Kubernetes pod pending issues arise when a pod fails to transition from the pending to the running state, primarily due to resource constraints, scheduling conflicts, or configuration errors within the Kubernetes environment. The pending state indicates that a pod is waiting to start, which can occur if there are insufficient nodes, improper node selector or affinity rules, unfulfilled storage requirements, or failed container image pulls. Troubleshooting involves using commands like `kubectl describe pod` to diagnose issues, inspecting node availability, checking persistent volume configurations, and verifying pod specifications. Solutions include adjusting resource requests, correcting scheduling rules, ensuring adequate storage, and validating image paths. Best practices to prevent pending issues include monitoring node capacity, using configuration linting tools, testing deployments in staging environments, and implementing autoscaling. Groundcover is a tool that helps in troubleshooting these issues by providing comprehensive monitoring and visibility into the Kubernetes clusters, assisting in quickly identifying the root causes of pending pods.