Plants and shrubs for dry ground under trees.

Anything shade loving, followed by mulch, which will trap water and cool the surface temp down

Visit a lawn and garden store in you area for local plants that will grow in your zone area. Also as questions and take a photo of your tree ground area, so they can better advise. Yes, fine mulch and larger bark pieces. You may wish to place black garden plastic underneath with mulch on top.

That would depend on your planting zone and soil condition, colors and textures that you like.

A great resource is your local Cooperative extension. These offices are manned by a wonderful team of master gardeners that know your local situation quite well. There's also email ( submit a photo) Q&A resources that have helped me many times. Consider googling up your local extensions office.

Hi Jenny, Since your plants will be placed under your tree, you should use shade loving plants. Hostas are my very favorite shade loving plants. They come in a lot of different colors and sizes. Some other shade lovers include Japanese Forest Grass, Bleeding Hearts and Helleborus (which do best in groupings). Wishing you all the best.

Create some small rock gardens n put good soil in n plant what you'd like!!