What should I do with this problem area in my yard?
by
Doni G.
+8
The NW section of my back yard is a mess. There is a huge tree on the edge of my lot and on a slope. There are a lot of roots above ground, probably because of the wash when it rains. I live in a mobile home park and am limited to what I can do in my yard. I cannot have a pond or remove the tree. I do not want the expense of building a deck there. Also, I have a dog who plays with and chews on rocks so I believe she would do the same thing with any mulch. Please help with any ideas you might have.
We have an area like this that won't grow anything due to shade. We added pebbles!
The area has far too many surface roots to attempt any plantings. The best you might hope for is well secured large planters with colorful plants or a short climbing vine.
What about a raised bed garden?
How about hostas, you'll have to add dirt. Place some bricks 2 or 3 high maybe even 4 or 5 high along the fence on 2 sides shown. As you go up the slope eliminate 1 row of bricks. Add dirt to level the ground area a little more. Pick out some hostas, you won't need to many. In only a few yrs. they will fill in that area nicely.
Good luck, have fun.
Veronica Milich
Mstr. Gardner
Lapeer, MI
Perhaps you could rake the area, seed it for a nice ground cover that would eventually fill the area in. Maybe a flowering ground cover for some color. Adding some potted plants and feeders would look really nice with that.
I add a tandom truck load of topsoil, then build two raised beds for shade loving plants and a birdbath.
I would look up Rock Garden designs on hometalk, Pinterest, etc. and not try too much gardening underneath that tree. I use rocks, gravel, boulders under my trees and blown away the leaves in winter. Pick a pretty design and stick with it.
We planted very low growing junipers. Just a few plants will cover a large area in a few years. You might need to put a little soil in before planting. Low-growing junipers, ranging in height from a few inches to about 2 feet, make good ground cover plants. They spread easily to control erosion on a slope or to cover an area with poor soil. "Wilton" (Juniperushorizontalis "Wilton") grows only 6 inches high and spreads out 6 to 8 feet.
I am dealing with same issue. How about a nice privacy area? use lattice, salvage fencing, privacy mesh and attach to a wood frame. You can then add to large post and put it in the ground or attach to a heavy weighted wooden planter? If you go online just search "DIY garden privacy" . Regardless If I were you I would probably find a way to mount some lattice to tree, or post and create an easy outdoor area.
Even better you can get some garden trellis, plant or hang fake vines and if you need ground coverage search craigslist or FB marketplace for free gravel to fill in area.
I would buy a colorful umbrella, table and chairs to cheer things up and call it a day !