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Need Groundcover for Under An Elm Tree

alameda/zone 8/East Texas

14 years ago

I live in east Texas and have a large elm tree, but roots are starting to show and grass is getting bare in a sizeable area around the tree. I plan to put on compoted horse manure, well rotted, and a topping of good topsoil to build the area up and replace the soil. Should I try to sod grass here or would a groundcover work better? I was told that elm roots are big and come to the surface, making it hard for grass to grow. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

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Comment (1)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
14 years ago
It is difficult for lawn to grow under the canopy of any large tree - too much shade and too little water. Groundcover would be a much better choice.

You want to watch about increasing the soil level around the tree - as much as a couple of inches of extra soil or too much mulch can effectively smother the roots and eventually kill the tree. Just replace soil to level of the removed sod, only.

Some possibilities are ajuga, vinca minor, liriope or mondo grass and winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei).
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