We recently bought a house and I was sold on a few things, one being this lovely tree.
It’s hot here in SC.
I’ve been working on planting in front of the house but I would like to plant some native ground cover for around the tree. The roots are scattered around the front and it is all dirt until you get closer to the house.
I don’t want to hurt the tree roots but I do want to add some more beauty on the ground.
Thanks for any tips!
by future-rewind
4 Comments
I think it’s frowned upon to cover the roots with soil. However I would plant plugs wherever is clear
Just to get some ideas, this is a search [for your state](https://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds#/?resultsPerPage=24&filter.sun_exposure=Partial&filter.sun_exposure=Shade&filter.ss_south=SC&filter.soil_moisture=Medium-Dry&filter.soil_moisture=Medium&filter.search_spring_ht=6%22%20to%201%27&filter.search_spring_ht=6%22%20and%20under), partial to full shade, medium to medium dry moisture (you can edit the search to match your reality). These are all low growing, 1 foot or less. Prairie moon likely does not have much stock now, as they sell over winter for spring delivery. You may be able to source locally, perhaps through your DNR or local native plant groups. I would avoid the tree roots and plant in any open area. Look up “soft landings” Wild ginger is good for this if there is enough moisture. Wild geranium spread readily. Wild phlox is nice, but bunnies like it too… Violets could be good. Depends a lot on what look you want. I could see a mix of plants that suit the moisture conditions. The plants will not need additional soil, just dig a small hole and plant a plug. You could plan this year and make your own plugs from see if desired. Hopefully some SC folks will chime in – the heat is something else!
I used to live in a house where an oak dominated the front yard, the previous owners put in some purple heart plants and that’s the only thing that would grow where the surface roots would let it. houston area zone 9b
Beautiful tree! Looks like the previous owners might have been disposing of the leaves, the soil looks a bit thin? I would start with leaving the leaves in the fall and maybe a cute garden bench. I haven’t had a lot of luck growing things right under large oaks, but ideas to consider….
Pussytoes ( Antennairia)
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
Moss Phlox (Phlox subulata –this is by far the easiest to find in a big box store)