this mean for ground cover instead of grass? You guessed it; ground cover is a superior option when it comes to shaded areas that receive little to no sunlight. If your Tampa Bay property has sections that are rarely exposed to sunlight, you should strongly consider planting low-maintenance ground cover instead of grass.

Where grass struggles, ground cover will likely survive, thrive, and look fantastic.

Planting Ground Cover Instead of Grass Between Buildings

Not only are the areas between buildings typically shaded, but they also tend to receive far less foot traffic than other parts of your property. This makes such areas ideal candidates for beautiful, decorative ground cover that looks phenomenal, thrives without sun, and won’t be disrupted by constant treading.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal of using ground cover in these areas, you can also reduce the amount of weeds that tend to proliferate in such locations. This means less maintenance, fewer costs, and a happier bank account to go along with your gorgeous property.

Beneath Tree Cover

Everyone flocks to Florida for the theme parks and beaches, but there is an unsung hero of the Sunshine State that those with an eye for landscaping love. That’s right; we’re talking about the ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss, the iconic palm trees swaying in the coastal breeze, and the stately pine trees rising straight and tall.

You get the picture! Florida’s trees add an undeniable spice to the landscape, creating a dynamic visual appeal that can make any property feel special. Unfortunately, these towering beauties also create a bit of a landscaping challenge.

Because trees can cast significant shade on the ground below, grass will often struggle to take root or remain healthy. This leads to unsightly bare patches, scraggly grass, and disruptions to your pristine landscaping that you’d rather avoid.

Sometimes, planting ground cover instead of grass can be an effective way to shore up those difficult areas and perfect your property. However, there is a delicate balance at play. Ground cover could compete with the tree for nutrients, causing both to suffer. 

Working with a reputable landscape company in Tampa Bay will help ensure that ground cover is used when appropriate. In situations where it isn’t an ideal solution, mulch is also an inexpensive and easy-to-maintain option that looks great.

Ground Cover or Grass When the Soil is Poor

While some grass can be hardy, even the most resilient varieties can struggle in poor soil. This can leave your lawn looking spotty, open the door for weeds to take over, increase erosion, and more. Thankfully, there’s a way to avoid these downfalls of unhealthy soil.

Ground cover tends to be tougher and more resilient than grass, making it a great alternative to use when the soil is not ideal. Many types of ground cover can excel in soil that would cause grass to struggle, allowing you to beautify areas of your property that might otherwise be lacking.

Additionally, opting for low-maintenance ground cover instead of grass can benefit the soil long term. In the future, those areas of your property may be able to sustain other plant life thanks to your decision to use ground cover.

Ideas for Ground Cover Instead of Grass: Low-Traffic Areas

If your property sees a lot of foot traffic–whether it’s from residents, playful children, visitors, or even pets–you are probably better off opting for grass. However, if you don’t need certain areas of your landscape to withstand high use, ground cover can be a phenomenal, low-maintenance alternative.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid planting ground cover in any areas that see traffic. Light foot traffic from time to time will not harm ground cover or negate the value of choosing it instead of grass. However, if an area has the potential to be highly trafficked, you’re better off sticking with grass!

Planting Ground Cover for Visual Variety

Green swaths of manicured grass are stunning, but they can look one-dimensional or monotone if they are not complemented by different plant varieties. Just like your landscape needs proper lighting, flower beds, trees, and other elements–both natural and artificial–to reach its full potential, your lawn needs ground cover to break up the monotony of grass.

The best part about using ground cover as visual variety is that there are so many types of ground cover to choose from, all of which have their own benefits. Vibrant colors, unique patterns, distinctive textures, unmistakable fragrances, and more are all possible when you choose to add ground cover to your property.

Use Ground Cover Instead of Grass to Save Money

Grass, in all of its glory, requires a hefty dose of regular maintenance in order to be healthy and look great. This means mowing, weeding, fertilizing, irrigating, and more. In other words, it takes quite an investment to help grass reach its full potential and stay there.

Ground cover, on the other hand, tends to be more drought-tolerant, weed-resistant, and low-maintenance. Over the course of years, this reduced reliance on frequent upkeep can pay massive dividends to your bank account, allowing you to allocate funds to different areas of your property.

The Geography Game

Tall objects aren’t the only contributors to shaded areas on your property. Even in sun-soaked states like Florida, the orientation of your property can have a tremendous impact on the amount of shade it experiences.

If your property faces north, you may experience less sunshine saturation than if it faces south, for example. In situations such as these, planting ground cover instead of grass can work wonders for your curb appeal, maintenance schedule, and overall satisfaction with your landscape.

Consulting with an area expert is the best way to evaluate how your property’s directional orientation will affect its access to sunshine, and thus, how you should plan its landscape!

Perfecting your Tampa Bay landscape takes more than a dream and a handful of seeds. You need a professional landscaping team on your side to help you develop a comprehensive strategy, implement the plan flawlessly, and maintain your property long term.

From determining when to use ground cover or grass to helping you choose the ideal seasonal flower display to outfitting your property with the latest smart irrigation system, Landcrafters has the experience, know-how, and passion to help your landscape reach its full potential. As a premier industry expert for over 25 years, Landcrafters excels at making landscaping dreams come true, no matter how specific or challenging they may be.

To discuss your latest landscaping project, no matter the scale, be sure to reach out. Our friendly local experts would love to help you make your landscaping dreams come true.

Contact us today by filling out the contact form. We’re excited to discuss your unique vision with you and help your commercial property shine.