Groundcover for shady spot
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Ewo7237253
+2
I live in zone 8/9 in South Central Texas and have a backyard full of huge old oak trees so no grass will grow. Problem is I also have 3 large rambunctious dogs that need something soft underfoot to play and run on. Any ideas of a tough, shade resistant groundcover for an area like this?
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research this....https://www.stepables.com/5/Sedum_album_Coral_Carpet_Stonecrop.html
get rid of the dogs-grass is cheaper to maintain
Ok, 3rd attempt at this: vinca minor. Grows in your zone, perennial evergreen, beautiful periwinkle (another name for it) flowers, tho it does come in white, 3"-6" tall, hardy enough to walk on and dense enough to keep out most weeds. It grows by sending out long runners so if it starts yo go beyond where you want it, just mow along the edge or weed-whack it back. Full to part shade, tho I have some thriving in full sun. Once established, in pretty much any kind of soil, except for whacking back the edge occasionally, it really doesnt require any care. I dont even water it. Here's a link:
https://www.thespruce.com/vinca-minor-vines-2132217
Doubt the dogs mind not having grass but it can be a real mess when it rains. You'll need to write a book if you can get anything to grow under your huge oaks, especially if they're pin oaks. They sometimes produce a "poison" so that nothing grows under them. For a great place for the dogs use astro turf that's designed for a dog area. Will last for years unless you have diggers. Good luck.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm