The Easy-To-Grow Ground Cover That's Perfect For Covering Exposed Tree Roots

Do you have an area in your yard with trees that's difficult to grow in? The struggle to find a plant that can thrive in these dry, root-filled conditions is common for many gardeners. Bare ground around the base of a tree not only looks unfinished, but it can also lead to soil erosion. The perfect solution to this problem is to use a perennial ground cover that is both beautiful and hardy. Perennial geraniums, specifically those in the Geranium genus, work well for this type of location. Also known as cranesbill or hardy geraniums, these plants don't need deep, nutrient-rich soil, which makes them an excellent choice for filling in those hard-to-grow spots. They form a dense mat of foliage that covers up the tree roots, helps to stabilize the soil, and adds color to a dull, brown area.

Unlike other ground covers that can be invasive and choke out surrounding plants, most cranesbill species and cultivars stay relatively contained. They're hardy and can tolerate drought and various types of soil once established. These plants have different colored flowers, from magenta to pale pink to lavender to white, depending on the species or cultivar. The dark green leaves of some perennial geraniums, like bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum), even turn bright red in the fall, which makes them visually stunning year-round.

While many plants struggle to grow under a tree, cranesbills thrive. This plant forms a low-growing, bushy mound of leaves that makes a good transition from the tree base to a lawn or garden bed. They're also not susceptible to serious pests or diseases, which reduces the need for maintenance or chemical treatments. This makes the genus a reliable option for those awkward, hard-to-reach areas of your yard.

Aside from using cranesbills to underplant trees, you can also plant them in rock gardens, along borders, or in cottage garden settings as a flowering ground cover that grows well with beautiful dahlias. They provide stunning flowers and long-lasting foliage; the leaves create their own canopy, shading the soil from the sun. This helps to reduce evaporation, allowing the ground to retain moisture longer, which benefits the tree roots underneath. A cooler root zone also helps the tree stay healthy during the hot summer months.

Taking care of hardy geraniums is easy, which makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want a low-effort ground cover. For the plant to grow best and produce the most flowers, they like a location with at least partial shade. The more sun they get, the more flowers they will grow.  The plant's five-petaled flowers typically appear between mid-spring and early fall, which is a long blooming period. Some species and cultivars flower twice: once in spring and once in the fall. To promote new growth and a second wave of flowers later in the season, trim back the old leaves and spent flower stems after the first bloom. This process, known as shearing, helps keep the plant looking neat and encourages it to produce more flowers.

These drought-tolerant ground covers you an easily grow in your yard are very self-sufficient and do not require a lot of water once they're established. They do well in areas that may not get regular rainfall or manual watering. Perennial geraniums are also a natural repellent for deer and rabbits, which makes them a great choice for keeping your garden (and its trees) safe from hungry pests.