How to Transition From Grass Lawn to Groundcover Plants

In recent years, many homeowners and gardeners have been exploring alternatives to traditional grass lawns. Whether motivated by water conservation, reduced maintenance, or a desire for more biodiversity, transitioning from a grass lawn to groundcover plants is an excellent way to create a sustainable and visually appealing landscape. Groundcover plants can improve soil health, reduce erosion, provide habitat for beneficial insects, and add unique textures and colors to your yard.

This article will guide you through the process of transitioning from a grass lawn to groundcover plants, covering planning, preparation, plant selection, installation, and ongoing care.

Why Replace Grass Lawn with Groundcover?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand why you might want to make this transition:

• Water Conservation: Lawns require significant watering to stay green, especially in dry climates. Many groundcovers are drought-tolerant and need less irrigation.
• Lower Maintenance: Grass lawns need frequent mowing, fertilizing, and pest control. Groundcovers typically require less upkeep.
• Environmental Benefits: Groundcovers can reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality through organic matter addition, and support pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Aesthetic Variety: Unlike uniform grass, groundcovers offer varied colors, textures, blooms, and seasonal interest.
• Weed Suppression: Dense groundcovers crowd out weeds more effectively than sparse grass.

Step 1: Planning Your Transition

Assess Your Site Conditions

Begin by evaluating the current state of your lawn and your site conditions:

• Sunlight: Is the area full sun, partial shade, or full shade? This affects plant choices.
• Soil Type: Sandy, loamy, clayey? Test soil drainage and fertility.
• Slope and Drainage: Slopes may benefit from erosion-controlling groundcovers.
• Existing Lawn Health: Are you dealing with healthy grass or a struggling lawn?
• Climate: Consider local temperature ranges and rainfall patterns.

Define Your Goals

Identify what you want from your new groundcover area:

• Do you want low-maintenance greenery?
• Are you aiming for a wildflower meadow effect?
• Do you want specific wildlife benefits (e.g., pollinator habitat)?
• Will the area be walkable or purely ornamental?

Choose Suitable Groundcover Plants

Select plants adapted to your conditions that meet your goals. Popular types include:

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Drought-tolerant, fragrant flowers attracting pollinators.
• Clover (Trifolium repens): Nitrogen-fixing and low-growing alternative.
• Sedum (Stonecrop): Succulent groundcovers suitable for dry sites.
• Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): Shade-tolerant with attractive foliage.
• Vinca minor (Periwinkle): Evergreen with blue flowers; good for shade.

Consult local nurseries or native plant societies for regionally appropriate selections.

Step 2: Preparing Your Lawn Area

Transitioning from grass requires removing or suppressing existing turfgrass to give groundcovers space to establish.

Option 1: Solarization (Using the Sun)

Solarization uses plastic sheeting to heat and kill grass naturally.

1. Mow the lawn as short as possible.
2. Water thoroughly to promote microbial activity.
3. Cover the area tightly with clear plastic sheeting (4–6 mil thickness).
4. Secure edges with soil or stakes.
5. Leave for 4–6 weeks during the hottest months.

This method kills grass roots without chemicals but requires warm weather and patience.

Option 2: Smothering With Organic Mulch

Smothering deprives grass of light.

1. Mow lawn very low.
2. Apply a thick layer (6–8 inches) of cardboard or newspaper over the turf area.
3. Cover with mulch such as wood chips or straw.
4. Leave in place for several months.

Over time, grass will die beneath the mulch. This is slower but improves soil organic matter.

Option 3: Mechanical Removal

For immediate results:

1. Use a sod cutter or shovel to remove strips or patches of grass.
2. Dispose of removed sod away from planting area to avoid regrowth.
3. Amend soil if needed before planting.

This method is labor-intensive but allows fast planting.

Option 4: Herbicide Application

Herbicides such as glyphosate can kill grass quickly but carry environmental concerns.

1. Apply according to label instructions during active growth periods.
2. Wait recommended interval before planting groundcovers.

Opt for this only if chemical use is acceptable in your gardening practice.

Step 3: Soil Preparation

Good soil helps your new plants thrive.

1. After removing or killing grass, loosen soil with a garden fork or tiller.
2. Test soil pH; most groundcovers prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6–7).
3. Amend soil with organic compost to improve texture and fertility.
4. Level the area and remove debris or rocks.

Ensure good drainage since many groundcovers dislike waterlogged soils.

Step 4: Planting Groundcover Plants

Timing

Plant during early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and moisture is available.

Planting Options

• Starter Plants: Young plants from nurseries establish faster than seeds but cost more.
• Seeds: Cheaper but take longer; require careful watering until germination.
• Division/Cuttings: Some groundcovers spread rapidly via runners; propagate via division for faster coverage.

Spacing

Follow spacing guidelines on plant tags based on mature spread—commonly 6–18 inches apart—to allow growth without overcrowding.

Planting Steps

1. Dig holes slightly larger than root balls for starter plants.
2. Set plants at same depth as nursery containers.
3. Backfill with loosened soil and firm gently around roots.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

For seeds:

1. Prepare seedbed by raking smooth soil surface.
2. Broadcast seeds evenly per seed packet rates.
3. Lightly rake seeds into topsoil or cover thinly with compost/mulch as recommended.
4. Water gently but consistently until germination.

Step 5: Mulching and Watering

Apply a thin layer of mulch (e.g., shredded bark) around newly planted areas except immediately next to stems to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Water regularly during establishment phase: daily or every other day depending on weather until plants develop strong roots—usually 4–8 weeks.

After establishment, most groundcovers require minimal supplemental watering except during extended droughts.

Step 6: Maintenance Tips for Healthy Groundcovers

Weed Control

Initially expect some weeds; hand pull or spot treat herbicides carefully without damaging desired plants.

Pruning

Some groundcovers benefit from occasional trimming to encourage dense growth and prevent legginess or invasion into undesired areas.

Fertilization

Most groundcovers thrive in low-nutrient soils; avoid excessive fertilizing which can cause lush foliage prone to pests/disease.

Pest and Disease Monitoring

Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases like powdery mildew; treat promptly with organic methods where possible.

Monitoring Spread

Groundcovers can spread aggressively once established; use physical barriers if necessary to contain growth within designated areas.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New Landscape!

Transitioning from a traditional grass lawn to beautiful groundcover plants creates a unique yard that requires less water and maintenance while enhancing biodiversity and curb appeal. With proper planning, preparation, planting, and care, your new landscape will flourish season after season as an inviting green carpet rich in texture and color.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully replace your grass lawn with resilient groundcover plants that align with sustainable gardening principles—saving resources while creating a vibrant ecosystem right outside your door.