What to Plant Under Oak Trees in Louisiana: Tips to Build a Beautiful Landscape

Planting under oak trees in Louisiana can either be a challenging task or an opportunity to experiment with different plant types. With their sprawling branches and dense foliage, oak trees can create a fantastic natural canopy that reduces sunlight reaching the ground, making it challenging for many plant species to grow underneath. Instead of leaving the ground bare, you can use these expert tips and suggested plant types to create a beautiful landscape under your oak tree.

The Best Plants to Grow Under Oak Trees

Certain plant types grow well under oak trees because they can tolerate lower light levels or thrive in acidic soil conditions. Some of the best options to consider include:

Shade-Tolerant Groundcovers

Groundcovers are an excellent option for shaded areas under oak trees. They are low-maintenance and add texture, color and cover to the soil, preventing soil erosion in the process. Some top choices include creeping juniper, sweet woodruff, pachysandra, and ivy.

Flowering Perennials That Prefer Shaded Areas

If you want to add some color and variety to your landscape, there are select flowering perennials that thrive in shaded areas. Hostas, bleeding hearts, and ferns come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and do exceptionally well under oak trees.

Native Trees and Shrubs

Native trees and shrubs provide a natural, woodland feel to your landscape under oak trees. Species like Carolina allspice, sweetfern, and red chokeberry do exceptionally well in acidic soil under oak trees.

Factors to Consider When Planting Under Oak Trees

Before planting anything under your oak tree, it's essential to consider the following factors to ensure that the plants grow and survive:

Soil Conditions

Oak trees prefer acidic soil, which means that you must evaluate your soil's pH levels before planting any plants. You may need to adjust the soil's pH levels to ensure that the plants you intend to grow can thrive well.

Water Requirements

Typically, oak trees don't require frequent watering because their roots are deep and expansive, which means that they can tap into deep water reserves. However, plants under the trees may need more water than what the oak tree provides.

Sunlight

The dense foliage of oak trees can reduce light levels reaching the ground, making it challenging for several plant species to survive. Be sure to select plants that can tolerate lower light levels.

Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Under Oak Trees

Planting underneath oak trees isn't always an easy task, and there are some common mistakes that you need to avoid to ensure a beautiful landscape.

Avoid Planting Invasive Species

Some plant species, such as English ivy and kudzu, are invasive and can spread quickly, becoming detrimental to the overall health of your landscape.

Avoid Overwatering Your Plants

Be careful not to water your plants too often, as this can leave them susceptible to root rot, particularly in dense clay soil.

Avoid Soil Compaction

Pressing down on the soil with heavy equipment can compress it, displacing and damaging the roots of the oak tree, ultimately leading to its demise. Instead, use a hand-held tool like a trowel or small shovel to create pockets of soil for planting.

Final Thoughts

Planting under oak trees in Louisiana can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. With the right plants, soil quality, and watering plan, you can create a beautiful landscape under your sprawling oak tree. Remember to avoid invasive species, overwatering, and soil compaction to ensure the overall health of your landscape and oak tree.