Groundcover systems and methods for creating living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surfaces

Abstract

Disclosed are exemplary groundcover systems and methods for creating living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surfaces, such as living vegetated parking lots or portions thereof (e.g., vehicle parking surface(s), thoroughfares or main arteries, feeder lanes, fire lanes, overflow parking, etc.), driveways, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, other connector spaces, bike paths, golf cart paths, playing fields (e.g., football fields, soccer fields, etc.), streets, etc. The groundcover system may be configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting vegetation growth. The groundcover system may be configured for capturing water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system and storing the captured water underneath the living vegetated surface. The groundcover system may be configured with subsurface irrigation (e.g., via a capillary wicking system, etc.) of water (e.g., stored underneath the living vegetated surface, etc.) to vegetation growing media (e.g., soil, in-situ soil, engineered soil, etc.) and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation.

Description

GROUNDCOVER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING LIVING VEGETATED FOOT, WHEELED, AND / OR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC SURFACESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a PCT International Application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,336 filed April 22, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,136 filed June 25, 2024. The entire disclosures of the above provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to groundcover systems and methods for creating living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surfaces, such as living vegetated parking lots or portions thereof (e.g., vehicle parking surface(s), thoroughfares or main arteries, feeder lanes, fire lanes, overflow parking, etc.), driveways, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, other connector spaces, bike paths, golf cart paths, playing fields (e.g., football fields, soccer fields, etc.), streets, etc.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Throughout the United States, especially in larger urban areas, large parking areas and open multiuse areas of land are extensively used by builders and urban planners. These open areas offer the capability to provide significant spaces for parking cars, natural plant park areas to be enjoyed by pedestrians, and certain areas that are designated for use as sports fields. In these uses, the area may be generally covered with natural ground vegetation that is used to enhance the appearance especially when the surrounding areas include the brick and mortar found in urban locations.

[0005] While open multiuse areas of land may look great when initially opened to the public, the natural ground vegetation areas begin to quickly suffer from the damagecaused to the ground vegetation by vehicles and foot traffic. The weight of the traffic and the damaging surface from that traffic in direct contact with the ground vegetation areas damage the ground vegetation and fail to allow new vegetation to grow. Also lacking may be efficient and readily available water supply systems to provide the ground vegetation with the water needed to start new growth or to sustain the vegetation growth during and after the growth of the natural vegetation.DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a groundcover system usable for creating a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface (e.g., a living parking lot, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the groundcover system includes a hybrid turf or perforated synthetic turf mat(s) (broadly, a water permeable layer), water capture and passive irrigation e.g., a passive subsurface stormwater / rainwater retention and distribution subsystem, etc.).

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a top surface of an example living vegetated vehicular parking surfaces created by using a groundcover system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows temperature testing results of 99.7 °F and 132 °F respectively measured for the example living vegetated vehicular parking surfaces shown in FIG. 2 and adjacent asphalt paved surfaces at an ambient temperature of 95 °F. Accordingly, FIG. 3 generally shows that the living vegetated vehicular parking surfaces and other living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surfaces created by using exemplary embodiments of the groundcover systems disclosed herein can provide significant temperature reductions (e.g., about 20 °F to 40 °F cooler, etc.) than adjacent asphalt paved surfaces. The urban heat island effect can occur whether the asphalt paved surface is permeable or not.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows an example hybrid turf or perforated synthetic turf that may be used as the upper water permeable layer in a groundcover system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hybrid turf or perforated synthetic turf is configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth (e.g., artificial turf and living plant groundcover, upright synthetic turf fibers residing within the natural grass canopy, etc.). FIG. 4 shows the synthetic and natural turf in which a natural grass canopy is growing and residing within the synthetic turf fibers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] As recognized herein, conventional nonpermeable groundcovers (e.g., asphalt, concrete, etc.) do not capture rainwater or store water underneath the groundcover. Capturing rainwater on-site can be very beneficial to community stormwater management. For example, many large-city sewer authorities are under multi-billion-dollar consent decrees with the U.S. Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) to reduce stormwater discharge into waters of the United States. Typical solutions to these regulations related to rainwater are the construction of so-called Best Management Practice (BMP) bio-retention ponds that may comprise approximately 10% land area of a given real estate parcel which translates to a significant cost.

[0013] Storm chambers are commonly utilized to address the need for storm-water capture on-site. But storm chambers may be constructed together with permeable surfaces and powered active irrigation of any vegetation above.

[0014] The inventor hereof has recognized the need for a ground support cover that can protect the grass from being damaged from the traffic on the grass and an efficient watering system that can control and direct the paths of retained rain water to portions of the grassy areas to allow the grass to achieve sufficient watering to sustain older grass growth and to promote new grass growth.

