Trees are very popular not only in the park but also in the home garden. However, if the space underneath is bare, then the attractiveness suffers considerably. You can solve this problem relatively easily with a bed under the tree.

Ground covers are great for underplanting trees

What should I consider?

If you want to plant other plants under your trees, then you should pay attention to the root growth of the trees and their water and nutrient requirements, because in this respect the trees are a competition for the new plantings.

Little light reaches the ground near the trunk. Here you should use shade-loving plants. Perennials that are suitable for partial shade also feel at home further out. If the soil is heavily rooted, you can apply a layer of compost or potting soil to make planting easier.

Do other plants grow under all the trees?

Other plants do not grow equally well under every tree. Conifers change the microclimate so much that hardly any other plants can thrive there. They make the soil acidic. The leaves of oak and walnut have a growth-inhibiting effect and should therefore be removed, as should the needles that have fallen off the conifers.

Which plants also grow under trees?

Not only evergreen ground cover and climbing plants such as ivy grow under trees, but also numerous flowering perennials, grasses and early bloomers. Some ferns, such as the silvery shimmering Japanese rainbow fern, thrive even in the deepest shade. The spotted deadnettle shows its purple flowers with the white spotted lower lip from April to November.

In the spring, most of the trees do not yet have shady foliage, so there is still a lot of light on the ground. These are ideal conditions for early bloomers such as snowdrops, winter agarics and crocuses, although planting the bulbs is quite laborious. At the latest when the winterlings are glowing yellow everywhere, you will no longer regret the work.

Plants that grow well under trees:

  • Early bloomers: snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses
  • perennials
  • ground cover
  • grasses

tips

Place climbing plants such as cranesbill or ivy in the ground at a distance from the tree. Over time they grow up to the trunk. This way you don't damage the tree roots when planting.

Category:

Garden design