Alternatives to Grass

Growing grass under trees is a big problem for many gardeners. Trees will usually starve grass by absorbing all the moisture and nutrients for themselves. A good alternative is to plant a miniature garden with shade-tolerant plants under your trees. Ground-covering vines such as periwinkle, pachysandra or ivy work well. Perennial foliage and flowering plants such as hostas, ferns, columbines and cardinal flowers or annuals such as impatiens and begonias are also good shade-loving covers.

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-105
•	Placing Your Trees
•	Alternatives to Grass
•	Buying Trees
•	Pruning Pointers