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Best Ground Covers for Your New Orleans Landscape

When it comes to creating a beautiful and resilient landscape in New Orleans, selecting the right type of grass and ground cover is essential. Due to the city's unique climate—characterized by hot, humid summers, mild winters, and fluctuating rainfall—not all types of grasses and ground covers are suitable for local conditions. Understanding what thrives in our region can help ensure a lush, sustainable landscape year-round.


Ground Covers for Shaded Areas

For areas with heavy shade, where warm-season grasses struggle to grow, ground covers are an ideal solution. We recommend several types of ground covers that are well-suited to New Orleans' climate:

  • Asian Jasmine

  • Liriope

  • Aztec Grass

  • Mondo Grass (both tall and dwarf varieties)

  • Ajuga (in specific spots)

Ground covers are a great way to fill in those shady spots where grass may not thrive, creating a lush, green carpet while also helping with soil erosion control. These hardy ground covers not only tolerate the shade but also require less maintenance compared to grass, making them perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.


Grass Alternatives for Shady Areas

If you prefer grass in shaded areas, you might consider perennial ryegrass for the cooler months. While it’s not a perfect solution for year-round greenery, perennial rye can fill in during the winter when other grasses go dormant.

Currently, no grass variety has been proven to thrive in full shade in New Orleans, so it's important to manage your expectations when selecting grass for those areas. Another excellent option for low-maintenance green coverage is synthetic turf. This provides a lush, evergreen look with no hassle of traditional grass care, making it an appealing choice for those challenging, shaded spots.


Choosing the right grass and ground cover for your New Orleans landscape is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance yard. By selecting varieties like Zoysia and St. Augustine for sunnier areas and considering ground covers like Asian Jasmine or Liriope for shaded spots, you can ensure a resilient and beautiful landscape that can withstand the unique challenges of our climate.


We’re happy to help you design and maintain a landscape that works for you—whether you're aiming for a traditional lawn or a low-maintenance, shaded oasis. Feel free to contact The Garden Gates Landscaping Company at 504-608-4606 with any questions or to schedule a consultation!

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