Plants To Grow Under Trees

Thriving Under the Canopy: A Comprehensive Guide to Plants That Grow Under Trees

The dappled shade of a tree offers a tranquil haven, but it also presents a unique challenge for gardeners: how to cultivate a thriving landscape beneath its canopy. Successfully growing plants under trees requires understanding the specific conditions these areas offer – low light, competition for nutrients and water, and potentially compacted soil. This comprehensive guide delves into the art of cultivating a beautiful and flourishing understory, exploring the best plants to choose, soil preparation techniques, and essential care practices. Learn which plants can tolerate these challenging conditions and discover the secrets to creating a vibrant garden beneath your trees.

Understanding the Challenges of Growing Under Trees

Before selecting your plants, understanding the challenges posed by the tree canopy is crucial. These challenges directly influence plant selection and gardening techniques:

1. Limited Sunlight:

Trees significantly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the ground below. This means you'll need to choose shade-tolerant plants, those capable of thriving with minimal direct sunlight. The density of the canopy will determine the level of shade – some areas might receive filtered sunlight, while others may be quite dark.

2. Nutrient Competition:

Tree roots are highly competitive, absorbing a significant portion of the available nutrients and water in the soil. This leaves less for understory plants. Choosing plants with shallow root systems or those that are less demanding in terms of nutrients is essential.

3. Soil Compaction:

Over time, the falling leaves and branches can compact the soil under trees, making it difficult for water and air to penetrate. This can hinder root growth and overall plant health.

4. Dry Soil Conditions:

Depending on the tree species, some can cause the soil to dry out more quickly than in open areas. The tree's root system will often absorb the majority of the available moisture.

5. pH Imbalance:

The type of tree significantly impacts soil pH. Some trees alter the soil's acidity, making it unsuitable for certain plants. Testing your soil's pH is a vital first step before selecting plants.

Selecting the Right Plants for Your Undershadow

Choosing the right plants is the cornerstone of a successful under-tree garden. Consider these factors when making your selections:

1. Shade Tolerance:

This is perhaps the most crucial factor. Some plants thrive in full shade, while others prefer partial shade. Carefully assess the amount of light reaching your chosen area.

2. Moisture Requirements:

Match the plant's water needs to the soil conditions under your tree. If the soil tends to be dry, choose drought-tolerant plants. Conversely, if it's consistently moist, avoid those susceptible to root rot.

3. Soil pH:

Different plants have different preferences for soil pH. Before planting, test your soil's pH and select plants that will thrive within that range.

4. Nutrient Needs:

Choose plants with modest nutrient requirements to avoid competition with the tree's roots.

5. Root System:

Consider plants with shallow, non-invasive root systems to minimize competition with the tree's roots for water and nutrients.

Recommended Plants for Under Trees:

The following is a selection of plants known for their ability to thrive in the challenging conditions beneath tree canopies. Remember that specific cultivars and regional variations exist, so always check the specific requirements for your chosen variety.

Groundcovers:

• Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): A low-growing, shade-loving groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and interesting flowers. Tolerates dry conditions once established.
• Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): Spreads easily, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds. Available in various colors, including purple, blue, and green.
• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A low-growing, mat-forming perennial with needle-like leaves and masses of colorful flowers in spring. Prefers well-drained soil.
• Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): A fragrant groundcover with delicate, star-shaped flowers. Forms a dense mat and tolerates low light conditions.
• Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis): A classic shade-loving groundcover with fragrant bell-shaped flowers in spring. Spreads moderately.

Ferns:

• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides): A hardy evergreen fern that tolerates a wide range of conditions.
• Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum pictum): Showy fern with silvery foliage and reddish stems. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora): An attractive deciduous fern with reddish-bronze new growth in spring.

Other Shade-Loving Plants:

• Hostas: A popular choice for shade gardens, offering a wide variety of leaf colors, sizes, and textures. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
• Astilbe: Produces feathery plumes of flowers in various colors. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): A charming plant with heart-shaped flowers in spring. Prefers partial shade and moist soil.
• Columbine (Aquilegia): Offers a variety of flower shapes and colors. Tolerates some shade and prefers well-drained soil.
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): A popular choice for their colorful foliage, available in a wide range of colors. Tolerates dry conditions once established.

Preparing the Soil for Planting

Preparing the soil under trees is crucial for the success of your understory garden.

• Improve Drainage: If the soil is compacted, amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and aeration.
• Test Soil pH: Use a soil testing kit to determine your soil's pH level. Amend the soil accordingly to meet the pH needs of your chosen plants.
• Topdressing: Instead of deep tilling, which can damage tree roots, apply a layer of compost or other organic matter as a topdressing. This improves soil structure and fertility gradually.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or leaf mold, to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch directly against the tree trunk.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once your plants are established, ongoing care is essential to ensure their continued health and vigor:

• Watering: Water deeply and less frequently, especially during dry periods. Ensure that the water reaches the roots of the plants.
• Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for shade-loving plants, applying it sparingly to avoid over-fertilizing. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can benefit the tree more than the understory plants.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your chosen plants for nutrients and water.
• Mulching: Reapply mulch as needed to maintain its thickness and effectiveness.
• Pruning: Prune any dead or diseased plant material to maintain plant health and prevent the spread of disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I plant vegetables under trees?

A: While some vegetables can tolerate partial shade, most require significantly more sunlight than is available under most tree canopies. Low-light vegetables such as lettuce and spinach might fare better in areas with filtered sunlight, but expect lower yields than in full sun.

Q: How close can I plant to the tree trunk?

A: Avoid planting too close to the tree trunk. This can compete with the tree's root system for resources and increase the risk of root damage during planting or maintenance. Maintain a buffer zone depending on the tree's size and root system.

Q: What if my tree drops a lot of leaves?

A: Falling leaves can be beneficial, adding organic matter to the soil. However, excessively large leaf litter can compact the soil, hindering drainage. Regularly remove excess leaves and add them to your compost pile.

Q: My soil is very dry under my tree. What can I do?

A: Amend the soil with organic matter to improve its water retention capacity. Use mulch to help conserve moisture and consider using a soaker hose for more efficient watering.

Q: What type of mulch is best for under-tree planting?

A: Shredded bark, wood chips, and leaf mold are all excellent choices. Avoid using plastic mulch, as it can hinder drainage and soil aeration.

Conclusion: Creating a Thriving Understory

Growing plants under trees can be a rewarding challenge. By understanding the specific conditions, choosing appropriate plants, and implementing proper soil preparation and maintenance practices, you can transform the often-overlooked space under your trees into a vibrant and flourishing garden. Remember to observe your garden regularly, adapting your techniques as needed to ensure the ongoing health and beauty of your understory planting. With patience and attention to detail, you can create a captivating and uniquely beautiful landscape that thrives even in the shade.