ground cover for shaded area with tree roots

Question: We have a heavily shaded area ( 10 X 30 ) with tree roots on the surface.  Type of tree unknown to me.  What is the best choice for a ground cover (including xeroscaping)?  Should addition of topsoil be avoided because of the roots on the surface?  We are at about 5000'.  Thanks for your help.

responder: Dr. Tony KoskiProfessor and Extension Turf SpecialistColorado State UniversityDept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture1173 Campus DeliveryFort Collins, CO 80523-1173Mobile/text 970.222.1450Office 970.491.7070tony.koski@colostate.edu  Replied April 12, 2023, 11:46 PM EDT
response: Joyce, My recommendation would be to use mulch to cover this area, if the shade is that dense. Mulch is lower maintenance and will be best for the health of the trees growing there.  If you do prefer plants in this area (I would still use mulch around those plants - and DON'T use weed barrier/weed fabric under the mulch), here is a link to groundcover plants that can do OK in dry shade: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/annuals-perennials/1080-drought-tolerant-groundcovers-shade/  Let me know if you have any questions! Tony

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 14, 2023, 9:34 PM EDT
response: What kind of mulch do you recommend?    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 12:17:47 PM To: JOYCE L JENKINS <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0095270)      Dear JOYCE, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0095270: ground cover for shaded area with tree roots We have a heavily shaded area ( 10 X 30 ) with tree roots on the surface. Type of tree unknown to me. What is the best choice for a ground cover (including xeroscaping)? Should addition of topsoil be avoided because of the roots on the surface? We are at about 5000'. Thanks for your help. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 2:21 PM EDT
response: YOUR QUESTION #0095270: ground cover for shaded area with tree roots   Is it recommended to water area both before and after putting mulch down?   From: Joyce Jenkins <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, April 14, 2023 7:34 PM To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0095270)    What kind of mulch do you recommend?    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 12:17:47 PM To: JOYCE L JENKINS <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0095270)      Dear JOYCE, Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online. YOUR QUESTION #0095270: ground cover for shaded area with tree roots We have a heavily shaded area ( 10 X 30 ) with tree roots on the surface. Type of tree unknown to me. What is the best choice for a ground cover (including xeroscaping)? Should addition of topsoil be avoided because of the roots on the surface? We are at about 5000'. Thanks for your help. Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States. If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.  This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2023, 5:32 PM EDT
response: For additional questions, please email Dr. Koski at <personal data hidden>.  Thank you.

responder: Dr. Tony KoskiProfessor and Extension Turf SpecialistColorado State UniversityDept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture1173 Campus DeliveryFort Collins, CO 80523-1173Mobile/text 970.222.1450Office 970.491.7070tony.koski@colostate.edu  Replied May 16, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT
response: The best mulch (and least expensive) for this area would be chipped trees/chipped wood mulch. You can often get it for free from towns you live in, or from tree companies that do tree trimming/removal.  Here are some websites that can be helpful for arranging for free mulch delivery to your home (by tree care companies): https://freemulch.abouttrees.com/#!/home https://getchipdrop.com/  Thanks, Tony