What can I plant under an old oak tree for ground cover?

Question

I have an old valley oak growing in my yard. I have not been able to get any type of lawn to survive. What, if anything, can I use for ground cover? I have tried lawn seed, sod, and ammended the soil without any success.

Answer 1

Hello Carol -

If you have an old valley oak, it is important for the longevity of the tree not to disturb the soil (under the tree) very much. Because of this, I cannot really recommend anything which would overwhelm the tree or disturb it further - particularly plants such as ivy because of its invasive nature.

The more and more you disturb the earth underneath the oak - the more you are decreasing the ultimate longevity of the tree itself. I love these old oaks - so, I would try to preserve the overall health of the tree itself.

Best to use Western natives and plants which will not be particularly destructive to the tree. Try native sages (Salvia mellifera, leucophylla as examples) .. California lilac, california buckwheat, manzanita and others.

For flowers, try Monkey Flowers (Mimulus sp) and even some anemones (blanda or nemorosa - not the more common variety)would make a ground cover which can naturalise on their own. (Mimulus would be great because it is also a native).

Again, it depends on how you care for the tree and concern over its longevity. AND, please remember -- always leave the fallen leaves/mulch under the tree -- it is important not to disturb this either. The oak (particularly Valley and Live Oaks) require special care that goes beyond any traditional under-tree planting species, etc -- the ultimate goal of the tree's care should be considered because the understory is so important to Californian oaks.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Ground Cover Under Oak Trees

Answer 3

Oaks like and help maintain acidic soil as well as shade. Grass likes sun. Have you tried a shade loving grass?
Ferns love this type of environment also.
I don't know what your zone is or what your winters are like, so check with your local county extension service for advice on ferns/ groundcovers for your area. They have Master Gardners who volunteer and answer questions for the public, free.
There are many groudcovers that like acidic soil. Some will spread rapidly on their own so you may want to edge the area to keep whatever you choose contained. Make sure that you do not cover the roots or base of the tree with a planter box or more than 2-3 inches of soil tho, this can kill a tree.

Answer 4

If you only want ground cover I would suggest Sweet Alyssum. It comes in different colors so you can have solid purple, white, rose or a mixture. They not only grow well in the summer but also during the winter. It would probably be better to buy a few flats this spring and space them out. Once they start growing they will reseed themselves. They spread nicely and will bloom all year round. They are very hardy for little fellows. We had 4 nights of 25 degree weather and it didn't even faze them.

Answer 5

The main factor is to plant drought tolerant plants, if any, under an oak. Watering next to the trunk can cause serious rot problems for the tree. A good list of appropriate plants is at the attached link.

Answer 6

Go take a look and decide for yourself.I order from this site. www.houseofwesley.com or www.directgardening.com these two are tied together someway,you can look thru all type's or just search for ground cover.

Answer 7

Irish moss, or go to the site of This Old House ,they helped someone on the show with the same problem . there's probably a link to that show.

Answer 8

Hostas and Impatiens work well in shade. Plus they need very little tending.
Good Luck!!

Answer 9

hostas robust coarse veined leaves, They are in the lily family.Zoned 3-9.

Answer 10

Hostas. They come in various shades of green, bluish, and greys. Love shade.


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