Sedum, commonly known as stonecrop, is a popular succulent ground cover valued for its drought tolerance and low-maintenance qualities, frequently used in xeriscaping and green roof systems. This genus of plants includes hundreds of species with fleshy leaves adapted to store water, making them resilient in dry environments. The core question for many gardeners is whether this attractive, mat-forming foliage can withstand foot traffic like a traditional lawn. While sedum is tough in terms of survival, its physical structure is not designed for regular walking.
Why Sedum Is Not Designed for Foot Traffic
Sedum plants are fragile under compression, which is why walking on them is discouraged. The leaves are thick and fleshy, storing fluid; when compressed by foot traffic, the cells within these leaves can burst, causing damage. These plants also have shallow root systems and brittle stems, making them easily detached or broken, and even light foot traffic can create noticeable bare spots.
The recovery process for damaged sedum is slow compared to turfgrass, which is structurally adapted to spring back from compression. When leaves are damaged, the plant must use stored energy to regenerate new growth, which takes time. Walking on the plants when they are frozen is particularly destructive, as the rigid, ice-filled cells are much more likely to shatter and cause permanent harm.
How Sedum Species Affect Durability
Tolerance for occasional pressure is not uniform across the sedum genus, which includes both low-growing, creeping varieties and taller, upright forms. Low-growing, mat-forming species, such as Sedum acre or Sedum album, are the most fragile due to their small, tightly packed leaves and delicate stems. These varieties are easily bruised and broken, meaning they cannot withstand minimal foot traffic.
Certain creeping varieties may offer slightly more resilience, though they are still not comparable to a durable lawn replacement. For example, cultivars of Sedum spurium or Sedum rupestre (‘Angelina’) are sometimes cited as tolerating very light, occasional pressure. This marginal tolerance is usually only observed in mature, dense plantings that have fully established a thick, interwoven mat.
The density and maturity of the planting play a significant role in determining temporary resilience. A well-established, thick carpet of sedum may momentarily absorb slight pressure, but it remains vulnerable to crushing and stem breakage. Conversely, upright sedums, like the taller Hylotelephium varieties, are not used as ground cover and would snap instantly if stepped on due to their tall, structural stems.
Strategies for Navigating Sedum Ground Cover
Since sedum is not a walkable ground cover, necessary access requires specific mitigation strategies to prevent damage. For situations where you must cross the area, such as weeding or green roof maintenance, distributing your weight evenly is the most effective approach. Laying temporary planks or boards across the sedum spreads the weight, minimizing direct pressure on the delicate stems and leaves.
If regular access is anticipated, the best long-term solution is to establish permanent, hardscaped pathways or stepping stones before planting the sedum. Placing durable stones or pavers with gaps for the sedum to grow around creates an organized, protected route for foot traffic. This approach directs movement away from the plant material, ensuring the ground cover remains intact and healthy.
In the event of accidental damage, the area should be left undisturbed to allow the plant to recover naturally. Recovery can be encouraged by avoiding further traffic and ensuring the plant has adequate moisture and sunlight. If a section is heavily crushed, trimming the broken material can stimulate fresh, denser growth and expedite the process of the mat filling back in.