Ground covers are low-growing, spreading plants that offer a living alternative to traditional turf grass or mulch. Homeowners seek these alternatives because they require less water, eliminate the need for regular mowing, and can stabilize soil on slopes. “Walkability” describes a ground cover’s ability to withstand occasional foot traffic without suffering permanent damage. This makes them suitable for paths, patios, or filling the spaces between stepping stones, providing a dense layer that requires less intensive maintenance than a conventional lawn.
Key Characteristics of Walkable Ground Covers
A ground cover’s suitability for foot traffic is determined by physical traits that allow it to tolerate pressure. Walkable varieties typically possess a low growth profile, generally remaining under six inches in height, which minimizes the amount of plant matter compressed. This short stature contributes to a resilient structure that springs back quickly after being flattened.
The plants must also feature a dense, mat-forming growth habit, often achieved through aggressive root systems or stems that root wherever they touch the soil. This spreading mechanism, known as creeping, creates a thick cushion that distributes weight over a wider area, preventing localized damage. The foliage and stems of these plants are flexible, allowing them to withstand the shearing forces that occur when a person’s foot pivots or slides across the surface.
Recommended Varieties for Foot Traffic
Walkable ground covers are classified by their tolerance for sun or shade and their overall resilience. Four specific varieties stand out for their ability to handle varying degrees of foot traffic, from light to moderate use.
Sun-Tolerant Varieties
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a popular sun-loving option, well-regarded for its fragrant foliage, which releases a pleasant scent when stepped upon. This plant forms a dense, low-growing mat, typically two to four inches tall, making it effective between pavers or along sunny garden edges. While it handles moderate foot traffic well, varieties like Woolly Thyme offer slightly greater resilience for more frequently used areas. Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil conditions.
Low-growing Sedums (Sedum spp.), often called Stonecrop, are succulents that excel in hot, dry conditions and tolerate moderate to high foot traffic. These plants store water in their fleshy leaves, thriving where others struggle due to poor soil or intense heat. Shorter, creeping varieties, such as ‘Dragon’s Blood’ or ‘Blue Spruce,’ form a carpet-like layer generally under six inches tall. Their durable nature makes them a good option, but they must be planted in soil that drains thoroughly to prevent root rot.
Microclover (Trifolium repens var.) is a cultivar of White Clover that has gained favor as a turf alternative due to its ability to withstand foot traffic. This variety grows lower and more densely than its traditional counterpart, typically reaching four to six inches in height, and produces fewer flowers. As a legume, it naturally pulls nitrogen from the air and transfers it to the soil, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Microclover is resilient and drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for those seeking the look of a traditional lawn with less maintenance.
Shade-Tolerant Varieties
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) and Scotch Moss are flowering perennials that form a dense, plush carpet, though they are visually similar to true mosses. These plants are suitable for light to moderate foot traffic and thrive in partial shade, tolerating full sun in cooler climates. They require consistently moist, well-drained soil and will suffer if allowed to dry out completely. Irish Moss remains very low, typically one to two inches tall, which contributes to its ability to handle compression.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a shade-tolerant option, suitable for light or occasional foot traffic. This fragrant herb creates a low-growing mat of feathery leaves, releasing an appealing apple-like scent when crushed. The non-flowering cultivar ‘Treneague’ is valued as a lawn substitute, growing very low (two to four inches) without producing the small flowers that attract bees. Chamomile prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade and well-draining soil, becoming drought-tolerant once mature.
Installation and Long-Term Maintenance
Successful establishment requires careful attention to soil preparation and initial planting techniques. Before planting, the area must be cleared of all existing weeds and turf, which compete aggressively with new plants. The soil should then be amended with organic material, such as compost, and potentially sand or grit to ensure excellent drainage. Good drainage is a requirement for nearly all durable ground covers.
Most ground covers are best established using small plants called plugs rather than seeds, as plugs provide a more immediate and robust root system. Plugs should be planted at a tighter spacing than the plant’s mature width (e.g., 12 to 15 inches apart for an 18-inch spread) to encourage the rapid formation of a continuous, dense mat. Consistent moisture is necessary during the establishment phase, which can last for several weeks or months. This moisture supports root development before the plants can rely on their mature drought tolerance.
Long-term care focuses on supporting dense growth and managing foot traffic to prevent wear patterns. Weeding remains important until the mat is fully established, at which point the dense foliage suppresses new weed growth. Once mature, watering is reduced significantly; drought-tolerant types like Creeping Thyme and Sedum only need supplemental water during extended dry spells. For areas receiving more frequent use, incorporate stepping stones or pavers, allowing the ground cover to fill the spaces between them. This reduces direct compression on the plants while allowing the foliage to soften the pathway edges.