Artificial ground cover for a mold prone area

3 years ago

I've got about a 6' x 12' area that gets no sun at all and nothing has ever grown there other than things that have creeped in like vines or whatever, so it's basically just dirt. I'd like to do something quick and easy like lay down some weed mat and mulch, but the tree that's rooted in the area develops a mold problem if the ground surface isn't kept clear of leaves (meaning wet conditions) so I'm concerned that anything I put down will do the same.

Any ideas what I can do with this ground to make it look more civilized? I'm open to almost anything. Thanks.

PS. This is not the same ground area as mentioned in a previous thread of mine.

Featured Answer

nandina

3 years ago

Brad, I have posted this many moons ago here on GW. Much of the horticultural world involves problem solving. This old timer has always enjoyed that part of the business. One problem that I have encountered at times on both new and old construction is trying to get a specified plant/shrub/tree to grow next to an exterior door exit. No amount of 'soil treatment' ever solved the problem.

Some 30 years ago I was consulting with the owner of a new home under construction. The land around it was still in rough condition awaiting final smoothing. But, inside carpenters and painters were hard at work. The front door was wide open. Suddenly a painter appeared with a large bucket of something which he tossed just off the porch onto the area where I was planning to plant a shrub. When asked he indicated that it was nothing, "just the turpentine we use to clean our brushes". Upon further questioning he indicated it was something he had done for years. "A common practice in the construction business."

Basically, this probably is the answer to your question. Somewhere in time your problem areas, which allow for easy disposal, have received caustic materials dumped on them. Painters and homeowners know that these types of materials should not be dumped in the sewer.

These many years since I have encouraged those about to sign a construction contract to specify that all caustic materials should be removed from the site and not poured or buried in the surrounding soil.

Post more pictures. They may inspire some creative ideas for you to consider.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
3 years ago
Mulch without weed mat. Can you post pictures of the area and the ’mold’ on the tree? Is it on the leaves? The trunk? It’s highly unlikely that a healthy tree would go moldy just from fallen leaves.
nandina
3 years ago
Brad, I have a hunch about the two questions you recently posted. Could you provide us with the age of your house plus whatever previously ownership history might be available. And, are the two barren locations mentioned located beside entrance/exit doors to house or garage? Thanks.
Related Professionals
Macon Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Moline Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Winona Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Florence Landscape Contractors · San Angelo Landscape Contractors · Athens Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Manchester Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Everett Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Norfolk Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Norfolk Home Builders · Great Bend Furniture & Accessories · Athens Furniture & Accessories · Wichita Falls Furniture & Accessories · Bismarck Carpenters · Billings Custom Closet Designers
littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
3 years ago
Tree develops mold? Explain please. Is it on the tree bark? The leaves? Partially exposed roots on the ground?

A picture would be great. Could be that you have moss instead of mold. Moss is natural and desirable.
bradleyheathhays
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks floral_uk. Here's the area...

And here's the picture I sent my local horticulturalist and her response. Pic taken Aug 12...

I’m not 100% sure, but more than likely you are looking at tar spot. That is a fungal disease that often hits maples after prolonged wet springs, which we certainly had. This is just a cosmetic issue. You will want to rake up and dispose of the leaves this fall to help prevent this from happening again next year. If this isn’t tar spot, you’re looking at one of the other fungal leaf disease. Same leaf removal procedure applies to cut down on the chances of a repeat next year. Thanks!!

-------------------------------

Thanks nandina, my house was built in 1952. I believe it's been in the same family for around 50 years now. I just rent, for the last 17 or so. And you're right about the location; both are right outside the basement back door, which is 1/2 level down.

----------

And thanks Raimondi, I'll look into the pachysandra.

------------------

And lastly, thanks littlebug. Pictures above.
cecily 7A
3 years ago
A couple of thoughts...

- the leaf spot is cosmetic, it doesn't harm the tree. Trees seldom have perfect foliage.

- the tree is planted too close to the house & should be removed

- mulch around a foundation encourages termites and other assorted critters. If the bare soil bugs you aesthetically, use river rock. It looks like much of that area is in full shade so a groundcover plant may not fill in thickly.