In landscaping, ground cover includes which of the following?

Ground cover refers to a variety of plants used to cover the ground, providing benefits such as erosion control, weed suppression, and aesthetic appeal in landscaping. Grass and various types of plants are classified as ground cover because they grow low to the ground and spread across the landscape, effectively creating a green carpet that enhances the visual appeal and health of the soil.

In contrast, while gravel, trees, and pavement might serve functional purposes in a landscape, they do not fit the definition of ground cover. Gravel acts as an inorganic material primarily for drainage and decorative paths, trees provide height and shade but do not cover the ground, and pavement offers a solid surface for walkways or vehicles, absent any of the vegetative benefits associated with true ground cover plants. Thus, the inclusion of grass and plants as ground cover highlights their role in creating a living, breathable canvas that is both functional and attractive.