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Which plants do I put in a new garden that now has Tree of Heaven and Asiatic bittersweet? #923960

Asked January 27, 2026, 2:07 PM EST

I am starting a new garden where currently there is asiatic bittersweet, Tree of Heaven, and some grass. I have been overwhelmed by trying to manage the bittersweet and TOH. It's been two years. Now I feel like I am doing something wrong by not putting in other plants in the ground already. If that's what I need to do, how do I begin? Do you recommend any particular plants that are fast growers? The yard faces South so plenty of Sunlight. The soil is loamy in most parts but is not graded so it is uneven to walk on. It has slight downward slope from the house to the road.

Hillsborough County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Hi Manasi,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline with your question about which plants would be best to grow in the area you have described.  I have included links to several fact sheets that discuss plants for slopes, sunny areas and other options.  

Groundcovers

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/05/what-perennial-groundcover-can-i-plant-sunny-slope-difficult-mow

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource008055_Rep11756.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/05/which-native-groundcovers-are-good-wildlife-pollinators

Shrubs

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/01/can-you-help-me-figure-out-which-shrubs-plant-my-yard

Ornamental Grasses

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2021/02/what-are-some-best-native-ornamental-grasses-landscapes

Trees & Shrubs

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000556_Rep578.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource002035_Rep3021.pdf

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/01/what-are-best-flowering-trees-small-yard

Pollinator Gardens

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource007652_Rep11219.pdf

Native Plants

https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000427_Rep449.pdf

https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2016/03/sustainable-easy-landscape-go-native

You may also want to have your soil tested so that it can provide the necessary nutrients for the plants you decide to add to your yard.  I have included a link the UNH Extension soil testing lab webpage which provides information on how to have your soil tested.  There is a fee.

https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/pest-disease-growing-tools/soil-testing-services

I hope this information is helpful for you.  However, please do not hesitate to contact the Infoline again with other questions.


Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension. Replied January 29, 2026, 9:47 AM EST
Thank you so much, Terrie! I will look at this list and start planning.

On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 9:47 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied January 29, 2026, 10:50 AM EST

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