Many trees have a beautiful crown, but underneath it often looks bare and boring. This can easily be changed by underplanting the trees. But beware! Not every plant is suitable for every tree.
As far as the eye can see - trees, flowers and bushes everywhere. This is probably every gardener's dream. No matter what level your eyes are at, there is always something to see and discover. However, it is not at all easy to create a patchwork sea of flowers under trees, since the different requirements and especially the root growth of the trees make it quite difficult for other plants.
In order for things to be harmonious in the shared garden with plants, the residents must be a good fit. Light conditions, room for root growth, and competition for nutrients and water are the most common issues that you should avoid even raising.
Which plants are suitable for which trees?
Plant deep roots and heart roots
Deep roots are particularly suitable for underplanting. They leave plenty of room for other species to grow in the near-surface soil on the tree disc. It is particularly easy for companions to settle under ash, oak and fir trees, all of which develop vertical main or taproots.
Deep roots without taproots, such as sweet chestnuts, and cordate roots, such as linden or larch, take up more space. At some distance from the tree trunk, you should still be able to find some free soil for planting. Hostas, honeysuckles, forsythia or berry bushes such as blackberries are ideal companions.
Plant shallow roots
Shallow roots such as willows, magnolias or birches cause the hobby gardener significantly more problems when planting underneath. Their plate-shaped root network extends over the entire tree disc and is usually dense and compact. With a little patience, however, you can also find some free spots under these trees. Check the soil at a distance of about 40 centimeters by pricking lightly with a spade. If you don't feel any significant resistance, you probably have a suitable location for oneCompanion found.
In addition, a resettlement of plants on soil that is already rooted cannot be completely ruled out. Ferns, green ground covers such as ivy, but also small flowers such as crocuses, snowdrops or lilies of the valley will find enough soil even under pronounced flat roots. Some forest-dwelling shrubs, including the flowering rhododendrons, are also assertive enough to successfully compete with shallow-rooted trees.
Basically, it is advisable to mulch the soil on the tree disc regularly. Ordinary garden soil is otherwise exhausted very quickly due to the double stress.
Note the rain and umbrella effect
Remember that trees with dense foliage almost act like an umbrella in summer. Even if tree roots aren't directly competing for water from companions, you'll need to water the plants more frequently than outdoor plants.
Tree shade is a serious problem for shrubs that need a lot of light - such as lilacs. Therefore, do not plant under your trees with any species that only thrive in full sun. For example, you can plant hydrangeas, which do well in partial shade, at the edges of the tree pit that are exposed to the sun for at least a few hours a day.