How to Plant Under Trees

You can add to the looks of your yard or garden by planting flowers, vines, foliage or ground cover at the base of mature trees. Planting under trees can be difficult since you must have just the right conditions for the plants to survive the deep shade and dry soil present under most trees. Here's how you can successfully plant under trees on your property.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Organic matter
• Mulch
• Shade-loving plants

1. Identify which species of tree you're about to plant under and learn about its root system. Some trees have very shallow feeder roots that can be damaged if you do too much digging.
2. Choose plants suited to deep shade such as hostas, yew, lily of the valley, holly and ivy. Plants that are native to your area are preferable as they're used to competing with the trees that grow in your region.
3. Pull or dig out any unwanted vegetation that is already present under the tree.
4. Add bulky organic matter to the soil at the base of the tree to hold more moisture.
5. Do your planting under trees in the fall, if possible. This takes advantage of extra sun exposure due to the leaves falling off the trees.
6. Plant bulbs under deciduous trees such as beech, hornbeam, birch and oak. The leaves on these trees typically begin sprouting after the bulbs have flowered, giving them plenty of sunlight.
7. Mulch around your new plantings. Put down a thick 2 to 4 inch layer which will help hold in moisture.
8. Water the plants under a tree more often and more thoroughly than you do for other plants in your garden. Trees use a large amount of water and the soil around their roots tends to be dry.

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