Gardening Under Trees
UT Extension Horticultural Specialist Carol Reese talks about growing plants under trees. One of the most important things to consider is the shade the tree will make. Another consideration is the competition from the tree roots. Often the area under the tree is full of roots. Covering the roots with additional soil seems like the easy fix but it may harm the tree. The tree roots need oxygen from the air so covering them will smother them. If you do need to add soil, Carol recommends mounding a light and fluffy material like gin trash or composted sawdust. The new plants will need lots of water. The light added soil will dry out quickly and the tree will suck water out of the soil.
Carol does not recommend tilling under trees but she does say that trees can handle up to about 30% of their roots being disturbed. Carol does not like vigorous ground cover because it will take over the area and spread beyond where the gardener wants it to be. In the South-east United States a woodland garden is the easiest to maintain because that is the natural state of nature. Also, the shade is nice in the summer.
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Carol does not recommend tilling under trees but she does say that trees can handle up to about 30% of their roots being disturbed. Carol does not like vigorous ground cover because it will take over the area and spread beyond where the gardener wants it to be. In the South-east United States a woodland garden is the easiest to maintain because that is the natural state of nature. Also, the shade is nice in the summer.
Related Videos:
Gardening on Slopes
Gardening Ergonomics
Related Resources:
Gardening in Shade
Annual and Perennial Flower Shade Gardening in Tennessee
Gardening in the Shade