“Nothing will grow under my trees”. To be perfectly honest, our first response to this statement is usually not what our customers want to hear: “Duh”. Mature trees have large canopies that block out the sun and massive root systems that will out-compete smaller plants for water every day. So the area under the trees becomes brown and dead looking. We can’t blame anyone for wanting to beautify and area like this.
So what should we do?
Consider The Tree First – Mature trees are a valuable asset to any landscape. Many species need air and water available to the roots to survive. Others cannot tolerate pH change or disturbance to the root system. Understanding and being sensitive to the tree specie’s needs is the first step.
Create an Environment for Success – Simply piling dirt over the root system is not the answer – it will suffocate the tree’s roots. A mixture of screened topsoil and organic matter (leafmold) is better, but only to a depth of 2″. Selecting smaller plants will reduce the need to dig deep and tear out roots. Apply a 2″-3″ layer of mulch will add nutrients and insulate both the new plants and tree roots.
Help Your New Plants – The new plants will require more water than new plants not planted under large trees. Remember, the tree already has a root system in place to take up the water. Water the new plants every other day for at least six weeks. Monitor them during the dry summer for additional water needs.
Some Plants to Consider –
Remember, Allentuck Landscaping Company is always here to help you design, install, construct and maintain you lawn and landscape. Give us a call!
Allentuck Landscaping Company is Your Residential Landscape Company
Phone: 301-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com
At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.
The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Company, we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.
Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences
Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.