Creating a lush, green oasis where your four-legged companion can play, explore, and do their business without destroying your landscaping feels like an impossible dream for many dog owners. Between yellow urine spots, dug-up patches, and muddy paw prints tracking through your kitchen, traditional lawns often surrender to canine activity within months. But what if your yard could work with your dog’s natural behaviors instead of against them? The solution lies in strategic groundcover choices that prioritize both botanical resilience and pet safety.
Pet-safe groundcover seeds offer a revolutionary approach to dog-friendly landscaping, transforming high-traffic areas into durable, attractive surfaces that withstand zoomies, digging, and daily bathroom breaks. Unlike conventional turf grass that demands constant reseeding and chemical treatments, the right groundcover establishes a self-sustaining ecosystem that heals itself, cools paw pads, and eliminates the need for harmful pesticides. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about selecting, planting, and maintaining these living carpets, ensuring your yard becomes a safe, beautiful extension of your home for every family member—furry ones included.
Top 10 Pet-Safe Groundcover Seeds for Dog-Friendly Yards
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair Sun and Shade, Combination Mulch, Grass Seed Mix and Soil Amendment to Neutralize and Repair Pet Spots, 2 lbs.
Overview: Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair offers a targeted solution for pet owners battling lawn damage from urine burns, digging, and heavy paw traffic. This 2-pound container combines high-performance grass seed, expanding mulch, and a specialized soil amendment designed to neutralize salts from dog urine. Formulated for both sunny and shaded areas, it promises guaranteed growth with proper care, making it a convenient all-in-one repair kit for up to 100 individual spots.
What Makes It Stand Out: The proprietary salt neutralizer formula directly addresses the root cause of urine spots, not just masking the damage. The expanding mulch component creates a protective moisture-retention blanket around seeds, significantly improving germination rates compared to plain seed. Its dual sun and shade compatibility eliminates the guesswork of selecting region-specific products, while the ready-to-use mixture simplifies application for busy pet owners.
Value for Money: At $16.44 ($0.51 per ounce), this product sits in the mid-range for lawn repair solutions. When factoring in the included mulch and soil amendment, it eliminates the need to purchase separate components. The coverage of 100 spots per container makes it economical for moderate damage, though severe cases may require multiple purchases.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the specialized urine-neutralizing formula, versatility across light conditions, and guaranteed growth promise. The expanding mulch technology reduces watering frequency. Weaknesses involve temperature sensitivity (requires 60-80°F), limited coverage for larger lawns, and a premium price over basic grass seed. Results depend heavily on proper watering and preparation.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a convenient, effective solution for moderate spot damage. While not the cheapest option, its specialized formulation and ease of use justify the cost for targeted repairs. Perfect for maintaining a uniform lawn appearance without replacing entire sections.
2. Earthwise PetLawn Seed Mix – 1/2 lb – Dog & Pet-Friendly Grass Seed – Fast-Growing, Durable Lawn – Covers 200 sq. ft. (Bare) / 500 sq. ft. (Overseed)
Overview: Earthwise PetLawn Seed Mix represents a premium, eco-conscious approach to establishing pet-friendly lawns. This half-pound package covers 200 square feet of bare soil or 500 square feet when overseeding, making it ideal for small yards, dedicated pet zones, or patch repairs. Engineered for USDA Zones 1-7, it creates a durable, self-repairing lawn that withstands heavy pet activity while remaining safe for animals, children, and pollinators.
What Makes It Stand Out: The innovative blend incorporates nitrogen-fixing clover, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers while naturally filling bare spots. Its deep-rooted Tall Fescue composition delivers exceptional drought tolerance, reducing water consumption during dry periods. The formula’s pollinator-safe design supports beneficial insects, making it environmentally responsible. The self-repairing capability means less frequent reseeding and reduced long-term maintenance.
Value for Money: At $26.00, the initial investment exceeds conventional grass seed, but long-term savings materialize through reduced watering, zero fertilizer costs, and minimal mowing requirements. The dual coverage rates provide flexibility for different applications, offering better value for overseeding projects. For environmentally conscious pet owners, the premium aligns with sustainable practices.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include superior durability under paw traffic, drought resistance, low-maintenance requirements, and ecological benefits. The nitrogen-fixing clover maintains consistent green color naturally. Weaknesses comprise higher upfront cost, limited suitability beyond Zone 7, and potential aesthetic concerns for homeowners preferring traditional pure-grass lawns. Established clover may spread beyond intended areas.