[0015] Accordingly, exemplary embodiments were developed and / or are disclosed herein that include a capillary wicking system to passively irrigate ground covers with water from shallow subsurface storage beneath a permeable lot, e.g., a permeable parking lot, etc. In exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, an artificial groundcover is configured to reinforce and protect natural ground covers. Advantageously, exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein provide methods of replacing water impervious vehicle parking surfaces (e.g, concrete and asphalt parking lots, etc.) with living vegetated parking lots by using groundcover systems disclosed herein, which, in turn, may provide greater stormwater retention and release on-site resulting in less heat buildup, higher permeability, lower lifetime carbon footprint, and a more aesthetically pleasing vegetated ground cover.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, a network of vertical and horizontal capillary wick systems are configured to feed a vegetated surface utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) simulated ground cover that provides aesthetic appeal while also reinforcing and protecting vital plant components as disclosed herein for exemplary embodiments. In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system is configured to simultaneously capture and store rainwater on-site, passively feed water to a vegetated surface’s root system, lower the heat island effect of pavements, maintain aesthetic appeal of natural vegetation, and dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the pavement surface.

[0017] As disclosed herein, exemplary embodiments rely upon a wholistic system approach to provide methods generally overcoming the problems created by conventional hard-surface and non-permeable pavements. Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include a subsystem configured such that rainwater is captured on the property and stored beneath a permeable surface. Capturing rainwater on-site is beneficial to community stormwater management. Typical solutions are the construction of so-called Best Management Practice (BMP) bio-retention ponds that comprise approximately 10% land area of a given real estate parcel. Those types of solutions, however, make extensive use of valuable open ground surfaces and are thus usually inefficient systems for protecting and preserving open ground areas. By comparison, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be configured such that rainwater can be fed to the root system of a vegetated surface layer on an as-needed passive basis through a network of vertical and horizontal wicks, thereby avoiding or eliminating the need for public water or powered irrigation.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide or include one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages or features. Exemplary embodiments may be capable of reducing the urban heat island effect as compared to paved surfaces. For example, testing has suggested that exemplary embodiments can provide areduced temperature that is about 20 °F to 40 °F cooler than adjacent asphalt paved surfaces, such as shown in FIG. 3. When the vegetation of the open areas fails to become sustainable due to drought, disease, or neglect, the 3D simulated ground cover of exemplary embodiments can continue giving the aesthetic appearance and reduced surface temperature similar to a natural vegetated surface. Exemplary embodiments may be configured to provide improved vegetation on permeable pavements, reduce the carbon footprint in the construction of a pavement, utilize volume below a pavement for storage of stormwater, provide a lowered heat island effect for paved parking surfaces, provide increased carbon sequestration through greater vegetation on a given site, and / or eliminate the need for powered irrigation to support vegetative growth during dry periods.

[0019] Construction of conventional paved asphalt and concrete surfaces have extremely high carbon footprints. Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can significantly reduce this carbon footprint, e.g, by as much as 90%, etc. For example, a typical concrete pavement 4 inches thick will have a carbon footprint of about 40 pounds CO2 per square foot (equivalent) due to the high energy requirements and chemical process of creating lime from limestone. Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be constructed principally from soils and commodity polymers, such that the estimated carbon footprint is only about 4 pounds per square foot with equivalent vehicle load bearing capacity.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system or assembly 100 usable for creating a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface (e.g., a living vegetated parking lot, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the groundcover system 100 includes a hybrid turf or perforated synthetic turf mat(s) 104 (broadly, a water permeable layer), water capture and passive irrigation (e.g., a passive stormwater / rainwater retention and distribution subsystem, etc.).

[0021] The hybrid turf or perforated synthetic turf 104 is configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth 108 (e.g, artificial turf and living plant groundcover, synthetic turf fibers residing within the natural grass canopy, etc.). Accordingly, the groundcover system 100 may thus provide an artificial turf andliving plant groundcover including a natural grass canopy growing and residing within upright synthetic turf fibers.

[0022] The groundcover system 100 further includes a cellular geoweb 112 (broadly, a cellular confinement structure) configured for containing and / or confining vegetation growing media (e.g., in-situ soil, engineered soil, etc.). The cellular geoweb 112 may comprise a geo cellular confinement web including a plurality of cells (e.g, honeycomb shaped cells, etc.) configured for containing the vegetation growing media. Although FIG. 1 illustrates engineered soil 116 within the cellular geoweb 112, other vegetation growing media may also be used including soil, in-situ soil, etc.

