Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What advantage does using ground cover plants provide in landscaping?

1. Increased soil erosion

2. Reduction of maintenance efforts

3. Higher need for irrigation

4. Decrease in biodiversity

The correct answer is: Reduction of maintenance efforts

Using ground cover plants in landscaping offers significant advantages, one of which is the reduction of maintenance efforts. Ground covers establish a dense mat of vegetation that helps suppress weeds, reducing the need for regular weeding and labor-intensive maintenance tasks. They also have the potential to improve soil moisture retention by providing shade to the soil surface, which can alleviate the need for frequent watering. As these plants spread and fill in areas, they create a neat and attractive appearance that requires less frequent attention compared to traditional garden beds or lawns. In contrast, options that suggest negative aspects—such as increased soil erosion, a higher need for irrigation, or a decrease in biodiversity—are not aligned with the benefits that ground cover plants typically provide. Properly selected and established ground cover plants can help stabilize soils and promote a healthier ecosystem, thereby enhancing rather than diminishing biodiversity.