Bottom Line: This premium seed mix excels for pet owners prioritizing sustainability and low maintenance over conventional lawn appearance. While costly initially, its self-sustaining properties and environmental benefits deliver long-term value. Best suited for eco-conscious households in appropriate climate zones seeking a resilient, natural lawn solution.
3. NIKA SEEDS - Seeds Herb Dog Grass to Eat for Sprouting Resistant Vitamin Heirloom - 1500 Seeds
Overview: NIKA SEEDS offers a specialized product distinctly different from lawn repair solutions: herb seeds specifically cultivated for dogs to eat. This package contains 1,500 non-GMO seeds designed for sprouting into nutritious pet grass, typically grown indoors in containers. Priced at $8.95, it serves an entirely different purpose than traditional lawn seed, focusing on pet health and digestion rather than outdoor aesthetics.
What Makes It Stand Out: The seeds are specifically selected for high germination rates and nutritional value for canine consumption. The company’s commitment to 100% non-GMO cultivation through natural pollination appeals to health-conscious pet owners. The product includes access to experienced specialists for technical advice, providing unusual support for a seed product. Its heirloom designation suggests stable, reliable genetics.
Value for Money: At less than a penny per seed ($0.01/count), this represents exceptional value for its intended purpose. However, comparing it to lawn repair products is misleading, as it fulfills a different need. For growing pet grass indoors, it’s highly economical, yielding multiple planting cycles. The small package size and low price point make it accessible for trial.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include non-GMO certification, high germination guarantee, specialized customer support, and suitability for indoor cultivation. It provides safe, natural greenery for pets lacking outdoor access. Weaknesses involve ambiguous seed quantity control, lack of specific grass variety information, and zero utility for lawn repair. Product description vagueness may confuse buyers seeking spot repair solutions.
Bottom Line: This product serves a niche market perfectly: pet owners wanting to grow safe, edible grass for indoor pets. It’s not a lawn repair solution and shouldn’t be purchased for that purpose. For its intended use, it offers excellent value and quality assurance. Ideal for apartment dwellers or supplementing outdoor-deprived pets’ diets.
4. Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair for Tall Fescue Lawns, Combination Mulch, Grass Seed and Soil Amendment to Neutralize and Repair Pet Damage in Lawns, 2 lb
Overview: This Tall Fescue-specific variant of Scotts EZ Seed targets homeowners with established Fescue lawns seeking seamless spot repair from pet damage. The 2-pound container combines high-performance Tall Fescue seed, protective mulch, and urine-neutralizing soil amendment. Like its sun/shade counterpart, it promises to repair up to 100 dog spots, addressing urine burns, digging damage, and high-traffic areas with guaranteed growth under proper care.
What Makes It Stand Out: The specialized Tall Fescue formulation ensures seamless blending with existing Fescue lawns, avoiding the patchwork appearance that generic mixes can create. The salt-neutralizing formula specifically counters dog urine damage at the chemical level. The expanding mulch technology retains moisture effectively, crucial for successful germination in partially shaded Fescue environments. This type-specific approach demonstrates Scotts’ understanding of lawn uniformity concerns.
Value for Money: Priced at $23.47 ($0.73 per ounce), this variant commands a 43% premium over the standard EZ Seed. The value proposition hinges entirely on whether you own a Tall Fescue lawn. For those seeking invisible repairs, the price premium justifies aesthetic continuity. For mixed or unknown grass types, the extra cost offers minimal benefit over the more versatile sun/shade version.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include perfect matching for Tall Fescue lawns, effective urine damage neutralization, and reliable germination technology. The specialized formula prevents aesthetic mismatches. Weaknesses are the significant price increase, identical coverage despite higher cost, and narrow applicability. Temperature requirements remain restrictive, and success still demands diligent watering.
