Return to the Gardening in Shade Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Roots preventing new plantings
| | |
Posted by britcharlotte Zone 6 (My Page) on Wed, Sep 2, 09 at 13:32
| I have a very shady area under a very established maple where I would like to grow hostas. The tree roots are so shallow and cover the ground I am finding it difficult to dig holes big enough for the hostas I have bought or am transplanting.
Any suggestions for how to overcome this problem? Can I plant hostas from bulbs and therefore plant them in between the roots? Or should I cover the ground with compost and soil to raise the area up a little?
Thanks for any suggestions you might have for a new gardener. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Roots preventing new plantings
| | |
| I have the same situation in my yard. Silver Maple and Norway Maple both have tremendous mats of fine surface roots. There is really NOTHING you can do about it long-term. The root system is SO vigorous, its sort of like some type of underground kudzu. My opinion is the only way to garden under these trees is in containers. Even then, you need to move them around every few months during the growing season so that roots don't infiltrate the pots. I have done hostas in containers before, and they will overwinter pretty well in Zone 6. |
RE: Roots preventing new plantings
| | |
| If you raise the soil, the tree roots will just grow up into the new soil. I have 3 huge norway maples in my yard. The only way I can plant under them is to start with small plants, and dig around until I can find soil (and not roots). My hostas are at about the drip line of the trees, but directly under the trees, I have lamiastrum, some sedums, epimedium, pachysandra, and a few others that like dry shade. |
RE: Roots preventing new plantings
| | |
| I basically use a mattock (grubbing hoe) and cut out a hole through the roots. This allows me to plant a reasonably large root-ball and let it get started. So far as I have seen, this has absolutely no bad effects on the tree as a small loss of roots is un-noticed.. George |
RE: Roots preventing new plantings
| | |
| The hosta experts over on the hosta form would say you are fighting a losing battle. The hosta will lose the water wars that will ensue. But if you are determined, I have found it easiest to sneak a small division in root heavy areas. Then sit back and BE PATIENT. The hosta, if hardy will find its way and grow. I do this under ever greens and it has been working well. |
Post a Follow-Up
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Gardening in Shade Forum
|
|
|