[0023] The groundcover system 100 includes a layer 120 configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure 112. In this illustrated embodiment, the layer 120 may comprise a geomembrane. Alternatively, the layer 120 may comprise clay, etc. With the layer 120, the groundcover system 100 is able to capture and store water that passes through the water permeable portions of the groundcover system 100, which may eliminate the need for having a bio-retention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface. And if the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface is sufficiently level, the ability of the groundcover system 100 for subsurface capture and store water that passes through the water permeable portions of the groundcover system may eliminate the eliminate the need for bulkhead(s) for the sufficiently level living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

[0024] The groundcover system 100 also includes a capillary wi eking system or bed 124 (broadly, passive irrigation). The capillary wicking system 100 includes one or more generally vertical wicking members that are configured for wicking water captured and stored by the layer 120 upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media 116 and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation 108. The capillary wicking system 100 also includes one or more generally horizontal wicking members configured for wicking and distributing water from the one or more generally vertical wicking members horizontally underneath the cellular confinement structure 112.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the one or more generally vertical wicking members may comprise one or more strips or pieces of a wicking geotextile and / or nylonrope. The one or more generally horizontal wicking members may comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope. For example, the one or more generally horizontal wicking members may comprise a wicking geotextile sheet (e.g., Mirafi® FFRi woven geosynthetic, other woven geosynthetic including hydrophilic and hygroscopic wicking yams, other wicking geotextiles, etc.) horizontally placed underneath the cellular confinement structure for horizontally wicking or distributing the water around to the vegetation growing media 116 and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation 108. The vertical wicking members may be held in place by toggles or other retention means at the end portions of the vertical wicking members. By way of example, the one or more generally horizontal wicking members may comprise a woven geosynthetic including hydrophilic and hygroscopic wicking yarns configured to provide moisture managem ent / enhanced lateral drainage, reinforcement strength / high tensile modulus properties, separation and filtration, soil and base course confmement / greater load distribution, and durability / robust damage resistance.

[0026] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the groundcover system 100 also includes a separation or filtration layer 128 below the cellular confinement structure 112. The separation or filtration layer 128 is configured to allow water to pass through while retaining the vegetation growing media 116 contained within the cellular confinement structure 112. The separation or filtration layer 128 may comprise a geotextile filter fabric and / or a wicking fabric.

[0027] The groundcover system 100 includes a flat strip subsurface drain system 132 horizontally installed below the cellular confinement structure 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the flat strip subsurface drain system 132 is horizontally installed and placed flat within a topmost portion of gravel 136 (e.g., compacted open-graded gravel, etc.) that is disposed between the cellular confinement structure 112 and the layer 120.

[0028] The flat strip subsurface drain system 132 may include a perforated core made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc. The perforated core may be configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining the vegetation growing media 116 contained within the cellular confinement structure 112. The flat strip subsurface drain system 132 may also include a geotextile filter fabric thermally bonded to the perforated core. The geotextile filter fabric may be configured to allow water to passthrough while retaining backfill materials. The perforated core is configured to allow water to be collected from all sides of the perforated core and provide a continuous water flow path. Alternatively embodiments may be configured differently, e.g, without subsurface drain system, with a different type of subsurface drain system (e.g, perforated pipe, perforated pipe covered with a geotextile sock, perforated pipe with surrounding rock, or other means of draining, etc.), etc. For example, another exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system may include an underdrain below the compacted open-graded gravel, e.g., if the groundcover system is not configured with undersurface water storage.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates the example groundcover system 100 as having multiple layers above the in-situ soil 140, specifically:• a hybrid turf 104 (broadly, water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth 108);• cellular geoweb 112 (broadly, cellular confinement structure);• engineered soil 116 (broadly, vegetation growing media);• geotextile 128 (broadly, separation or filtration layer);• overdrain 132 (broadly, subsurface drain system);• compacted open-graded gravel 136 (broadly, water permeable support layer);• capillary wi eking bed 124 (broadly, passive irrigation); and• geomembrane 120 (broadly, layer configured for subsurface water capture, storage, and / or retention).

[0030] Alternatively embodiments may be configured differently with more or less layers, with differently configured layers, with different combinations of all or less than all of the different layers, etc. For example, another exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system may include three or four layers, specifically: a cellular confinement structure (e.g., cellular geocell 112, etc.) configured for containing vegetation growing media; and a layer (e.g. , geomembrane 120, etc.) configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure. And the groundcover system may further include either or both of: a water permeable layer (e.g., hybrid turf 104, etc.) configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth; and / or a capillary wicking system (e.g., capillary wicking bed 124, etc.) configured for passive irrigation of water storedbelow the cellular confinement structure to the vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation.

[0031] Another exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system may include a water permeable layer (e.g., hybrid turf 104, etc.) configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth and a subsurface irrigation system. In this exemplary embodiment, the groundcover system may not need the cellular confinement structure (e.g., cellular geocell 112, etc.), such as when the groundcover system will be used for creating a living vegetated foot traffic surface (e.g., sidewalk, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, football field, soccer field, other sports playing field, etc.) that will not be intended for supporting vehicular traffic. Also, the subsurface irrigation system may include horizontal wicks of a capillary wicking system such that the locations of the horizontal wicks are not revealed, which is unlike some conventional subsurface irrigation pipes that defines lines along the surface corresponding to their locations.

