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creating a bed under a tree
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Author:  Mike&Steph [ Sun Aug 27, 2006 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  creating a bed under a tree

I'm not sure if this thread should go here or under landscaping, but I'll start here. I've decided the shade under a red oak in my yard is too dense for turfgrass. The competition for water doesn't help the grass' situation either. If I'm going to create a bed under this tree, which I'm thinking about making about the size of the drip line, will the mulch & new plantings stress the tree?

Author:  andersonimes [ Mon Aug 28, 2006 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

I've been wondering a bit about this too. My gut tells me it is a bad idea with Howard talking about the tree flare needing to be exposed. I see landscapers do this so often though. Is it possible that landscapers just don't know about this and cover up the root flare anyway? I suppose I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case.

Is there a way to create a bed under a tree that doesn't cause the tree stress, I wonder? Maybe I'll call Howard's program if this doesn't get answered.

Author:  Tony M* [ Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

Howard has dozens of trees in his yard, about 3/4 acre, and almost every one is in a bed. It's a good question, I'm sure he would like to discuss it on the show if you decide to call.
Tony M

Author:  sandih [ Tue Sep 19, 2006 7:15 am ]
Post subject: 

I've heard from Howard and read many times that IF you have to put a bed under a tree you should never put more than a couple of inches of organic matter under the tree and plant only things that do not require much water. I wouldn't even do that much. From my understanding, most of the roots that the tree uses to take in oxygen is just below the soil and adding soil on top will eventually sufficate the tree....a very slow death. Plus, you will be forced to water a mature tree far more than it needs. Remember that except for extreme drought conditions, a mature tree rarely needs additional watering other than what it gets from nature.

The combination of the water and less oxygen is not a good thing for your tree.

Author:  sandih [ Tue Sep 19, 2006 7:16 am ]
Post subject: 

I would put a layer of cedar mulch under your tree. It does not compact, allows air to circulate, smells good and looks very finished.

Author:  Mike&Steph [ Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

That's the plan. I'm looking at planting hostas, maybe an oakleaf hydrangea, & other shade perennials in this new bed. It'll be kidna sparse, but I'd like something more than mulch.

Author:  sandih [ Mon Sep 25, 2006 4:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

The plants you described all require a lot of water. You will very likely do damage to your trees.

Author:  Tree Dude [ Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

It may depend on the size of the tree. Sounds like your oak is fairly big. Shumard oak is a "forest tree", therefore it grows in crowded conditions.In the forest there are understory trees and shrubs under shumards, though I don't know what or which ones. Maybe you could try that. Redbuds, I think, is good for that. Japanese maples? Maybe Texas sage, but I think it may need full sun.

Putting piles of compost and mulch is not a bright idea. Just a thin, thin layer for the red oak if it is just for the look. If you want to plant under story shrubs or trees, it maybe better to plant them when the are small, or away the drip line.


Tree Dude

Author:  sandih [ Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:41 pm ]
Post subject: 

Exactly...not only the amount of soil will damage but the additional water on a mature tree.

Author:  Mike&Steph [ Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

This tree gets a fair amount of water already and is on a slight slope which drains well. If those plants won't work, what would you suggest?

Author:  sandih [ Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:08 am ]
Post subject: 

If you must plant something, I would choose plants that don't require as much water. What that should be is up to you.

Author:  Preservation Tree Svc [ Thu Nov 09, 2006 4:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

You'd be best to lay down a landscape fabric to control weed growth, then add a layer of shredded mulch. If you decide to plant anything under the trees, choose something native that won't require a lot of additional water. The increased water is going to do more damage to the tree than the layer of mulch. Make sure you keep any dirt buildup off the root flare. Mulch is OK, but it's best to leave the flare exposed.

Plants to consider would be liriope, mondo grass, asian jasmine or wintercreeper. They have shallow roots. Remember they will still compete with the tree roots for water, and may not grow into lush specimens, looking stunted or sparse.

Hostas, ferns, impatiens and caladiums require too much water to be healthy to the tree.

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