Ground cover is an important addition to the garden, because it helps prevent weeds from growing while keeping the ground moist. In addition, It is an excellent addition for high traffic areas, such as around playground equipment, as it prevents grass from growing and provides children with a comfortable place to play. When selecting ground cover, there are three primary forms to choose from: stone, wood mulch, and rubber. Within each of these categories, there are several additional types. Stone, for example, can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the different types of ground cover. Stone is durable and attractive. In addition, it has a very natural look and can be purchased in a variety of different colors and textures. It can be found to match retaining walls, brick pathways, and other stonework around the home and in the garden.
Wood mulch is another natural type of ground cover. It is particularly attractive in woodland gardens. Mulch is made from a variety of different trees and natural fibers, such as cypress trees. As such, it is available in a few different naturally occurring colors. Mulch ground cover is fairly inexpensive, though it requires adding additional mulch every two to three years as the previous layer decays.
Rubber ground cover is very durable and generally does not require replacement once it is installed. It is often the best choice for use around playground equipment, because it is soft and does not cause splinters. With advancements in technology, rubber is increasingly being manufactured to resemble natural forms of ground cover. Colors are, however, limited at this time, with black being the only color generally available.
Choosing the best ground cover for a specific application depends largely on personal taste and budget. Those who do not have a great deal of time to tend to the area may want to consider a material that does not require frequent replacement, such as stone or rubber.