Low maintenance groundcovers prevent erosion, slow storm water runoff velocity, improve aesthetics and minimize landscape maintenance costs. Low maintenance groundcovers are plants that do not require trimming due to their low grow height and little need of supplemental irrigation or fertilizing. Many groundcovers also control weed growth and add nutrients to the soil. This landscaping strategy is often implemented as a replacement for large turf areas such as a golf course.

Figure 1. Russian Stonecrop (perennial) is an excellent low maintenance ground cover

Ground covers typically require watering and weeding during the first year of growth but are self-sustaining thereafter. Various types of clovers, mosses, flowers, low-growing shrubs and ornamental grasses are often implemented as ground cover. Selection of the appropriate groundcover should take sun and water requirements into account as well as the intended use. For example, some plant species do not hold up well to high traffic areas. Many groundcovers will also require some type of containment to prevent growth from spreading beyond the intended area. Mow strips are an effective method to limit growth of low-growing plants. It is also critical to consider soil amendments for optimal performance of this sustainable design strategy.

Figure 2. Low maintenance ground cover at Ramstein AB

Low maintenance groundcovers are a potential method to achieve the intent of LEED SS Credit 6.1, SS Credit 6.2, WE Credit 1.1 and WE Credit 1.2. Refer to the LEED Guidance section for specific requirements.