Are you tired of watching your lawn struggle under California’s blazing summer sun? If you live in the Greater Sacramento area, you already know how precious water can be. This is where drought-tolerant ground cover for landscaping comes in handy. By choosing hardy, low-water plants adapted to local conditions, you can create a beautiful, erosion-resistant yard that barely needs extra irrigation or maintenance. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make your outdoor space both eye-catching and water-smart.
Embrace drought-tolerant ground cover benefits
There’s a reason more homeowners are switching from traditional turf grass to sustainable ground covers. Not only do these plants help conserve water, but they also simplify your routine, reduce weeds, and often handle challenging spots like slopes or partial shade. Ground covers can stand up to the heat and still look green — a big plus during long dry spells.
Protect against water shortages
Summer droughts aren’t rare in the Sacramento area, so every drop of water counts. Ground covers that are adapted to our hot, dry climate sip less water than a thirsty lawn, keeping your monthly usage in check. According to Proven Winners, drought-resistant landscaping cuts your need for supplemental watering because these plants already know how to thrive in minimal moisture environments.
Reduce erosion on slopes
Hilly backyards or sloped sections can be downright tricky. Heavy rains in the winter might wash away loose soil, creating crevices in your yard. A smart solution is using ground covers with robust root systems. They hug the terrain, keeping the soil where it belongs. Sedum (a succulent) and creeping thyme have shallow but extensive roots that lock soil in place. Their low growth habit also means less wind exposure, so the soil stays put.
Simplify your yard routine
Imagine slicing your mowing time in half, or ditching the mower altogether. By focusing on ground covers that top out at a few inches, you won’t need to spend your weekends behind a lawnmower. These plants typically require minimal pruning. Many, such as creeping mahonia or epimedium, get by with seasonal trimming to remove any ragged edges.
Pick the best plants
Different ground covers thrive in different conditions. Whether you have a high-sun slope, a shady patch, or a container garden on your patio, there’s a variety that can take the heat and still look fantastic. Before selecting your plants, think about your yard’s exposure, soil type, desired aesthetics, and how much foot traffic it might see.
Get to know your climate
In the Greater Sacramento region — including Roseville, Folsom, and Fair Oaks — summers are dry and warm, while winters can bring heavy rains. By choosing native or well-adapted species, you ensure that your plants can handle both ends of the moisture spectrum. Many succulents (like sedum), ornamental grasses (such as blue fescue), and drought-friendly shrubs were first discovered in regions with sparse rainfall, so they’re prepared to deal with less water.
- Native perennials: Local plants that evolved in the same climate you live in. They typically need minimal watering after the first year.
- Desert-adaptive species: Succulents like Angelina sedum or creeping thyme that store water in their leaves, going weeks without a drink.
Consider top drought-tolerant ground covers
What kinds of hardworking ground covers have proven themselves across the Sacramento area? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Creeping thyme: This herb forms a dense mat and bursts with pink or purple flowers in late spring. It tolerates sunny slopes, needs little water, and stands up to moderate foot traffic.
- Blue fescue (Festuca glauca): A clumping, blue-hued grass with a neat, round shape. It’s ideal for pathways, rock gardens, or low borders.
- Epimedium (barrenwort): Perfect for shaded spots under taller trees. Once established, it can handle dry soil, making it a good fit near older oaks or across shady slopes.
- Creeping mahonia (Mahonia repens): An evergreen choice that helps with erosion control and offers attractive yellow blooms in spring.
- Sedums (like ‘Angelina’ sedum): Low-growing succulents that keep a vibrant color through the seasons and sometimes produce starry, bright flowers.
Each of these covers a lot of ground (literally), retains soil moisture, and limits weed growth without needing constant lawn care.
Match ground covers to garden areas
You may love the look of creeping thyme, but does it do well under heavy shade or around soggy spots near downspouts? Before planting, take a day or two to observe light patterns and moisture levels. Areas that stay dry can handle succulents, while partially shaded corners might be best for epimedium. If you have an especially difficult area, consider exploring ground cover plants for shaded areas where you’ll find more tailored suggestions.
Optimize water-saving strategies
Choosing the right plants is half the fun. The other half is designing your yard to make every drop of water count. When you combine drought-tolerant ground covers with smart irrigation, mulch, and careful planning, you’ll see a big difference in your monthly water bill.
Rethink your irrigation approach
Many conventional sprinklers waste water by overshooting walkways or evaporating before it even hits the soil. Drip irrigation is an excellent alternative because it releases water directly at the root zone. According to T&B Lawncare, drip systems can use up to 30 percent less water than overhead sprinklers. A few tips:
- Split your landscape into hydrozones, grouping plants with similar watering needs.
- Install smart controllers that adjust watering times based on rainfall or humidity.
- Check for leaks regularly and fix them before they inflate your water usage.
Blend ground cover with mulch
You might think “Why add mulch if I already have a thick ground cover?” In many cases, a layer of organic mulch (bark, straw, or compost) between new plantings will reduce soil temperature and limit evaporation. As your ground cover matures and begins to fill in, you can dial back the mulch or keep a thin layer in bare spots.
Besides locking in moisture, mulch also discourages weeds, meaning your chosen ground covers won’t have to compete for water or nutrients. In commercial settings, professionals often use mulches like gravel or permeable pavers to reduce irrigation needs. If your yard has large expanses of open soil, mulching those zones can help your entire landscape remain cooler through summer heat waves.
