Gardening under Jack Pines

[JandJ]

Good Day All,

We have two rows of tall mature Jack Pine Trees, we want to make garden beds under them but are worried about killing the trees if we add soil on top of the root system.

We would like to make a shade garden with hostas, goutweed, white trillium, astibles and ferns.

What is the best way to make a garden bed and protect the trees?

Thanks for all the help,

J and J

[egon]

Use a raised bed system.

Egon

[JandJ]

How much of a raised bed can I create without damgaing the roots below? And what about soil next to the tree trunks, we are worried if we cover the base of the trees this could cause disease?

Thanks again,

J and J

[egon]

Really don't know how deep but suspect a foot would be fine. Would not go very deep on the trunk.

May find that growing right under the tree may be difficult as the tree defends it's territory!

Egon

[turnagerg]

I wouldn't add too much soil beneath the trees, as it could damage the root system. If you can amend the existing soil by adding two or three inches of compost and work it in without destroying too much of the trees root system you'll be OK, but the flowers will require some additional watering due to the tree sucking up the water and nutrients.