What ground cover can do under trees
Many a solitary tree or a group of trees on the edge of the garden ekes out a somewhat functional existence - for example, simply as a property boundary or as a privacy screen. In order to bring a little more liveliness into such a scenario and to increase the comfort value of your garden, underplanting with a pretty ground cover is highly recommended. With decorative foliage and delicate flowers, this can result in extremely attractive structure and color contrasts.
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A more pragmatic reason to put a ground cover under trees is the soil-improving effect of many varieties. This can be very beneficial for the microbiota under the tree.
The arguments for underplanting trees with ground cover again at a glance:
- optical enhancement of marginal groups of trees
- attractive structure and color contrasts
- soil improvement effect of the ground cover
Species check - which trees, which ground cover?
Different trees, different roots
Of course, you have to coordinate the species when planting trees, taking into account both the tree and the ground cover. Because not only the ground cover must be able to withstand a shady location, the properties of the tree are also relevant.
Shallow roots such as maple or beech can take away nutrients and water from the ground cover - they also make planting a little more difficult. You have less soil available here and you have to pay attention to that Tree roots not to damage. If necessary, or you can apply an additional layer of earth.
Typical deciduous forest ground cover and bulb flowers
When choosing the ground cover, of course, first of all the shadow or Partial shade tolerance is crucial. Species that also like to grow naturally on forest floors are particularly suitable. These include, for example, anemones, celandine, hellebore, Cranesbill, forget Me Not or ferns. The delicate flowers and leaf structures of all these species fit very harmoniously and naturally under deciduous trees.
In addition to these typical, simple deciduous forest beauties, there are also many other, visually more present species, for example Ornamental onion or onion flowers such as grape hyacinths, tuples and Daffodils. With their large, brightly colored flowers and their rather taller growth, these varieties form a relatively powerful contrast to the Treetop.
Simple, robust and relatively hard-wearing underplantings are also simple evergreens or ivy.