Capture and reuse water
Though not everyone in Sacramento invests in rain barrels, they can be a simple way to capture rainfall for future plant watering. Even if you don’t get a ton of summer rain, occasional storms or morning drizzles can fill up a small barrel. Landscaping features like bioswales and dry creek beds are another way to channel runoff into your ground covers. Let gravity do the hard work, directing water to areas that need a little extra moisture.
Design for year-round success
Even if your primary focus is cutting water bills, design still matters. A well-planned yard with textural contrasts and bursts of color can transform a ho-hum lawn into a scenic retreat. And ground covers can easily blend with other landscaping elements like decorative boulders, raised beds, or walkway pavers.
Combine contrasting textures
Ground covers show off best when placed side by side with plants of different heights or leaf forms. For example, a clump of spiky blue fescue looks vibrant against soft, trailing thyme. If you have a sunny slope, consider mixing succulents like ‘Angelina’ sedum and rosette-shaped echeveria. This combination offers a dynamic tapestry of shapes while still keeping water use low.
A layered approach also extends visual interest throughout the year. Blend perennials that bloom at different times, giving pollinators like bees and hummingbirds an incentive to visit your landscape in every season.
Plan with foot traffic in mind
If you want to walk across your yard regularly (say, to your garden shed or patio), choose ground covers that can handle some stepping. Creeping thyme is famously durable, and so is Blue Star Creeper. Where foot traffic is heavier, create pathways using stepping stones or pavers. Position them so that your ground cover can fill in the gaps around each stone.
Meanwhile, if you’re replacing a typical lawn, check out ground cover alternatives to grass. You’ll find a variety of suggestions that fit different traffic levels, from casual footpaths to family sports events.
Work with slopes and edges
On steep terrain, erosion can quickly become a problem. Look for plants with spreading rhizomes or strong roots, such as creeping mahonia or low-growing junipers. They anchor the soil, slowing storm runoff and preventing gullying. Keep in mind that if your slope is extremely steep or rocky, you might need to bring in professional help to install terracing or stabilize the hillside.
Edges near fences or sidewalks also give you design opportunities. A band of drought-tolerant ground covers can soften those harsh lines. In place of a water-hogging strip of turf, you might plant dianthus ‘Firewitch,’ known for its bright pink flowers, or a succulent border near the curb.
Stay on top of maintenance
While drought-tolerant ground covers demand much less from you than a traditional lawn, they still appreciate a bit of routine care. Giving plants some attention through the year ensures they’ll remain healthy and green, even when the thermostat reads 100 degrees.
Set up a monitoring schedule
Check your ground covers weekly, especially during the first growing season. Lightly poke the soil to see if moisture is still present. If it’s bone-dry, consider a quick soak at the roots. Once these plants are established, they can usually make do with natural rainfall plus an occasional top-off, but those early months are key for building deep root systems.
If you installed a drip irrigation system or soaker hose, inspect it each season to ensure there are no leaks or clogs. Sudden spikes in your water bill might hint at an issue below the surface.
Prune and weed
Even low-upkeep plants benefit from a quick grooming. Trim leggy or dead stems to let new growth flourish. Yank out any weeds that pop through before they steal water from your ground covers. Once established, most quick-spreading plants do a decent job blocking weeds, but you’ll occasionally need to remove strays.
After bloom cycles, removing spent flowers can encourage some ground covers to rebloom or maintain a tidier look. Dianthus or creeping thyme sometimes respond with fresh growth or a late flush of blossoms.
Amend and fertilize as needed
While many drought-tolerant plants thrive in lean, rocky soils, some may appreciate a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring. If your soil is particularly sandy or lacking in organic matter, an annual top-dressing of compost can help. Just be careful not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can cause lush growth that needs more water than you intended to provide.
Explore related ground cover options
Ground covers are a massive category, and it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. Whether you’re dealing with deep shade, battling weeds, or trying to cover a sprawling backyard, there’s likely a ground cover that fits the bill. If you want to keep your water usage to a minimum, it might be worth exploring several other ideas.
- Try low maintenance ground cover plants if you’d like even less yard work.
- Look at best ground covers for landscaping to discover top picks that handle foot traffic and hot summers.
- If huge bare patches or dead grass are a headache, ground cover alternatives to grass can offer fresh possibilities beyond typical lawn seed.
No two landscapes are exactly alike. Your soil might be more compact, you may have a lot of shade, or you could be dealing with a rocky slope. Capitalize on the variety of options out there so you can truly customize your space.
Key takeaways and next steps
Drought-tolerant ground cover plants are well-suited for homeowners in places like Orangevale, Rocklin, and Granite Bay who want to keep yards lush but also mindful of water use. By combining water-savvy ground covers with smart irrigation, mulch, and a bit of seasonal maintenance, you can cultivate a landscape that looks beautiful, cools the soil, and stays resilient through scorching summers.
- Begin by evaluating your yard’s unique conditions: soil type, sun exposure, and slope.
- Choose ground covers known for drought resistance, such as creeping thyme, blue fescue, or sedum.
- Incorporate mulch or a permeable ground cover layer to lock in moisture.
- Install or upgrade to efficient irrigation systems, preferably drip irrigation.
- Keep an eye out for weeds or signs of stress. Prune and water only as necessary.
A well-planned approach can save you time, money, and frustration. Plus, you’ll take a big step toward sustainable gardening, an effort that benefits your household and the overall community. If you end up with extra ground cover or an idea that might help a neighbor, share the love and inspire them to do the same. Your yard will look great, your conscience will be lighter, and your water bill might just thank you in the process.