Shady ground cover - Ask Extension
I'm looking for a low growing native ground cover to plant beneath a Sycamore and Oak. I'm considering Yellow Archangel or Dead Nettle. The location i...
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Shady ground cover #877473
Asked July 16, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT
I'm looking for a low growing native ground cover to plant beneath a Sycamore and Oak. I'm considering Yellow Archangel or Dead Nettle. The location is just east of Hamilton county. Any suggestions? And would it be safe to plant now? I can keep it watered. A photo is attached.
Thank you!
Clermont County Ohio
Expert Response
https://www.cincynature.org/blog/the-myth-of-groundcover/ I liked this article. It is long and wanders a bit off question but covers a lot of ground.
I often mention that under the thick shade of trees, along with their ability to sap water and nutrients,
ground cover plants will be competing and losing.
You do not want to plant ground cover in soil which covers the roots of the trees. The roots spread out for a long distance from the trunk of large trees, but they are relatively shallow. Most will be within the top 18 inches of soil. The roots need oxygen to thrive so covering the roots will challenge that function. The roots will grow up to find oxygen.
Planting between roots is a possibility. This would involve creating pockets of usable soil between the large roots, without covering the adjoining roots.
Please let me know if you can find good information in this article. I will be glad to add more information or resources as needed.
I often mention that under the thick shade of trees, along with their ability to sap water and nutrients,
ground cover plants will be competing and losing.
You do not want to plant ground cover in soil which covers the roots of the trees. The roots spread out for a long distance from the trunk of large trees, but they are relatively shallow. Most will be within the top 18 inches of soil. The roots need oxygen to thrive so covering the roots will challenge that function. The roots will grow up to find oxygen.
Planting between roots is a possibility. This would involve creating pockets of usable soil between the large roots, without covering the adjoining roots.
Please let me know if you can find good information in this article. I will be glad to add more information or resources as needed.
Thank you for the quick response! I'll read the article and get back with you if I have additional questions.
Great. I like your attitude. I will look forward to corresponding as necessary..If you look online for more references add “edu” or “extension” to your word search, or try advanced search.com for additional resources.