Bottom Line: Purchase this product only if you have a confirmed Tall Fescue lawn and prioritize invisible repairs. The premium price is justified solely by aesthetic matching capabilities. For mixed grass lawns or budget-conscious buyers, the standard sun/shade version delivers comparable results at lower cost. It’s a specialized tool for a specific lawn type.
5. Cover Crop Seed Mix Organic - Pollinator & Bee Friendly Cover Crop Mix - 1/4 lb ~3,800 Seeds - Clover Cover Crop Blend - Includes Hairy Vetch Cover Crop Seeds, Crimson Clover, Peas, & Oats
Overview: This organic cover crop mix serves a fundamentally different purpose than lawn repair products. The quarter-pound package contains approximately 3,800 seeds of crimson clover, hairy vetch, peas, and oats—designed for soil improvement, erosion control, and pollinator support. Certified organic and non-GMO, it’s intended for temporary planting in garden beds or uncultivated areas, not for establishing permanent pet-friendly lawns.
What Makes It Stand Out: The blend combines four functional species: nitrogen-fixing legumes (clover, vetch, peas) for soil fertility and oat biomass for organic matter. Its pollinator-friendly design actively supports bees and beneficial insects. The no-till formulation allows gardeners to slash and drop plants, building soil without disturbance. OTCO organic certification guarantees purity for foraging animals and food gardens.
Value for Money: At $13.59 ($3.40 per ounce), this represents solid value for cover crop purposes, though direct comparison to lawn seed is inappropriate. For soil preparation before permanent lawn installation, it reduces future fertilizer needs and improves soil structure. The seed count is generous for the package size, enabling substantial coverage for soil revitalization projects.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include multi-functional soil improvement, organic certification, pollinator benefits, and no-till compatibility. It effectively suppresses weeds and prevents erosion. Weaknesses comprise complete unsuitability for lawn repair, temporary nature requiring termination, and potential confusion for buyers seeking pet damage solutions. Planting timing and management require gardening knowledge.
Bottom Line: This is an excellent soil-building tool for gardeners preparing land for future lawn establishment, not a quick fix for pet damage. Its value lies in long-term soil health improvement and ecological benefits. Do not purchase for spot repairs. Best suited for eco-conscious homeowners undertaking thoughtful lawn renovation projects with a soil-first approach.
Why Traditional Lawns Fail Dog Owners
Conventional Kentucky bluegrass or fescue lawns simply aren’t engineered to coexist with active dogs. The combination of nitrogen-rich urine, compacted soil from running paws, and natural digging instincts creates a perfect storm of lawn destruction. Urine burns occur because grass can’t process the concentrated nitrogen compounds, resulting in those telltale brown spots surrounded by rings of overly-lush growth. Meanwhile, a single enthusiastic digging session can undo months of careful cultivation, leaving bare dirt that erodes into muddy quagmires after the first rain.
Beyond aesthetic concerns, traditional lawn maintenance often conflicts with pet safety. Many commercial fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides contain chemicals that linger on grass blades and absorb through paw pads, potentially causing everything from skin irritations to serious gastrointestinal issues if ingested during grooming. The constant cycle of reseeding, chemical treatment, and restricted access creates a yard that’s more stressful than enjoyable for both you and your dog.
What Makes Groundcover “Pet-Safe”?
Non-Toxicity Is Non-Negotiable
The primary criterion for any pet-safe groundcover is absolute non-toxicity. This means every part of the plant—leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds—must be harmless if your curious canine decides to sample it. Many popular ornamental groundcovers like English ivy or vinca contain compounds that cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe neurological symptoms. True pet-safe options have been evaluated by veterinary toxicology databases and carry no warnings from organizations like the ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline.
Durability Meets Canine Activity
Safety extends beyond ingestion concerns. Pet-safe groundcovers must withstand physical abuse without becoming hazardous. This means plants that don’t develop sharp seed heads that could embed in paws, don’t create dense mats that harbor ticks and fleas, and don’t produce thorns or irritating sap. The ideal groundcover springs back from compression, self-repairs from digging attempts, and provides a stable surface that reduces injury risk during high-speed chase games.
