However, one of the most common ways to plant flowers under trees is also one of the worst.

And most of the critical roots are the very fine, fibrous roots lying especially close to the surface.

There are, however, ways to successfully plant flowers or other ground cover plants under the tree.

Yellow and white daffodils planted under multi-trunked tree in sunlight

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Pluck any remaining grass by hand.

Any variety of materials can be used toform edging, including flexible plastic edging, or bricks or stones.

A layer of fresh mulch will work wonders to spruce up your problem area.

Vinca minor ground cover plant with small purple flowers near tree trunk

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Then position container gardens over the mulch rather than planting in the ground.

This will help avoid excessive damage to the tree’s roots.

Mulch in between the plants to minimize water loss and to promote weed control.

Pachysandra ground cover in shade underneath thin multi-trunked tree

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Water thoroughly immediately after planting, and check that to water regularly on an ongoing basis.

Your tree will consume lots of water from the soil, which will dry your plants out quickly.

Feed according to the needs of your plant.

Hosta plant clumped together next to tree trunk

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Be conservative in your use of chemicals and pesticides, since your tree may be sensitive to them.

Bleeding heart flowers planted near flower shrubs next to trees

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Spanish bluebell bulbs planted with small purple-blue flowers near tree base

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Rhododendron shrub with large pink flowers next to low-lying plants and trees

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova