It's a prettier, easier way to ditch the weeds.

Key Takeaways

Microclover is a standout low-maintenance ground cover that naturally suppresses weeds, thrives in various conditions, and even boosts soil health.
Other ground covers like pachysandra, periwinkle, and hostas offer a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative to turfgrass.
For best results, clear the planting area thoroughly, prep the soil, and water consistently during the early weeks.

You’ve got better things to do on a Saturday morning than hunching over in your yard pulling out weeds (yet again), and applying chemical-laden weed killer isn't the best answer to this all-too-common scenario.

Instead, consider planting beautiful ground cover that prevents weeds from sprouting and enhances the appearance of your yard in the process. You’ve got plenty of options to choose from, but we asked landscaping experts about the best low-maintenance option.

The Best Ground Cover to Prevent Weeds

While there are a bounty of contenders, microclover is the clear winner for the best low-maintenance ground cover to suppress weeds. The landscapers we spoke to said it’s highly adaptable to many environments, working well in various soil conditions, sunlight exposures, and USDA zones. It can even adapt to harsh desert conditions and holds up to foot traffic like champ.

“Microclover naturally improves soil health through nitrogen fixation, reducing the need for fertilizer,” notes Rebecca Sears, gardening expert and CMO at Ferry-Morse. She adds that you can also combine it with wildflower seeds, which provide ecological value to your yard by supporting local pollinators (like bees and butterflies) along with other beneficial insects.

Alex Frezza, professional landscaper at TGW Landscaping, agrees that microclover is an excellent ground cover for weed suppression. He adds that it’s very low maintenance, and that if the clover likes the area, it will happily spread. (This does mean you’ll need to contain it to prevent spreading beyond your preferred borders.)

Some of Frezza’s other favorites include:

Periwinkle

"It’s visually appealing with its fast-growing purple flowers,” she says.

Pachysandra

An alternative if you have a very shady yard, or portions that don’t get a lot of sun.

Hostas

“Hostas are considered ground-covering plants and most people don't know that,” Frezza says. “They have beautiful foliage, and they're also great in the shade.”

Why Use Ground Cover?

Ground cover is a low-growing plant that spreads easily and acts as a natural mulch. The plant disperses across your yard evenly, creating a sort of carpet that suppresses weeds and helps retain moisture while adding a pretty touch.

“These plants are typically used in landscaping to replace or supplement traditional turfgrass lawns,” explains Sears. “The benefits of using ground cover are both aesthetic and functional. Ground cover helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion from wind and water. It also suppresses weed growth by creating a thick canopy that limits sunlight to competing plants.”

Sears adds that many ground cover solutions require less water and fertilizer compared to conventional grass, making them a smart choice for sustainable landscaping. In addition, when flowering varieties are used, ground cover can attract pollinators and increase biodiversity in the yard.

Whether you’re dealing with a tricky slope, a shady patch where grass won’t grow, or just want a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf, ground cover offers a practical (and often prettier) solution.

Choosing the Best Ground Cover for Your Yard

Microclover is an obvious choice for ground cover because of its adaptability and low-maintenance care. Still, it’s important to consider your yard’s climate and conditions when choosing the best ground cover for your space.

“Different ground coverings have different needs, so make sure to match accordingly,” Frezza tells us. “Also, before planting, you want to clear the area entirely of any weeds, grasses, or rocks. Ground coverings have to go down on fresh soil.”

Sears also recommends loosening the topsoil and ensuring good seed-to-soil contact to support successful germination. From there, water your new ground cover consistently during the first few weeks after seeding (even for drought-tolerant varieties), which helps the plants establish a strong root system. For larger areas, consider applying seed in sections to better manage watering and monitoring.

And of course, patience is essential. Many ground cover plants take several weeks to establish, but once they’re thriving, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of reduced maintenance and environmental impact.