[0032] A further exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system may include a water permeable layer (e.g., hybrid turf 104, etc.) configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth and a subsurface irrigation system. The groundcover system may further include a cellular confinement structure (e.g., cellular geocell 112, etc.) configured for containing vegetation growing media.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the groundcover system includes an artificial ground cover configured to reinforce and protect a natural ground cover. The artificial ground cover comprises a protective base including a plurality of perforations in the protective base. In this exemplary embodiment, the protective base resides upon a cellular geoweb (e.g., cellular grooved honeycomb element, etc.), which may be about 4 inches to about 6 inches in depth. Depending on the desired depth, additional cellular geoweb(s) may be stacked on top of each other to increase the overall depth.

[0034] The cellular geoweb may include a plurality honeycomb openings or cells. Each of the honeycomb openings or cells may be configured to be substantially filled with and confine engineered soil, in-situ soil, or other vegetation growing media. The confinement of the vegetation growing media within the honeycomb cellular structure acts to avoid rutting, erosion, and subsidence of various components of the groundcover system.

[0035] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the groundcover system 100 includes compacted open-graded gravel 136 (broadly, water permeable support layer). In other exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system includes alternative stormwater capture (e.g, prefabricated stormwater chambers, etc.) in place of the open- graded gravel 136 and membranes along the bottom and sides of the storm chamber. For example, an exemplary groundcover system may include one or more Ferguson R-TANK® stormwater modules for structural support and subsurface water storage as disclosed in the Appendix to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,136, which is incorporated herein by reference. Or, for example, an exemplary groundcover system may include one or more Ferguson STRATAVAULT™ modules for structural support and subsurface water storage (c.g., structural soil cells designed to support healthy tree growth in urban environments, etc.) as disclosed in the Appendix to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,136, which is incorporated herein by reference. As yet further examples, an exemplary groundcover system may include one or more Ferguson STORMTECH® arched stormwater chambers, corrugated metal pipe, and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for structural support and subsurface water storage. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more Ferguson STORMCRETE® precast porous concrete sections (as disclosed in the Appendix to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664, 136, which is incorporated herein by reference) (e.g., modular systems for stormwater management that are porous to allow water to infdtrate through the surface to help reduce runoff and promote groundwater recharge, etc.) may be used alongside adjacent, or as portions of a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial ground cover may include artificial grass or simulated grass structures comprising a field network of synthetic vertical elastic components with a “subulate” leaf-like appearance that is made from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The simulated grass structures of the artificial ground cover may be about 20 millimeters (mm) in height, about 2 mm wide, and about 1 mm thick near a lower portion of each of the upper elements, tapering to between about 1.5 mm and about 0.5 mm thick at the upper portion of the artificial ground cover. The dimensions provided in this paragraph and elsewhere are examples only.

[0037] The simulated grass structures may be configured to be independently resilient and remain generally upright after being bent into a non-vertical position. The simulated grass structures may have an elastic bending limit such that normal foot or wheeled traffic does not unacceptably and permanently plastically deform the simulated grass structures.

[0038] The simulated grass structures may have upper elements configured with a monomeric cross-section that is symmetric about one axis simulating a turf grass leaf with one central vein and a narrow lamina that together give vertical bending strength similar to evergreen lignified sclerenchyma tissue. The dispersion of the simulated grass structures of the artificial ground cover is designed to allow the artificial grass to be disposed near each adjacent upper element in a manner that allows the field of upper elements to minimize or at least reduce any blocking of light energy to the shoot meristem of the plant.

[0039] The artificial ground cover is designed to provide the approximate look and feel of natural vegetation and is constructed in such a way as to not totally block the plurality of growth apertures when the plurality of upper elements are subjected to mechanical bending stress, thereby allowing plant growth by the distribution of the sun's radiation and gas exchange between the plant and the earth's atmosphere.

[0040] The spacing, shape, bending strength, and wear resistance of the vertical protective base are all engineered under specifications such that either grazing, foot or wheeled traffic do not meaningfully damage plant crown, shoot meristem, sheath, or other low-lying elements of plant anatomy of the selected plant that are vital to the plant's establishment and continued success. Regardless of whether the protective base is formed by the vertical elastic components under stress or constitutes its own structural element, the artificial ground cover is configured with bending and wear resistance to withstand mechanical shear from foot (human or animal) and wheeled traffic (such as automobiles, bicycles, or lawn equipment), chewing, or other sources of mechanical shear. The height of the protective base is selected to extend from the earth at a height greater than the selected plant shoot meristem, even when the base is formed by the artificial ground cover when under mechanical horizontal bending stress. For example, the protective base is preferably configured (e.g., with a sufficient height, etc.) to raise the shear plane of thefoot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above the grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem, e.g., at which cell division happens just above the crown and thus critical for perennial grass growth, etc. By way of example, the artificial ground cover may be configured to have a shear stress rating of 10 Ibs / sf, 12 Ibs / sf, between 10 Ibs / sf and 12 Ibs / sf, more than 12 Ibs / sf, etc.

