I would not recommend it as a large scale ground cover. It looks good
in among rocks in a rock garden, but has serious drawbacks as a lawn
sized event. We had a dichondra lawn back in the 50s. It can be persistent through it's continual reseeding although it's not invasive at all when compared to bermuda, for example.

Dichondra will likely not be evergreen anywhere due to an insect called the flea beetle. Once you get them, the damage is complete and over before you get it diagnosed and the insecticide applied. Once it's wiped out, then come in the weeds.

It will tolerate dog traffic. It tolerates it with stunted growth along the dog path.

No need to amend the soil no matter what you're planting. Work with the soil you have. You can likely improve it immediately by applying organic fertilizer one time - unless you've been doing that at least once a year. A good soil test (Logan Labs is the best in the US - $25) is all you need. If you get one, post the results on the lawn forum and get about $250 worth of free recommendations.

Thank you for your very knowledgeable reply.

Didn't know about the flea beetle. Others have mentioned slugs, which are already here.

BTW, I have used a lawn service for several years for both seeding, aerating, and general feeding/weed prevention. I just get tired of having to water so much (dry these past few years).

Slugs can be killed overnight by using ammonium sulfate fertilizer. Ammonium sulfate is the only ingredient in European slug killers. It works just like putting salt on them.

I've moderated several lawn forums since the early 2000s and have put the following together for lawn watering. This is not at all what I used to believe about watering, but after many long winded and heated discussions, I've changed my tune.

Watering: Deep and infrequent is the mantra for watering. This is for all turf grass all over the place. Deep means 1 inch all at one time. Put some cat food or tuna cans around the yard, and time how long it takes your sprinkler(s) to fill all the cans. Memorize that time. That will be the time you water from now on. My hose, sprinkler and water pressure takes 8 full hours to fill the cans. Your time will likely be less. I like gentle watering. As for watering frequency, that depends on the daytime air temperature. With temps in the 90s, deep water once per week. With temps in the 80s, deep water once every 2 weeks. With temps in the 70s, deep water once every 3 weeks. With temps below 70, deep water once a month. Note that you have to keep up with quickly changing temps in the spring and fall. This deep and infrequent schedule works in Phoenix and in Vermont, so it should work for you. The reason for deep and infrequent is to grow deeper, more drought resistant roots and to allow the soil to dry completely at the surface for several days before watering again. If it rains, reset your calendar to account for the rainfall.