What to plant under trees where grass won't grow

Introduction

If you have trees in your yard and have struggled with growing grass underneath them, you are not alone. Lack of sunlight, competition for nutrients and water, and tree roots can make growing grass in those areas almost impossible. However, there are several options that can thrive in the shade and still make your yard look lush and beautiful.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are an excellent option for shady areas under trees. They help to prevent soil erosion, retain moisture, and add color to your yard. Some popular ground covers for shade include creeping thyme, vinca minor, and sweet woodruff. Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance ground cover that produces beautiful purple flowers in the spring and summer. Vinca minor, also known as periwinkle, produces lovely blue-purple flowers in the spring and can spread quickly to cover large areas. Sweet Woodruff has delicate white flowers and is known for its sweet, vanilla-like scent.

Perennials

Perennials are another great option for shaded areas under trees. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to find ones that will complement the rest of your yard. Some great perennials to consider include hostas, bleeding hearts, and astilbes. Hostas come in a wide range of leaf colors and textures and produce beautiful lavender flowers in the summer. Bleeding hearts have heart-shaped pink or white flowers that hang from delicate stems, while astilbes produce tall, elegant plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.

Ferns

Ferns are a beautiful and low-maintenance option for shaded areas under trees. They are known for their delicate foliage and can add a natural, woodland feel to your yard. Some great ferns to consider include cinnamon ferns, lady ferns, and Japanese painted ferns. Cinnamon ferns produce tall fronds that can reach up to 5 feet in height, while lady ferns have feathery, light-green fronds that can be up to 3 feet long. Japanese painted ferns are known for their striking, silvery-blue foliage and can add a pop of color to your yard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many options for planting under trees where grass won't grow. Ground covers, perennials, and ferns are just a few of the options to consider. By adding some of these plants to your yard, you can create a beautiful and lush landscape that will thrive in the shade. Happy planting!