Planting under trees can be tricky, but with the proper knowledge and planning, it can also be an advantageous experience! Whether you are hoping to cultivate edible fruits or flowering blooms, various strategies can help make planting beneath tall trees a successful venture. By understanding the specific qualities of your chosen tree species and assessing soil quality—among many other things—you can create a unique garden oasis full of life in what might otherwise feel like a dead zone on your property. Read on for helpful tips to get you started!
The Value In Planting Under Trees
Planting gardens under trees can be incredibly beneficial. The shade from surrounding trees helps protect plants from harsh sunlight, allowing them to thrive. This can also help save water as the soil stays moist for more extended periods of time.
Trees also act as a shield against winds which can be damaging to delicate plants, giving them shelter and stability. Ultimately, planning gardens beneath trees allows people to reap all the rewards of gardening while experiencing numerous other benefits of tree planting.
Tips For Planting Under Trees
Protect The Tree
Planting under a tree can come with plenty of challenges, but it is by no means impossible. Protecting the tree should be your top priority when growing underneath. It may be hard to believe, but trees are very sensitive to damage to their roots and bark and react badly if disturbed. In particular, species like beeches, cherries, plums, dogwoods, magnolias, and maples have very shallow roots, so caution must be taken when digging around them. When possible, use a trowel or digging knife rather than a giant shovel, as this can cause less disruption to the root system and surrounding soil.
In addition, try not to injure the bark of the tree at its base, as this will act as an open invitation for disease or insects to make their way which can put additional stress on the tree. Proper planning and preparations allow you to easily create a healthy environment for plants to thrive beneath trees without causing too much disruption or damage.
Try Starting Small
Planting under trees can be difficult since you must be careful not to interrupt the existing root system. The main way to succeed is to start small with your new additions. When looking into purchasing plants for these tricky areas, you may find “liner” plants from mail-order nurseries. These smaller seedlings are a great option as they’re cheaper than larger plants.
With their smaller root balls, you can slip them in without digging too deep or wide, and they won’t cause any damage to the tree. While they’ll need more water when they’re first planted since they naturally have less established roots, they will adapt more quickly than bigger plants would in such tight spaces.