Living ground cover or mulch: two different strategies for protecting the soil

Living ground cover and mulch protect the soil in different ways. Mulch reduces evaporation, rain impact and weeds through an organic or mineral layer. Living ground cover uses plants, creating roots, transpiration and habitat, but also competition. The choice depends on the stage, the use and the proximity to trees.

In recent plantings, an organic layer can stabilise moisture and reduce weeds while the plants grow. It should be kept clear of the root collar and topped up as it breaks down.

Mineral materials heat up more and add no organic matter; they can make sense in specific contexts, but they are not neutral.

Low-growing plants occupy space, protect the soil and create continuity. Roots improve structure and the vegetation adds resources. On the other hand, they use water and can compete with young trees.

The selection should take account of light, density and maintenance.

A project can start with mulch and bring in living ground cover gradually. Next to the trunk of newly planted trees, a zone free of direct competition can be kept.

The decision should weigh up access, fire risk, the source of the material, topping up and behaviour in winter.

Organic mulch and living ground cover change temperature in different ways. The dead layer insulates without transpiring; the plant shades, transpires and produces root exudates. In very dry periods, living ground cover can increase competition, especially in shallow soil.

The choice can vary within the same bed: mulch next to young trees, living ground cover between established shrubs and mineral areas only where the built function justifies it.

The most common mistakes are piling mulch against the trunk; applying it too thickly; using aggressive ground cover next to young plants; and treating any shredded material as safe.

At Diaplant, mulch and living ground cover can be used in sequence: the first protects the soil during establishment; the second gradually takes over the cover where conditions allow.

Mulch and living ground cover are not rivals. They are tools with different rhythms and effects, which can be combined over the course of establishment.

• Paudel, S.; States, S. L.; Mainali, K. Urban greening with biodiverse perennial meadows improves ecosystem services in human dominated landscapes. (2025).
• Uppala, E.; Deak Sjöman, J.; Emilsson, T.; Hedblom, M. Reviewing designed plant communities’ potential for optimizing the performance of urban nature-based solutions. (2025).
• Reviewing designed plant communities’ potential for optimizing the performance of urban nature-based solutions. (2025).