Undervegetation : användning av vedartade marktäckare i anläggning

Abstract: The use of the robust and durable woody ground covers is increasing, not in the least in public places. The group includes low shrubs of different height that effectively build low, tight vegetation that covers the ground. Despite all the good qualities the knowledge about them is quite low and there are ideas about them of being dull. The woody ground covers manage to struggle against weeds effectively by competing for nourishment and water, but above all, by the canopy of the ground covers that prevent the weeds from getting enough light. In that way the woody groundcovers can effectively compete with the annual weeds. However, to get rid of the perennial weeds absolutely root free soil is required, since the ground covers do not have the ability to defeat those. The woody ground covers are very usable as an alternative to grass mostly because they, in opposite to the grass, are low in demand of habitat and maintenance. In the long-term, it saves money in way of less working hours. That is very desirable not in the least in public places where the budget often is tight. To attain their good qualities, the ground covers need conditions to develop those. That is why money and effort should be put into construction and the small amount of needed maintenance- that is profitable in the long-term. The woody ground covers can improve the biological conditions in the habitat as well to flora as to fauna. First of all the roots loosen the soil and facilitates the infiltration of water and air. Organic materials from the ground covers return to the soil and the canopy creates an even level of moisture in the soil. Further more, they make hiding places for small animals and benefit the microbes. Thanks to this, ground covers help creating more ecologically lasting plantings. Not at least, the ground covers are used as an esthetic pleasing element. The woody ground covers are many times neutral in appearance, but therefore not dull. Their beauty is often found in beautiful, fresh foliage. During the winter the woody ground covers are characteristic because they do not wither, but keep their volume. A carpet of woody ground cover could be used as a background, to keep the planting together or to make patterns with. Their durability and low requirements make them suitable to grow in an exposed environment such as in a traffic island. When choosing ground covers every situation must be treated uniquely to make as good result as possible. A broad and updated knowledge of plants is required to make good decisions and lasting, healthy, functional and beautiful plantings to be achieved. The aim of the thesis is to collect knowledge among professionals and from literature and compile into one document. The expectations are that the thesis will make it easier to those who want to improve their knowledge about woody ground covers. The thesis could contribute to more considered choices of vegetation in the future.