05/28/2025
Yikes…
Still amazes me that conventional landscapes still plant floodplain tree species surrounded by lawn. It looks fine for maybe 5 years but as the tree matures problems start to arise when trying to maintain a turf grass lawn. The tree’s shallow roots start to spread and more water is needed in order to keep that grass growing because the tree roots outcompete the grass. Then once the canopy spreads it casts heavy shade and turf grass will become patchy. Instead of forcing grass to grow under floodplain trees that will end up failing we should grow what thrives with those trees in nature. Depending on a site and soil conditions, creating a shade garden consisting of Virginia waterleaf, violets, toothwort, wild leek, cutleaf coneflower, currants, or gooseberries is a much better option. These plants naturally grow under maples and basswoods/linden trees. Plus they offer a delicious spring salad.
