How to Plant Perennials Around Mature Trees

Perennials are plants that last more than one growing season. Shade-loving perennials are appropriate choices for planting under mature trees because they can become established while thriving under the tree canopy. As mature trees have established root systems, it's essential to disturb the roots as little as possible during planting. Don't add topsoil to the area around the tree to provide a deeper planting area; topsoil will smother surface roots that reside in the top 6 inches of topsoil.

Hand spade
Compost
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Select a variety of perennial that thrives in shade or partial sunlight. Purchase immature plants from the garden center, so their size is small and you won't need to dig large holes.
- 2
  Dig a hole under the tree canopy that is twice the width of the plant container and just as deep. Dig the hole between surface roots. If you hit a root while digging, cover it back up with soil and move over 3 to 4 inches.
- 3
  Pour 1 inch of compost into the hole and work it into the soil on the sides of the hole, using your hand spade. Remove the plant from the nursery container and loosen the root ball with your hands.
- 4
  Lower the plant into the hole, backfill with soil and water until the soil settles. Repeat this with each perennial.
- 5
  Cover the soil around the perennials with a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch. Simply rake the fallen leaves around the plants as a natural mulch or use shredded leaves, pine needles or any other organic mulch.

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