Planting/grass/neatening area around shallow root system
I have NEVER gardened or kept a lawn in my life. I have a huge tree with a super shallow and extensive root system. Any ideas what I could do to make this area a bit more sightly? I can't imagine grass will really grow as I don't think I can really till around those roots ....?
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Hi Ken I'm wondering if a mulch-like ground cover might be your best bet? I don't think much is going to grow there otherwise. They make pretty cool mulches these days not just out of wood but also out of recycled materials.
Nothing would grow there. I would lay down a border of landscape timbers. Then lay down some landscape fabric over the soil and roots. Fill the area with pea gravel or mulch. A table, a few chairs or bench. Some large potted plants.
I would fill in the area with pea gravel or mulch and add some items of interest like a fountain, seating area, or plants that are in pots. You might be able to build a raised bed around it if you build it up and then fill the area in with topsoil. That would allow some plants in the ground.
Looks to rough to walk on-trip hazard. I would consider mulching it over with a 2-3'" layer of wood chip mulch, that will allow water to get through and eventually decompose and benefit the tree.
From there you can decide on how you want that area to function, maybe a picnic table, chairs.
I wouldn't plant grass, even though there is seed for shade - mowing it would be a nightmare. Put down a weed barrier and cover it with small stones..
I would rake up the twigs, etc., now beneath the tree and fill with a bit of dirt and pack it down to cover the roots. Then add a layer of gravel, some colorfull pots with shade-loving plants in them. If allowed in your area, you could add a chimea for cool evenings and maybe a few comfortable outdoor chairs in a conversational grouping. I could become a very attractive and relaxing place in the summer under the shade of the tree. There are also some ground cover plants that look nice and cand withstand a small amount of traffic.
https://www.finegardening.com/article/10-ground-covers-for-shade
Potted plants that love shade...
https://www.thespruce.com/great-shade-plants-for-container-gardens-847944
All this could be done gradually through time...........
Bring a photo of this area over to your local garden center and chat with the friendly folks there. They'll understand your area and conditions best. I'd suggest a ground cover that likes shade such as pachysandra.
No - to any ground cover that needs water to grow. It's not going to happen.
Yes - to mulch and rocks. Go for low or no maintenance.
I would mulch around the tree out a few feet, put some edging around the mulch, and then you might try moss as it looks pretty wet. Ferns would also probably grow Maybe add a decorative boulder or bird bath, or a gazing ball for interest. https://www.go
ogle.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00Uy6zW18EbrD6KwbZTbAkRWYXYeA:1626834851289&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=pictures+of+a+fern+garden+under+a+tree&client=opera&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiF0qyLkPPxAhVBJjQIHbBDBwsQjJkEegQIBxAC&biw=1326&bih=627