Need suggestions for ground cover/tree border
by
Amy
+30
This old oak tree looks horrible right now. We previously had spread mulch around it and put up the flat stones to border it. I planted some pothos ivy around it and our recent cold snap killed most of it, Anyway, it is getting kindof expensive to replace all of the mulch every year - and it's a lot of work too. I would like to do something to spruce it up and still use the flat stones, maybe a fast growing ground cover?? We live in Houston, near the gulf coast of Texas (Very HOT & humid) THANKS!!
29 answers
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The first thing I have to say is about the mulch. Mulch acts as a flannel blanket which keeps the tree and its root system cool in the summer by retaining moisture and warm in the winter. There is no need to replace the mulch each. The mulch breaks down (as compost) and adds needed nutrients to the soil which your tree needs. I can give you lots of suggestions for planting perennials; however, I need a little information. Which direction is your tree planted (such as the Northside of your house)? Do you have a color scheme? Do your want to attract butterflies or hummingbirds? Do you have any allergies? I have a degree in horticulture so it's very important to know such information.
Lisa Lobbes
on Feb 03, 2014
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Mulch is a good thing around a tree as long as you don't make a mountain at the base of the tree. This will male a good hiding spot for rodents to feed on the bark of the tree. Any shade loving plant would look good around the edge the rock border you have. Ferns are a good choice or primrose could also work.
Jo A
on Feb 03, 2014
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looking at your photo. do you have irrigation? tree roots have come up seeking water and they are absorbing all the water around so to answer your question the ground cover would be for shade and dry area: wedelia, sedum, monkey grass but I would do a rock garden with ferns and little ground cover and about three small shade loving plant .....
Corvera Outdoor Living By Design
on Feb 04, 2014
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I agree that you should not need to be replacing your mulch every year. You've got a natural spot for mondo grass.
Douglas Hunt
on Feb 04, 2014
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Some possibilities off the top of my head - Crested Iris, Liriope (Monkey Grass), Purple leaf Shamrock, Naked Ladies (for some fun color- {Lycoris}, Ground Cover Phlox, some sedums can take shade and dry, Dianthus, Ceratostigma....
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Feb 04, 2014
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Oh I forgot a cool one...Variegated Solomon's Seal! and the carex grasses have some awesome hues and colors...I have one that is orange...really really pretty!
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Feb 04, 2014
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Everyone is going to scream at me for suggesting this, but I think goutweed would look beautiful underneath this tree. The problem is that it can be invasive if let to it's own devices. I have some under a big old magnolia and just edge the circle every year, pulling out any 'strays' and it stays in control.
Heather (New House New Home)
on Feb 05, 2014
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I agree with Heather. I've had goutweed for years and love the stuff as a great ground cover that has variegated leaves in pale green and white, it mounds beautifully and spreads nicely. At Heather suggested, it can be invasive. So I bordered my beds with flashing that was dug down in to the soil (sticking up about 4") which helped to prevent the roots from escaping the confines. Goutweed can be sheered to keep in in shape just like a hedge. Another quick spreader and very pretty is Periwinkle. Glossy vines with tiny purple flowers.
Victoria Larsen Stencils
on Feb 05, 2014
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if it were mine i would plant something like azealeas or some kind of flowering shrub .
Ann S
on Feb 05, 2014
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I'm with Ann S. My first thought was a ring of shrubs, filling in the area around the tree with more stones or marble rocks.
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Feb 05, 2014
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Have you looked into the cost of a recycled rubber mulch pad? We have a tree that is impossible to mow under, and regular mulch was expensive to keep replacing so I got a couple of them. They have been under the tree for at least 5 years, still look great, and do the job of keeping weeds away yet allowing water in.
Diane Woods
on Feb 05, 2014
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We live along the coast of Georgia and do a lot of landscaping for folks. One of the most popular, easiest ground covers we put down is "Asiatic Jasmine." This plant will take heat, cold and will take fairly dry conditions and stay green. It's not real aggressive, but it will need to be trimmed down about twice a year to keep it from climbing your tree. It doesn't bloom on the ground, but if it does get up in the tree, it will bloom a white bloom that does not smell. If you should have extreme cold it might turn the jasmine a little red and some may die, but just mow it down and it should come back out. Good Luck!
