Groundcover Maintenance: To Mow or Not to Mow?

Groundcovers Aren't Lawns

Unlike turfgrass, most groundcovers are not meant to be mowed regularly. They're low-growing shrubs or vines that form a living mulch.

Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)

• Evergreen in Zone 7+, semi-evergreen in 6.
• Grows 6–12 inches tall, spreads by runners.
• Mowing: Optional. Mowing increases density and spread but creates a tripping hazard (vines tangle feet).
• Not for foot traffic; best under trees, on slopes, or as border.
• Climbs tree trunks attractively—slow enough to manage.

Other Shade Groundcovers

• Pachysandra, Vinca, Ivy: Don't mow. Let them fill in.
• Hostas, Ferns: Clump-forming; no mowing.
• Carpet Roses: Prune annually, don't mow.

Weed Control in Groundcovers

• Apply sugar/compost program to suppress weeds.
• Hand-pull tree seedlings (sugar doesn't stop woody plants).
• For persistent woody weeds: wrap in black plastic in summer to solarize.

Design Tip

Use groundcovers where grass fails (deep shade, slopes, root zones). Accept their natural texture—they won't look like a manicured lawn, but they'll be green, weed-resistant, and low-care.