Key Benefits of Dog-Friendly Groundcovers
Switching to appropriate groundcover seeds fundamentally changes your yard’s functionality. These living carpets develop deeper root systems than turf grass, creating natural erosion control that prevents muddy runoff even in high-traffic zones. Their varied textures and growth habits disrupt pest life cycles, reducing flea and tick populations without a single drop of pesticide. Many species also fix nitrogen in the soil, naturally fertilizing themselves and neighboring plants while eliminating the urine-burn problem entirely.
From a thermal perspective, dense groundcover foliage stays significantly cooler than clipped grass during summer heat, protecting sensitive paw pads from burns on 90°F days. This cooling effect extends to your home’s microclimate, potentially reducing air conditioning costs. Perhaps most importantly, these low-maintenance solutions free up your weekends—no more mowing, minimal watering once established, and no chemical applications that require keeping pets indoors.
Understanding Your Yard’s Microclimate
Conducting a Site Assessment
Before purchasing any seeds, you must become a student of your own landscape. Spend several days mapping sun patterns, noting which areas receive full sun (6+ hours), partial shade (3-6 hours), or deep shade (less than 3 hours). Observe drainage during and after rainfall—where do puddles form? Which spots dry fastest? These observations dictate which groundcover species will thrive, as forcing the wrong plant into the wrong conditions guarantees failure regardless of pet-safety ratings.
Your Dog’s Behavior Patterns
Map your dog’s favorite routes, bathroom spots, and digging zones. High-traffic paths require different species than perimeter areas where your dog occasionally patrols. Note whether your dog prefers sunny or shady spots for resting, as this influences where you’ll need the densest coverage. Understanding these patterns allows you to create a mosaic planting plan that matches each groundcover’s strengths to specific yard zones.
Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Success
Testing and Amending
Groundcovers establish faster and outcompete weeds when soil conditions match their preferences. Purchase a comprehensive soil test kit to determine pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content. Most pet-safe groundcovers prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). If your soil is compacted from years of canine traffic, you’ll need to aerate thoroughly and incorporate 2-3 inches of compost to improve drainage and root penetration.
Creating a Seedbed
Remove existing vegetation completely—either through sheet mulching several weeks before planting or by physically removing sod. Rake the area to create a fine, crumbly texture similar to a vegetable garden seedbed. This ensures seed-to-soil contact critical for germination. Avoid using pre-emergent herbicides during preparation, as these can linger and inhibit your groundcover seeds while potentially harming curious dogs that ingest treated soil.
Sun Exposure Considerations
Full Sun Solutions for Open Yards
South-facing slopes and open areas with minimal tree cover demand species that thrive in intense light and heat. These locations often coincide with dogs’ favorite sunbathing and running zones, so durability is paramount. Full-sun groundcovers typically develop robust root systems quickly, making them ideal for erosion control on slopes where dogs create downhill racing tracks.
Shade-Tolerant Options for Wooded Areas
North sides of structures, under dense tree canopies, and narrow side yards present different challenges. Shade-tolerant groundcovers grow more slowly but often create denser mats that resist digging. These species typically require less water and remain greener during drought, providing cool resting spots that dogs naturally seek during hot weather. Be realistic about light levels—what appears as “partial shade” in spring may become deep shade once trees leaf out.
Traffic Tolerance: Matching Groundcover to Activity Levels
High-Traffic Zones and Runways
Areas along fence lines where dogs patrol, paths to the back door, and favorite sprinting lanes need groundcovers that spread via rhizomes or stolons, creating self-healing networks. These species quickly fill in bare spots from paw prints and can withstand daily compression. Consider creating a “sacrificial” path of the most durable groundcover rather than fighting your dog’s natural movement patterns.
Perimeter and Low-Traffic Areas
Border gardens, under shrubs, and corners where dogs rarely venture allow for more delicate, ornamental groundcovers. These areas let you incorporate flowering species that add aesthetic value while still providing ecological benefits. Even if your dog only occasionally walks through these zones, the groundcover’s recovery time is sufficient because damage occurs infrequently.
Water Requirements and Drought Tolerance
Xeriscaping with Dogs
Water-wise groundcovers are game-changers for busy pet owners and drought-prone regions. Once established, many pet-safe species survive on rainfall alone, eliminating irrigation concerns and muddy overwatering issues. Deep-rooted drought-tolerant plants actually improve soil structure, creating better drainage that prevents the muddy paw print problem that plagues overwatered lawns.
