Low-growing plants that can tolerate being occasionally stepped on are known as walkable ground covers. These resilient, mat-forming species are becoming popular alternatives to traditional turfgrass. They offer a solution for filling spaces between stepping stones or covering large areas where a conventional lawn is not practical. Walkable ground covers provide a living carpet that softens hardscaping and integrates pathways into the garden environment.
Advantages of Walkable Ground Covers Over Turf Grass
Walkable ground covers offer significant practical benefits that reduce the labor and resource differences compared to a standard lawn. Traditional turfgrass requires substantial amounts of water, especially in hot, dry climates, with landscape irrigation accounting for a large percentage of household water use. Many ground cover alternatives are naturally drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal or no supplemental watering, which conserves this resource.
These alternatives also cut down on maintenance tasks like mowing, which is a weekly chore for many lawn owners. Because they are naturally short, these plants eliminate the need for gas-powered equipment, reducing both air and noise pollution. Furthermore, ground covers help suppress weeds by forming a dense mat over the soil, which minimizes the need for chemical herbicides and fertilizers. They offer a solution for areas where grass struggles, such as deep shade or steep slopes, while also preventing soil erosion.
Specific Ground Cover Plants That Tolerate Foot Traffic
The strength of a walkable ground cover is its ability to recover quickly from compression and maintain a low-growing profile.
Sun-Loving Ground Covers
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a versatile option that tolerates moderate foot traffic and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant typically grows only a few inches high and releases a pleasant, herbal scent when its leaves are crushed. For example, the ‘Elfin’ variety is one of the lowest-growing, staying under two inches, while woolly thyme offers a soft, silvery texture.
For sunny, exposed locations, low-growing, creeping varieties of Sedum (Sedum spp.) are excellent choices. Sedum is a succulent that tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil conditions, making it suitable for pathways that receive occasional light to moderate stepping.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is another sun-loving option often used between stepping stones, which can handle moderate to high foot traffic. Its bright, coin-like leaves create a dense mat, though it requires consistently moist soil and can be quite vigorous.
White Clover (Trifolium repens) is a highly durable choice that tolerates full sun to part shade and is often used as a full lawn replacement. As a nitrogen fixer, it improves soil quality while providing a soft surface that withstands frequent walking.
Shade and Moisture Tolerant Ground Covers
In areas with partial sun and consistent moisture, Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) forms a dark green, dense carpet. This plant features tiny, star-shaped blue or white flowers in spring and summer and can handle light foot traffic.
For even tougher conditions, Mazus (Mazus reptans) is a fast-spreading option known for taking heavy foot traffic and producing small purple or blue flowers. Gardeners seeking a moss-like appearance can use Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata), a dense, cushion-forming plant often used between pavers. Scotch Moss bounces back readily from light foot traffic, but it requires consistent moisture and performs best in partial sun or shade.
Installation and Long-Term Care Strategies
Proper site preparation is necessary for successful establishment of any ground cover. Before planting, all existing grass, weeds, and debris should be removed, either manually or through solarization. The soil should be worked to a depth of eight to ten inches, and incorporating organic matter, such as compost, will improve both drainage and water retention.
Planting is typically done using small nursery plants, called plugs, which are spaced according to the plant’s growth rate. Spacing them slightly closer than recommended ensures a quicker, denser mat, which is important for weed suppression. Once planted, ground covers need consistent watering, even the drought-tolerant varieties, until their root systems are fully established.
Weeding is most important during the initial establishment phase, as young plants cannot compete effectively against established weeds. Once the ground cover forms a dense carpet, it will naturally choke out most new weed growth. Some species benefit from an occasional trim after flowering to encourage lateral spreading and maintain a tidy appearance.