Give your trees some friends!

Where's my winter home?

Many species of moth and butterfly caterpillars feed on trees before dropping off and spending their pupating stage among the leaves and plants below. But most ornamental or lawn trees have only mowed turf grass or a mulch ring around them- definitely not what they're looking for in a landing spot!

We can help them out by creating "soft landings" around our trees. Planting native ground covers around your trees gives pupating insects a protected place to overwinter in their cocoons. And more caterpillars means more food for birds, especially in the critical nesting stage of life! Turtles, toads, and salamanders also use this habitat.

Having a buffer zone around the trunk can also prevent accidental damage from lawn mowers or other equipment. It also reduces competition from lawn grass or other weeds. Mulch rings around your trees are an ok option (make sure you're doing it correctly!), but when mulch dries out completely, it becomes hydrophobic and can actually prevent water from infiltrating to tree roots.

How to choose your plants

It's nice and shady under trees, but also pretty dry since the roots soak up a lot of water. Your best bet for planting? Go for dry shade perennials. Here's a list with some great options!

Here's some tips for planting

First, mark out the planting area. It should extend at least to the dripline (an imaginary circle along the furthest extents of the branches). This is where the majority of the tree's roots are located, and will be most benefited from underplanting.

If you need to remove grass, smother it instead of digging it out as that could damage the roots. We also suggest that you install smaller plants and avoid planting within 3 feet of the trunk for the same reason. Plants will fill in that area over time! And speaking of plants, use natives such as Eastern Columbine, Tiarella, and White Wood Aster to maximize your positive impact.