[0041] The artificial ground cover may also have a vertical upper base having an internal cross-sectional structure made from material that independently returns to nominally upright vertical position, simulating the properties of natural vegetation. The simulated grass structures of the artificial ground cover are constructed to mimic the appearance of natural vegetation of the plants selected for a particular installation. Spacing and placement of the simulated grass structures may be in a geometrical repeating pattern or a random pattern. Spacing, shape, colors, and texture of longer simulated grass structures may be crafted such that the nominal appearance of natural ground cover is achieved.

[0042] Continuing with a description of this exemplary embodiment, the groundcover system may be configured such that water that falls onto the artificial ground cover percolates through the artificial ground cover and is either moved from the artificial ground cover and through the engineered soil or other vegetation growing media to be absorbed by wicks. Portions of the wicks are disposed at or adjacent a bottom of the cellular confinement structure to thereby absorb the water as it passes through the engineered soil. The wicks may comprise nylon rope (or other ropes) having a width of about 2 inches and a vertical length of no more than about 12 inches. The wicks may be spaced apart by about 12 inches to about 36 inches (center to center of adjacent horizontal wicks). Alternatively, the wicks may also or instead comprise wicking geotextile. The wicks operatively connects the engineered soil to the water positioned within a storm chamber to allow the water to be fed or passively irrigated to the natural ground cover on an as-needed passive basis through the wicks. The dimensions provided in this paragraph and elsewhere are examples only.

[0043] The amount of water that falls upon a ground cover can exceed the volumetric capacity of a storm chamber. Therefore, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include an overdrain (e.g, a flat strip subsurface drain system, other drainage system, etc.) to transport excess ground water through the groundcover system and / or to aseparate water collection component for future use in other devices and areas that may be in need of ground water for other uses. By way of example, a flat strip subsurface drain system may be used that includes a perforated core made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc. The perforated core may be configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure. The flat strip subsurface drain system may also include a geotextile filter fabric thermally bonded to the perforated core. The geotextile filter fabric may be configured to allow water to pass through while retaining backfill materials. The perforated core is configured to allow water to be collected from all sides of the perforated core and provide a continuous water flow path.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, the groundcover system may be configured such that ground water that passes through the artificial ground cover, the cellular geoweb, the engineered soil, and the wicks is collected within the storm chamber that disposed underneath the cellular geoweb. The storm chamber can be of any shape, e.g., having a vertical depth of about 12 inches to about 18 inches. The interior area of the storm chamber may be substantially filled with a compacted open-graded gravel. The floor of the storm chamber may have a slope of between about 1 inch to about and about 2 inches per about 10 feet to generate movement of the water within the storm chamber. The interior area storm chamber may be generally surrounded by adjacent walls and floor that comprise in- situ soil to maintain the size and shape of the storm chamber.

[0045] A non-woven ground cover material (e.g., geotextile, etc.) may be disposed between the floor of the storm chamber and the in-situ soil that surrounds the ground chamber. The non-woven ground cover material may be made from a standard 5 ounce per square yard geotextile material.

[0046] An example operation of an exemplary embodiment of a groundcover system will now be provided for illustrative purposes. Water is collected on-site during rainfall events, whether on the roof of structures or on paved surfaces. This collected water is stored under a permeable and vegetated parking surface. The vegetated surface consumes water and sunlight energy through the process of transpiration. Stored water is subsequently fed through a network of wicks that uses capillary action to add the water tothe soil layer containing the root system of groundcover vegetation. Any overflow rain water may flowthrough a drain (e.g, flat strip drainage system, overdrain, underdrain, etc.) to a conventional stormwater collection system.

[0047] Accordingly, disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of groundcover systems and methods for creating living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surfaces, such as living vegetated parking lots or portions thereof (e.g., vehicle parking surface(s), thoroughfares or main arteries, feeder lanes, fire lanes, overflow parking, etc.), driveways, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, other connector spaces, bike paths, golf cart paths, playing fields (e.g., football fields, soccer fields, etc.), streets, etc. In exemplary embodiments, a groundcover system is configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting vegetation growth. The groundcover system may be configured for capturing water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system and storing the captured water underneath the living vegetated surface. The groundcover system may be configured with subsurface irrigation (e.g., via a capillary wi eking system, etc.) of water (e.g., stored underneath the living vegetated surface, etc.) to the vegetation growing media (e.g., soil, in-situ soil, engineered soil, etc.) and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, a groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface comprises a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media, and a layer configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure. The groundcover system further comprises either or both of: a water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth; and / or a capillary wicking system configured for passive irrigation of water stored below the cellular confinement structure to the vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation.

