When service pear trees are not growing in the rocky subsoil of a mountain slope, they usually form a root system that runs relatively shallowly below the surface of the earth. But there are still ways to plant the pear in the garden with attractive flowers, herbs, perennials or shrubs.

Ground covers are ideal for underplanting

The growth form of the service pear often makes underplanting necessary

While some varieties of the service pear can be trained to become a shrub or even an obelisk with a targeted cut, fast-growing varieties such as the copper service pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) grow into an impressive tree shape over the years. Some specimens bare from below with increasing age, resulting in an umbrella-like treetop when pruning. So the challenge of an underplanting is to find plants that can survive and thrive under the following growing conditions:

  • so-called "root pressure": the strong penetration of the soil with tree roots
  • shady location
  • pronounced drought under the canopy
  • Competition for nutrients and water from the soil in the root area of the Serviceberry
  • fall of leaves in autumn

Properly prepare the planting in the area of the tree disc

Basically, in the so-called tree disc area close to the trunk of a shallow-rooted tree or shrub, only very careful digging should be done in order not to damage the roots, which often run only a few centimeters below the surface of the earth. It can make sense to supplement the soil in this area with a thin layer of garden soil or mature compost when planting under. However, you should proceed in moderation, as the trees to be planted under can also take offense at too much heaping up of earth. The best time for a new underplanting is the period from late summer to autumn. This allows the new plants to take root well before winter and the tree present at the site only draws comparatively little moisture from the soil at this time of year.

Suitable plant varieties for underplanting a service pear

Since many herb varieties prefer a rather dry location, they are well suited for underplanting a pear fruit. Lavender, in particular, can be a very decorative addition beneath the white-flowered serviceberry. Evergreen mahonia grows like a shrub and can withstand the root pressure of a service pear well. The Balkan cranesbill, which is extremely decorative with its pink flowers, copes well with the persistent drought under the branches of a service pear. Hazel root, lily of the valley and periwinkle are also suitable for greening around the trunk of a service pear, where it is too shady for an ordinary lawn.

tips

Some of the plant varieties used for underplanting the service pear should be regularly given their own portion of irrigation water if necessary, as they only receive little rainwater naturally under the umbrella-like treetop of the service pear.

Category:

Trees