small garden area, huge tree

(Question)

I am writing to you for the second time as I wasn’t clear in my first message. I have a small garden area in the front of my house, facing south. We have a beautiful, huge tree that prevents the grass from growing healthy and makes the grounds uneven. I am considering removing all the existent grass and plant something else. Suggestions for a low maintenance type of ground cover? Thank you.

(Answer)

Thanks for getting in touch with Toronto Master Gardeners. There are definitely low maintenance ground cover options for under trees. For an overview of ground covers for different light conditions and ideas on how to prepare your area before planting them please see the following garden guide:
https://torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Lawn-Alternatives1.pdf

For some other ideas for ground covers for shady areas here are some other links: links

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-admin/post.php?post=7953&action=edit

https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-admin/post.php?post=8290&action=edit