[0049] In other exemplary embodiments, a groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface comprises a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media, and a water permeable layerconfigured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

[0050] In further exemplary embodiments, a groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface comprises a water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth, and a subsurface irrigation system.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the water permeable layer includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting vegetation growth in the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system includes a capillary wicking system comprising: one or more generally vertical wicking members configured for wicking water upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation; and one or more generally horizontal wicking members configured for wicking and distributing water from the one or more generally vertical wicking members horizontally underneath the cellular confinement structure.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the one or more generally vertical wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope; and / or the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile sheet underneath the cellular confinement structure.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the one or more generally vertical wicking members are configured for wicking water captured and stored by the groundcover system upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the cellular confinement structure comprises a geo cellular confinement web including a plurality of cells configured for containing the vegetation growing media.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system is configured to capture and store water that passes through the water permeable portions of the groundcover system thereby eliminating the need for a bio-retention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system is configured to capture and store water that passes through the water permeable portions of the groundcover system thereby eliminating the need for bulkhead(s) for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system further comprises a separation or filtration layer below the cellular confinement structure. The separation or filtration layer is configured to allow water to pass through while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure. The separation or filtration layer may comprises a geotextile filter fabric and / or a wicking fabric.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system comprises a water impermeable layer configured for capturing and storing water below a cellular confinement structure. The water impermeable layer may comprise a geomembrane. Alternatively, the groundcover may comprise another means (e. ., clay, etc.) for the subsurface capture and storage of water. For example, the groundcover system may include one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers ( e.g., Ferguson R-TANK® stormwater module(s), STRATAVAULT™ module(s), STORMTECH® arched stormwater chamber(s), corrugated metal pipe(s), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe(s), etc.) for capturing and storing water below a cellular confinement structure.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system further comprises a flat strip subsurface drain system. The flat strip subsurface drain system may comprise a perforated core configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure. The flat strip subsurface drain system may be configured to be horizontally installed and placed flat within a topmost portion of gravel or other stormwater capture portion under a cellular confinement structure.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to provide passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system is configured to include subsurface stormwater capture. The system may include a subsurface irrigation system configured to be in fluid communication with the subsurface stormwater capture to thereby obtain water for passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation. The subsurface stormwater capture in an exemplary groundcover system may include one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers ( e.g., Ferguson R-TANK® stormwater module(s), STRATAVAULT™ module(s), STORMTECH® arched stormwater chamber(s), corrugated metal pipe(s), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe(s), etc.) for support and subsurface water storage.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system includes a water permeable layer configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf that is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the groundcover system comprises a novel three-dimensional permeable pavement structure configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the ground cover system is configured to be usable for creating one or more of a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, parking lot, vehicle parking surface(s), parking lot thoroughfare(s), parking lot main artery(ies), parking lot feeder lane(s), parking lot fire lane(s), overflow parking,driveway, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, bike path, golf cart path, playing field, and / or street.

[0069] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0070] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0071] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g, “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, theterm “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0072] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0073] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0074] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, the groundcover system comprising: a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media; and a layer configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure; wherein the groundcover system further comprises either or both of: a water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting vegetation growth in the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure; and / or a capillary wicking system configured for passive irrigation of water stored below the cellular confinement structure to vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation.

2. The groundcover system of claim 1, wherein the water permeable layer includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf.

3. The groundcover system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the capillary wicking system comprises: one or more generally vertical wicking members configured for wicking water upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation; and one or more generally horizontal wicking members configured for wicking and distributing water from the one or more generally vertical wicking members horizontally underneath the cellular confinement structure.

4. The groundcover system of claim 3, wherein: the one or more generally vertical wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope; and / orthe one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope.

5. The groundcover system of claim 3, wherein: the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile sheet underneath the cellular confinement structure; and / or the one or more generally vertical wicking members are configured for wicking water captured and stored by the groundcover system upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation.

6. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cellular confinement structure comprises a geo cellular confinement web including a plurality of cells configured for containing the vegetation growing media.

7. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a separation or filtration layer below the cellular confinement structure, the separation or filtration layer configured to allow water to pass through while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure.

8. The groundcover system of claim 7, wherein: the separation or filtration layer comprises a geotextile filter fabric; and / or the separation or filtration layer comprises a wicking fabric.

9. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system comprises a water impermeable layer configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

10. The groundcover system of claim 9, wherein the water impermeable layer comprises a geomembrane configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

11. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system comprises one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

12. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flat strip subsurface drain system.

13. The groundcover system of claim 12, wherein the flat strip subsurface drain system comprises a perforated core configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure.

14. The groundcover system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the flat strip subsurface drain system is configured to be horizontally installed and placed flat within a topmost portion of gravel or other stormwater capture portion under the cellular confinement structure.

15. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to provide passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

16. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system is configured to include subsurface stormwater capture.

17. The groundcover system of claim 16, wherein the system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to be in fluid communication with the subsurface stormwater capture to thereby obtain water for passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

18. The groundcover system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the subsurface stormwater capture of the groundcover system includes one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers for support and subsurface water storage.

19. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

20. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water permeable layer is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

21. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

22. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system comprises a three-dimensional permeable pavement structure configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

23. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground cover system is configured to be usable for creating one or more of a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, parking lot, vehicle parking surface(s), parking lot thoroughfare(s), parking lot main artery(ies), parking lot feeder lane(s), parking lot fire lane(s), overflow parking, driveway, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, bike path, golf cart path, playing field, and / or street.

24. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system is configured to capture and store water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system thereby eliminating the need for a bioretention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface and / or for bulkhead(s) for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

25. The groundcover system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groundcover system is configured for reinforcing and protecting plants from mechanical shear, soil compaction, and / or strangulation.

26. A groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, the groundcover system comprising: a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media; and a water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

27. The groundcover system of claim 26, wherein the water permeable layer includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf.

28. The groundcover system of claim 26 or 27, further comprising a capillary wi eking system that includes: one or more generally vertical wicking members configured for wicking water upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation; and one or more generally horizontal wicking members configured for wicking and distributing water from the one or more generally vertical wicking members horizontally underneath the cellular confinement structure.

29. The groundcover system of claim 28, wherein: the one or more generally vertical wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope; and / or the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope.

30. The groundcover system of claim 29, wherein: the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile sheet underneath the cellular confinement structure; and / or the one or more generally vertical wicking members are configured for wicking water captured and stored by the groundcover system upwardly to at least the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation.

31. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the cellular confinement structure comprises a geo cellular confinement web including a plurality of cells configured for containing the vegetation growing media.

32. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 31, further comprising a separation or filtration layer below the cellular confinement structure, the separation or filtration layer configured to allow water to pass through while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure.

33. The groundcover system of claim 32, wherein:the separation or filtration layer comprises a geotextile filter fabric; and / or the separation or filtration layer comprises a wicking fabric.

34. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the groundcover system comprises a water impermeable layer configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

35. The groundcover system of claim 34, wherein the water impermeable layer comprises a geomembrane configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

36. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein the groundcover system comprises one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers configured for capturing and storing water below the cellular confinement structure.

37. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 36, further comprising a flat strip subsurface drain system.

38. The groundcover system of claim 37, wherein the flat strip subsurface drain system comprises a perforated core configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining the vegetation growing media contained within the cellular confinement structure.

39. The groundcover system of claim 37 or 38, wherein the flat strip subsurface drain system is configured to be horizontally installed and placed flat within a topmost portion of gravel or other stormwater capture portion under the cellular confinement structure.

40. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 39, wherein the groundcover system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to provide passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

41. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 40, wherein the groundcover system is configured to include subsurface stormwater capture.

42. The groundcover system of claim 41, wherein the system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to be in fluid communication with the subsurface stormwater capture to thereby obtain water for passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

43. The groundcover system of claim 41 or 42, wherein the subsurface stormwater capture of the groundcover system includes one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers for support and subsurface water storage.

44. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 43, wherein the groundcover system is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

45. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 44, wherein the water permeable layer is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

46. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 45, wherein the groundcover system includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

47. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 46, wherein the groundcover system comprises a three-dimensional permeable pavement structure configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

48. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 47, wherein the ground cover system is configured to be usable for creating one or more of a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, parking lot, vehicle parking surface(s), parking lot thoroughfare(s), parking lot main artery(ies), parking lot feeder lane(s), parking lot fire lane(s), overflow parking, driveway, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, bike path, golf cart path, playing field, and / or street.

49. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 48, wherein the groundcover system is configured to capture and store water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system thereby eliminating the need for a bioretention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface and / or for bulkhead(s) for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

50. The groundcover system of any one of claims 26 to 49, wherein the groundcover system is configured for reinforcing and protecting plants from mechanical shear, soil compaction, and / or strangulation.

51. A groundcover system for a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, the groundcover system comprising: a water permeable layer configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth; and a subsurface irrigation system.

52. The groundcover system of claim 51, wherein the water permeable layer includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf.

53. The groundcover system of claim 51 or 52, wherein the groundcover system includes a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media.