Managing Moisture-Loving Species
If your yard has naturally wet areas or you’re committed to regular irrigation, moisture-tolerant groundcovers create lush, soft surfaces perfect for dog play. These species often grow rapidly, providing quick coverage but requiring more frequent edging to contain their spread. The key is matching water needs across your planting plan—grouping species with similar requirements prevents overwatering some areas while underwatering others.
Growth Rate and Invasiveness Concerns
Aggressive Spreaders for Quick Coverage
Fast-growing groundcovers can transform bare dirt into green carpet within a single season, which is tempting for impatient dog owners. However, species that spread several feet per year don’t respect property lines or garden bed boundaries. Before planting aggressive spreaders, install deep edging barriers (at least 6-8 inches underground) and commit to regular maintenance to prevent takeover of neighboring plantings.
Clumping Varieties for Controlled Spaces
Slow-growing, clumping groundcovers offer precision and predictability. They stay where you plant them, making them ideal for mixed plantings and formal designs. The trade-off is longer establishment time and less self-repair capability. For dog owners, this means accepting some bare patches during the first year while plants mature, potentially requiring temporary protective fencing around newly seeded areas.
Native vs. Non-Native Species
Ecological Advantages of Native Groundcovers
Native species have co-evolved with local soil microbes, pollinators, and climate conditions, making them inherently resilient. They typically require less water, no fertilizer, and provide critical habitat for beneficial insects that control yard pests naturally. For dogs, native groundcovers often mean fewer allergic reactions and less exposure to exotic pests that plague non-native monocultures.
Responsible Use of Non-Native Options
Some non-native groundcovers offer legitimate benefits—extended bloom times, unique textures, or exceptional durability. The key is selecting non-invasive, well-behaved species that won’t escape your yard and disrupt natural ecosystems. Always check your state’s invasive species list and avoid anything listed, regardless of its pet-safety credentials.
Seasonal Interest and Aesthetic Appeal
Year-Round Color Strategies
The best dog-friendly yards incorporate groundcovers with varied seasonal interest. Spring bloomers provide early nectar for pollinators, summer foliage offers cooling green coverage, fall color adds visual warmth, and evergreen species prevent the winter mud pit scenario. This diversity ensures your yard looks intentional and attractive across all seasons, not like a neglected lawn replacement.
Texture and Height Variations
Mixing fine-textured groundcovers with bolder-leafed species creates visual depth and tactile interest for your dog. Low-growing mats (2-4 inches) work well for open play areas, while slightly taller varieties (6-8 inches) can define spaces and add softness. Avoid anything over 12 inches in primary dog zones, as taller plants obscure visibility and can harbor wildlife that might tempt chasing behaviors.
Planting Techniques for Groundcover Seeds
Timing Your Seed Installation
Fall planting typically yields the best results for most regions—cooler temperatures and autumn rains reduce watering needs while warm soil speeds germination. Spring is the second-best option, but you’ll need to water more frequently as summer heat approaches. Never plant during summer’s peak or when the ground is frozen, as seeds either dry out instantly or remain dormant until conditions improve.
Seed Distribution Methods
For large areas, use a broadcast spreader to ensure even coverage, then rake lightly to incorporate seeds into the top ¼ inch of soil. For smaller, intricately planned areas, hand-sowing allows precise placement of different species in their designated zones. Always follow recommended seeding rates—overseeding creates competition that weakens all plants, while underseeding leaves gaps vulnerable to weeds and erosion.
Establishment Period: What to Expect
The Critical First 60 Days
During germination and early growth, your groundcover is extremely vulnerable. Keep dogs completely off newly seeded areas for at least 6-8 weeks. This might mean temporary fencing or leashed potty breaks in a designated gravel area. Water lightly but frequently—often twice daily in hot weather—to keep the surface moist without creating runoff that washes seeds away.
Managing Expectations
Most groundcovers establish significant coverage by 70% within the first growing season, but won’t achieve their mature, traffic-tolerant density until year two or three. Patience is essential. Resist the urge to replant bare spots immediately; many species will self-fill these areas during their second growth spurt in spring. Premature traffic on young plants compresses soil and breaks delicate stems, setting establishment back by months.
