Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing perennial prized for its dense, mat-forming habit and vibrant summer flowers. This aromatic herb creates a thick, evergreen carpet that typically reaches only two to four inches in height. Red Creeping Thyme can successfully handle light to moderate foot traffic once it is fully established.
Understanding Thyme’s Traffic Tolerance
The plant’s ability to withstand being walked upon stems directly from its biological structure and growth pattern. Creeping thyme develops a dense network of flexible, semi-woody stems that spread horizontally across the ground, forming a solid mat. This low-profile growth means the plant is compressed rather than torn when stepped on, unlike the upright blades of turf grass.
The prostrate, mat-like form is crucial for its recovery rate. Since the stems are close to the soil, they can root at the nodes, allowing for rapid filling of any minor gaps that occur from compression or damage. Walking on the thyme also releases the aromatic oils stored in the leaves, creating a pleasant, herbaceous fragrance.
It is important to distinguish between light and heavy use, as this plant is not a direct replacement for high-traffic turf. Light traffic involves occasional walking, such as a path between garden beds or over stepping stones. Heavy traffic, including daily use, children playing, or large pets, will quickly wear down the thyme, preventing necessary recovery time and leading to bare patches.
Establishing Thyme for Foot Traffic Areas
Successful establishment requires specific environmental conditions to encourage the dense, resilient growth needed for compression resistance. A location that receives full sun, meaning a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, is non-negotiable. Insufficient light leads to sparse, “leggy” growth that lacks the density to resist foot traffic.
The soil must offer excellent drainage, as the plant is native to dry, rocky environments. Poor or lean soil conditions, such as sandy or gritty mixes, are preferred. Rich, fertile soil can promote soft, excessive growth that is more easily damaged.
For the fastest and most durable coverage, planting plugs or small plants at a closer spacing, typically six to eight inches apart, is recommended. Before any walking occurs, allow a significant establishment period, which typically ranges from six to twelve months. This time permits the root system to fully anchor and the stems to interlock, creating the dense, durable mat required for light traffic.
Ongoing Care for Walkable Groundcover
Once the thyme has fully established its dense mat, ongoing maintenance focuses on encouraging low, tight growth and managing water. While young plants require consistent moisture, mature creeping thyme is drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering, primarily during extended dry periods. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, as it can lead to root rot.
Weeding is most important during the establishment phase before the thyme completely covers the ground, as the dense mat will eventually suppress most weed growth. A light shearing or pruning after the main flowering cycle helps remove spent blooms and encourages new, dense foliage growth. This practice prevents the stems from becoming overly woody and keeps the mat low and resilient against minor wear.
If a small patch is damaged by excessive wear or winter weather, it can be repaired by lightly loosening the soil and encouraging the surrounding thyme to root into the area. For larger, severely damaged sections, replace the bare area with new, established plugs to ensure the groundcover remains continuous and effective.