54. The groundcover system of claim 53, wherein the cellular confinement structure comprises a geo cellular confinement web including a plurality of cells configured for containing vegetation growing media.

55. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 54, further comprising a capillary wicking system that includes: one or more generally vertical wicking members configured for wicking water upwardly to vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation; and one or more generally horizontal wicking members configured for horizontally wicking and distributing water from the one or more generally vertical wicking.

56. The groundcover system of claim 55, wherein: the one or more generally vertical wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope; and / or the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile and / or nylon rope.

57. The groundcover system of claim 56, wherein: the one or more generally horizontal wicking members comprise a wicking geotextile sheet; and / orthe one or more generally vertical wicking members are configured for wicking water captured and stored by the groundcover system upwardly to vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of ground vegetation.

58. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 57, further comprising a separation or filtration layer configured to allow water to pass through while retaining vegetation growing media.

59. The groundcover system of claim 58, wherein: the separation or filtration layer comprises a geotextile filter fabric; and / or the separation or filtration layer comprises a wicking fabric.

60. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the groundcover system comprises a water impermeable layer configured for capturing and storing water.

61. The groundcover system of claim 60, wherein the water impermeable layer comprises a geomembrane configured for capturing and storing water.

62. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 61, wherein the groundcover system comprises one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers configured for capturing and storing water.

63. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 62, further comprising a flat strip subsurface drain system.

64. The groundcover system of claim 63, wherein the flat strip subsurface drain system comprises a perforated core configured to allow water to pass through an interior of the perforated core while retaining vegetation growing media.

65. The groundcover system of claim 63 or 64, wherein: the groundcover system includes a cellular confinement structure configured for containing vegetation growing media; and the flat strip subsurface drain system is configured to be horizontally installed and placed flat within a topmost portion of gravel or other stormwater capture portion under the cellular confinement structure.

66. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 65, wherein the subsurface irrigation system is configured to provide passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

67. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 66, wherein the groundcover system is configured to include subsurface stormwater capture.

68. The groundcover system of claim 67, wherein the system includes a subsurface irrigation system configured to be in fluid communication with the subsurface stormwater capture to thereby obtain water for passive irrigation and / or powered active irrigation.

69. The groundcover system of claim 67 or 68, wherein the subsurface stormwater capture of the groundcover system includes one or more prefabricated stormwater chambers for support and subsurface water storage.

70. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 69, wherein the groundcover system is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

71. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 70, wherein the water permeable layer is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

72. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 71, wherein the groundcover system includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic above a grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

73. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 72, wherein the groundcover system comprises a three-dimensional permeable pavement structure configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth.

74. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 73, wherein the ground cover system is configured to be usable for creating one or more of a living vegetated foot,wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, parking lot, vehicle parking surface(s), parking lot thoroughfare(s), parking lot main artery(ies), parking lot feeder lane(s), parking lot fire lane(s), overflow parking, driveway, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, bike path, golf cart path, playing field, and / or street.

75. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 74, wherein the groundcover system is configured to capture and store water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system thereby eliminating the need for a bioretention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface and / or for bulkhead(s) for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

76. The groundcover system of any one of claims 51 to 75, wherein the groundcover system is configured for reinforcing and protecting plants from mechanical shear, soil compaction, and / or strangulation.

77. A groundcover system for creating a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, the groundcover system comprising a three-dimensional permeable pavement structure configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting plant growth from mechanical shear, soil compaction, and / or strangulation.

78. The groundcover system of claim 77, wherein the groundcover system is configured for capturing water that passes through water permeable portions of the groundcover system and storing the water underneath the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, thereby eliminating the need for a bio-retention pond for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface and / or for bulkhead(s) for the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface.

79. The groundcover system of claim 77 or 78, wherein the groundcover system is configured with passive irrigation of water stored underneath the living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface to the vegetation growing media and / or root system(s) of the ground vegetation.

80. The groundcover system of claim 77, 78, or 79, wherein the groundcover system is configured to raise a shear plane of foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic abovea grass shoot meristem to thereby protect and preserve the grass shoot meristem for perennial grass growth.

81. The groundcover system of any one of claims 77 to 80, wherein the groundcover system includes a hybrid and / or perforated synthetic turf configured for promoting, fostering, supporting, reinforcing, and / or protecting vegetation growth.

82. The groundcover system of any one of claims 77 to 81, wherein the ground cover system is configured to be usable for creating one or more of a living vegetated foot, wheeled, and / or vehicular traffic surface, parking lot, vehicle parking surface(s), parking lot thoroughfare(s), parking lot main artery(ies), parking lot feeder lane(s), parking lot fire lane(s), overflow parking, driveway, sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, bike path, golf cart path, playing field, and / or street.

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