P.K. McLendon
on Feb 05, 2014
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Under Oaks you have to keep in mind the soil. Oak trees are not a great host for many plants and I would recommend native plants. Mulch is great for the soil because it breaks down and conditions the soil and is better for the plants. Every year you should add mulch to your beds to make them look pretty and because the mulch is breaking down. I have 60' oaks in my itty bitty yard and I can tell you that many plants will not thrive under them. Azaleas will and you could start with them for spring time blooms but remember you will have to water them. Donna gives some good plants and I can tell you that variegated Solomon Seal is great and it is so pretty. Mine spreads and each spring I take off some and plant somewhere else. Ferns (think woodlands where ferns are abundant under the mighty trees) and other native plants that your local nursery sells are great additions under this beautiful tree. I would also think about expanding the area where those roots are sticking up so you do not hit them with the mower. You could also put black eyed susans, daylilies, and sedums under the tree in the areas where the sun hits. I plant sunny on the west side of the trees and shade on the east. I also use variegated euonymous under a couple oaks where not much else will grow. I lined that bed with Liriope for edging which would look really nice along the rock for green. I would not plant too close to the tree where it will be extremely dry unless you want to water a lot. A ring of Azaleas around the base about 2' or so out and then start with all kinds of flowers, ferns, daylily, hosta, and native plants placed according to how much sun is under the tree. I also love Oak leaf hydrangeas which are native but can grow huge but they love to be under oaks and be in afternoon shade. I give away a lot of starts to neighbors and friends and maybe you could find a gardening neighbor who will help you get started. Liriope is abundant here in the South because it grows fast! good luck and have fun!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Feb 05, 2014
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My parents had an old oak tree like this and they planted this under it. It grew up and took over it was full and gorgeous and NO WORK. Once you plant it it grows. And they were in south Texas. You just break off a piece and stick it in the ground and it will grow. Very hardy. http://gardenally.blogspot.com/2012/02/variegated-purple-heart.html?m=1
Susan Neslony Candy
on Feb 05, 2014
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Pachysandra is what I use for my dogwoods in CT and it does well and isn't THAT invasive. I would go with that and it's pretty and not a lot of work...it grows slowly here, but I don't know about Texas. I know you are talking about oaks and I see a lot of people in the area using pachysandra for oaks as well...it's just considered here in CT to be low maintenance...good luck.
Missi
on Feb 05, 2014
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looks like it might be in shade most of the time, I would plant Hostas, and other shade perianal, you can even put monkey grass, all is easy to maintain, good luck, I know it will look very pretty.
Carol Harris
on Feb 05, 2014
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oh yes, lots of mulch.
Carol Harris
on Feb 05, 2014
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I was thinking along the lines as Carol Harris...hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts shade plants. I have two large maples in our backyard so I made a large shade garden under and around canopy. Still would like a good low growing ground cover. Any suggestions?
Vickie Moore
on Feb 06, 2014
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I always had good luck with lamium [silver nettle] it likes the shade, spreads like crazy
Jan Wischmeyer
on Feb 06, 2014
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I love the idea of all the pretty flowers, hostas, bleeding hearts, etc. but didn't you say you wanted low maintenance? You have to decide how much work you want to do on a regular basis to keep up some of the plants mentioned here. Yes, azaleas would be beautiful and they do well in the south of course and under oak trees. You could do azaleas and then some ground cover to fill in. Remember, anything you plant out there is going to need to be watered daily when you first plant it. As far as mulching goes, the leaves of the oak tree are a great mulch and azaleas love it. If you want something "showy" I would do azaleas or even loropetalum. They have a pretty reddish, purple leaf that stays that way year round and depending on how much sun filters through the tree it will bloom a pretty little pink bloom in the spring. You can get it in standard or dwarf sizes. Also, some plants that do well in northern states can't take the heat, humidity or salt air. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all, I just like for people to be successful and happy with their gardening experiences.
P.K. McLendon
on Feb 06, 2014
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You can find tons of information and solutions to your dilemma at www.wildflower.org , the website for the University of Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. My oaks like bleeding heart (Turk's cap), false dayflower, frogfruit, and inland sea oats.
Dana Shuster
on Feb 06, 2014
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Azaleas...no maintenance.
Jmarie813
on Feb 06, 2014
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where I live Azaleas are only pretty once a year, so you might want to see what will do could in your neck of the woods, for early spring, tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs would be so pretty, there is just so much you could do with this, what fun!!
Carol Harris
on Feb 07, 2014
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How about building a bench around the tree? It would not have to cover the whole area, but would cut down on how much mulch you would need to replace annually. Like anything else tho', just remember that your tree needs water, so don't put in anything which won't allow the rain to get down to the roots..... especially in the hot climate you live in.
Tegma
on Feb 07, 2014
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Amy, I agree with Dana...check her suggested website as well as your local County Extension Office. Not only is your climate a factor, but the mature oak tree will steal most of the moisture from other plants.
Claudia
on Feb 07, 2014
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I'd use the flat flagstones for a path or to set a bench on,,,, the I'd fill in with creeping thyme, If thats an option for your area...Varieties bloom in small purple, white, red, rose, lavende rmasses.... the ones I use cover about 2 ft of mat for each plant, they will grow together, to keep the weeds down...Its considered a "trample me" ground cover...they spread about 2 X 2 ft. last year the first season I planted..don't look long a leggybut a mat....
Wanda sinnema
on Feb 07, 2014
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You could make a labyrinth with your stones around the tree and then fill in with moss between them. I can envision it now! Smiles, Cyndi
Cyndi Neumann
on Feb 08, 2014
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I always put some variegated colors and sizes of caladiums. Since they are bulbs, they will multiply each year. There are many types and colors to choose from. This would come back year after year in a plethora of elephant like leaves. Just a thought!
Barbara Valenti
on Oct 03, 2014
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I also thought you might tighten up the area around the tree. It doesn't have to be that wide. Your decision?
Barbara Valenti
on Oct 03, 2014
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