Planting Beneath Deep-Rooted Trees: GardenGateMagazine.com

Issue 52 Planting Beneath Deep-Rooted Trees

Deep-rooted trees grow in moist, well-drained soils. The soil always has lots of oxygen in it. Trees like this won't take standing water or wet conditions very long before they drown. Often they're found on hillsides where the deep roots also help anchor them in place.

These are the easiest trees to plant a garden under. Since their feeder roots are deep, they won't compete as much with shrubs or perennials for moisture and nutrients. But there are still some tips to help make your garden grow its best.

Deep-rooted trees

Bald cypress Taxodium distichum

Black tupelo Nyssa sylvatica

Hickory Carya spp.

Hornbeam Carpinus spp.

Kentucky yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea

Loblolly pine Pinus taeda

Oak Quercus spp.

Olive Olea spp.

• Soil preparation — This is very important here. Hand dig 4 to 6 inches of compost or other organic material into your soil. Using a tiller could damage the large roots near the surface that anchor the tree and keep it upright.

• Planting — Large surface roots are no problem when it comes time to plant — you just have to adjust the location slightly as you dig. Most of the feeder roots, the ones that absorb moisture and nutrients, are deeper so they won't compete with your smaller plants.

• Mulch — Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around your plantings after you're finished to help conserve water. But still keep an eye on the moisture to make sure your garden doesn't get too dry or stay too wet.

Planting Beneath Shade Trees | Shallow-Rooted Trees


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