Living, Dog-Friendly Ground Covers

Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields. It also sends soil-laden water downstream, which can create heavy layers of sediment that prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly and can eventually lead to flooding.

Soil and nutrients Losing topsoil to erosion contributes to a loss of inherent soil fertility levels of nitrogen, P, K, and thus to a decline in potential crop yield. The addition of manure and fertilizer can supply needed crop nutrients and help offset some loss of inherent fertility caused by soil erosion.

One way to help combat soil erosion uses plants, which have extensive root systems that can help to “grab onto” soil and keep it clumped together. You might have seen this when you pulled a plant such as a weed or vegetable out of the ground and a clump of soil clung to its roots.

The Dragon’s blood sedum or Schorbuser Blut is considered the most versatile and toughest ground cover that can choke out weeds. Similar to creeping jenny, this type of ground cover also has stems that easily root, so it’s fast to proliferate.

• Silver carpet (dymondia margaretae)
• Irish moss (sagina subulata)
• Elfin thyme (thymus serpyllum “elfin”)
• Miniature stonecrop (sedum requieni)
• Labrador violet (viola labradorica)
• Snow in summer (cerastium tomentosum)
• Winter creeper (euonymus fortunei)

What Are The Best Types of Mulch to Use With Dogs?

• Cedar. Cedar mulch is considered safe for dogs.
• Pine. Another mulch that’s non-toxic and safe for dogs is pine.
• Untreated Wood. Natural woods that haven’t been dyed or treated are also safe for dogs.
• Rubber. Rubber mulch, usually made from recycled tires, is safe for dogs.

Why Is Wood Bad For My Dog? The problem with your dog eating wood is two-fold. Small pieces of wood can lodge splinters in the mouth and esophagus, causing damage. Large pieces of wood can cause even more significant problems, including perforated intestines or stomach lining, and obstruction of your dog’s bowels.

Poisonous Wood Some varieties of pine, including Australian pine, are also hazardous to dogs. Apple trees are particularly toxic, and can produce deadly levels of cyanide when ingested in large quantities.

Mulch piled against shrubs will cause them to grow roots into the mulch. When the mulch decays, the roots are left high and dry. The top growth of perennials withers in the fall and winter, but the crown of the plant remains year-round at or just below soil level.

Eventually all mulch will decompose and no longer provide the benefits it was designed for. Organic mulches provide nutrients to your soil, while retaining moisture and protecting the soil. This process could take several months, or a few years, but it is inevitable for all types of mulch.

Wood mulch is a magnet that attracts destructive termites and retains water which can cause moisture problems in the long run.