Ground Cover Maintenance

Weed control can be a problem until the ground cover has spread and filled in the area. Control of persistent, perennial weeds, such as bermudagrass and nutgrass should be achieved before planting. Use a nonselective herbicide, such as Roundup, or cover the area with black plastic during the summer before planting. A mulch applied after planting and replenished as needed to maintain a depth of 2 to 4 inches will reduce the need to weed by hand. Preemergence herbicides can be used on many types of ground cover to aid weed control; read the label carefully before applying. As the ground cover fills in weeds will become less of a problem because of the shaded soil. Some hand weeding will most likely be needed.

Fertilizer - Most ground covers will benefit from an application of fertilizer in late winter to early spring. Use 2 to 4 pounds of a complete fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. Water or brush fertilizer off the foliage after broadcasting.

Pruning - Early spring is normally a good time to prune broken or dead branches and to reduce the size of shrubs used as ground covers. The foliage of herbaceous grounds covers, such as liriope or pachysandra, can be pruned off with a weed trimmer or lawn mower if they have become discolored during the winter. Be sure to prune before new growth starts in the spring and to not cut back too severely. The purpose is cosmetic -- simply to remove damaged or discolored foliage.

Consumer Horticulture | Quick Reference