Ongoing Maintenance Best Practices
Mowing and Trimming Requirements
Unlike traditional lawns, most pet-safe groundcovers require minimal mowing—perhaps once or twice yearly to remove spent flowers or maintain height. Some species shouldn’t be mowed at all, as cutting disrupts their natural growth habit. Invest in sharp hand shears for precision trimming around edges rather than a heavy mower that compacts soil and potentially harms plants.
Natural Fertilization Approaches
Most groundcovers thrive without synthetic fertilizers. Instead, top-dress annually with ½ inch of compost to add slow-release nutrients and improve soil structure. This approach feeds soil microbes that support plant health while eliminating chemical exposure risks for your dog. If plants show nutrient deficiencies, use organic, pet-safe options like fish emulsion or seaweed extract, applying when dogs will be indoors for several hours.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dealing with Persistent Bare Patches
If certain areas refuse to fill in, reassess conditions rather than simply adding more seed. Compacted soil may need aeration, poor drainage might require grading, or your dog may be using a hidden path that’s causing constant damage. Sometimes the solution is accepting that a particular spot should be a hardscaped path rather than planted groundcover.
Managing Pests Without Chemicals
Aphids, slugs, and other pests occasionally target groundcovers. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or hand-pick larger pests. Diatomaceous earth works for crawling insects but must be food-grade and applied when dogs are inside, as inhalation can irritate lungs. Neem oil is generally pet-safe once dry, but always test on a small area first and keep dogs away until completely dry—typically 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must I keep my dog off newly planted groundcover seeds?
Keep dogs completely off seeded areas for a minimum of 6-8 weeks, or until plants reach 3-4 inches in height and you can’t easily pull them up with a gentle tug. This protects delicate root systems and prevents soil compaction that hinders germination.
Will groundcovers eliminate muddy paws forever?
While they dramatically reduce mud, extremely heavy rain on steep slopes or in poorly drained areas can still create temporary mud. Proper species selection for your specific conditions and mature establishment (typically 12-18 months) provides the best mud control.
Are flowering groundcovers safe if my dog eats them?
Many flowering groundcovers are completely non-toxic, but individual dogs may have plant allergies or sensitivities. Monitor your dog’s behavior when introducing any new plant, and consult your veterinarian if you notice excessive chewing, skin irritation, or digestive upset.
Can I mix different groundcover species in one area?
Absolutely. In fact, diversity creates a more resilient lawn substitute. Just ensure all species share similar water, light, and soil requirements, and that none are aggressive spreaders that will outcompete the others.
How do I handle dog waste on groundcovers?
Solid waste should be picked up promptly using biodegradable bags. Unlike grass, most groundcovers don’t show urine spots, but if you notice odor or discoloration in your dog’s favorite potty area, flush the spot with water weekly to dilute nitrogen buildup.
Will groundcovers attract ticks and fleas?
Dense groundcovers can actually reduce tick and flea populations by hosting beneficial insects that prey on them. However, avoid overly tall, unmaintained areas. Keep vegetation short in primary dog zones and consider cedar mulch barriers around perimeter areas.
What’s the best groundcover for dogs with allergies?
Low-pollen, non-flowering species like certain clovers or native grasses typically work best. Avoid highly fragrant options. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific allergies before planting.
Can groundcovers handle large breed dogs?
Yes, but species selection is critical. Large breeds require rhizomatous spreaders that self-repair quickly. Establishment may take longer under heavy paws, so consider temporary reinforcement like jute netting during the first growing season.
How do I prevent groundcovers from invading my neighbor’s yard?
Install physical barriers like steel edging buried 6-8 inches deep along property lines. Regularly trim edges, and choose clumping varieties near boundaries rather than aggressive spreaders. Open communication with neighbors about your planting plans prevents future disputes.
Are groundcovers more expensive than traditional grass seed?
Initial seed cost is often 20-40% higher than conventional grass seed, but you’ll recoup this within 2-3 years through eliminated fertilizer, pesticide, and excessive water bills. The time savings on mowing and maintenance represent additional value that makes groundcovers more economical long-term.