We all love our shade trees and big evergreens but gardening beneath their canopies is a challenge. Mature trees such as maples, beeches, pines and spruces not only cast shade but also have extensive root systems that suck up moisture and nutrients leaving little left for other plants. Big trees’ anchor roots go deep into the ground but feeder roots are largely in the top 12 inches of soil and can extend outward far beyond the canopy.
**PREPARE**
Cover the entire proposed planting area with sections of newspaper eight to 10 pages thick and wet it down thoroughly. Top that with a three- to four-inch layer of mulch such as shredded bark and/or chopped leaves mixed with well-rotted manure. Don’t use topsoil or make the mulch any deeper or the tree can suffocate. Let that sit for a few weeks—three or four months is even better—keeping it moist.
**PLANT**
Plant through the mulch and paper, digging the holes carefully. If you hit a big root or too many roots, move over a bit and try again. After planting, top up the mulch if necessary and water thoroughly.
**OTHER GREAT SOLUTIONS**
1. Mulch and containers.
An easy remedy is to put down a good layer of mulch and make an arrangement of containers filled with shade-loving plants. This is kinder to the tree, limits maintenance and allows you to change the look from year to year.
2. Mulch alone.
Simply applying mulch to the area is attractive and also affords a spot for seating, a hammock, a swing or a lovely piece of garden art. Wood chips work well but stay away from stones—they hold too much heat and not enough moisture.
**PLANT CHOICES**
**Perennials**
Barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternate)
Bishop’s hat (Epimedium)
Bulbs, especially crocus and fritillaries Ferns Hellebores (Helleborus)
Hosta (Hosta)
Japanese anemones (Anemone x hybrida)
**Shrubs**
Dogwood (Cornus alba; C. alternifolia)
Fiveleaf aralia (Acanthopanax)
Jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens)
Viburnum (Viburnum>)
Yew (Taxus)
**Containers**
Annuals such as impatiens and browallia Astilbe (Astilbe)
Coralbells (Heuchera)
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
Fuchsia
**Do:**
Put in perennials and shrubs with small root balls so tree roots are less disturbed.
Mulch well initially and augment it every year to hold moisture and add nutrients.
Water the area regularly and deeply to ensure both the trees and the underplantings are satisfied.
Avoid:
Don’t rototill—it destroys the tree’s feeder roots.
Don’t cover the root zone permanently with black plastic or a deep layer of soil; it will smother the tree.
Don’t pile up soil or mulch around the trunk or rot can set in.
Don’t dig big planting holes that sever a lot of roots.
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