Much more than an aesthetic detail, ground cover is crucial for the beauty and functionality of a
garden. However, when renovating outdoor areas, a question often arises: what is the
difference between grass and ground cover — and how to choose the most suitable one for each space?
According to landscape architect
Luciano Zanardo, from the cast of
CASACOR São Paulo, the main distinction lies in the function and characteristics of each type of plant. "Grass forms a uniform green carpet and is suitable for leisure and circulation areas, as it withstands trampling. On the other hand,
ground cover has a more aesthetic function, being ideal for filling beds, pots, or areas where there is no foot traffic," he explains.
When to choose grass
Grass is versatile and widely used in residential and corporate gardens, mainly because it creates a
homogeneous and pleasant visual. Among the
most resistant species for lawns are
Bermuda Celebration and
Bermuda Tifway 419, in addition to the popular
Esmeralda and
São Carlos.
To maintain the health and beauty of the lawn, Zanardo recommends
attention to watering, periodic mowing, fertilization, weed control, and, in some cases, soil aeration. These care routines ensure that the grass remains green and dense, even in frequently used areas.
6 types of grass and their main characteristics
When choosing the grass for your garden, it is important to consider factors such as climate, space usage, maintenance, and aesthetics. Check out the main types and see which fits best with your project.
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Esmeralda Grass
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Advantages: high resistance to trampling, vibrant green color all year round, good adaptation to different soils and climates.
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Care: requires regular watering, especially in periods of intense heat.
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São Carlos Grass
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Advantages: low maintenance, withstands sun and shade well, requires less irrigation than other species.
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Care: requires periodic mowing to maintain the appearance.
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Bermuda Grass
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Advantages: very resistant, ideal for sports fields, fast growth, great for warm regions.
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Care: frequent watering in summer to maintain health and color.
Black Grass
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Advantages: tolerates dry and less fertile soils, has a darker and distinctive color, lower irrigation needs.
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Care: slow growth, requiring extra attention during the installation phase.
Carpet Grass
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Advantages: uniform and luxurious appearance, dense and crawling growth, resistant to drought.
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Care: requires regular trimming to avoid encroachment onto other areas.
Peanut Grass
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Advantages: low cost, easy maintenance, dense cover that helps control weeds, resistant to drought.
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Care: requires constant watering and frequent maintenance.
When to opt for ground cover
Those looking for a low-maintenance garden can find ground cover a great ally. Species such as
peanut grass,
ivy,
purple lambari,
syngonium,
English carpet,
black grass, and
glitter are durable and frequently present in landscaping projects.
According to Zanardo, these plants offer
a variety of colors, textures, and shapes, creating elegant and personalized compositions. Additionally, many of them help cover the ground efficiently, minimizing the need for constant care.
Combining is possible
Those who enjoy variety do not need to limit themselves to just one species. "It is possible — and even advisable — to combine different types of ground cover in the same garden, but always observing the needs for light, water, and soil to ensure
visual harmony and good plant development," Zanardo advises.
What to consider before choosing
More than aesthetic preferences, factors such as
soil type, drainage, and climate should guide the decision between grass or ground cover. In tropical or subtropical regions, with mild temperatures and good humidity, most common species develop well. Nevertheless, it is essential to know the
specific needs of each plant.
By analyzing all these aspects, the result will be a
more beautiful, functional, and easy-to-maintain garden. Whether for creating a leisure space or a decorative setting, both grass and ground cover have the potential to transform the landscape — as long as they are chosen and cared for consciously!
