Article: Use a spading fork to very carefully break up the compacted topsoil between the surface roots. Take care not to damage the roots themselves, and go no deeper than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Add garden soil to your newly broken-up topsoil layer, being very careful not to layer on more than 2 inches (5 cm) of new soil. If you add too much new soil, your tree's roots will suffocate, and the tree will eventually die. While you may need to replenish the new soil each year, do not add more than 2 inches (5 cm) of soil to the base of your tree per year. Adding some fertilizer will help keep your tree healthy and prevent the ground cover plants from using up too many valuable nutrients. Following the package directions, sprinkle a little 15-5-10 or 13-13-13 NPK fertilizer over the exposed root area. Pick a hearty plant that doesn't need a lot of sunlight or moisture. In general, the best times to plant ground cover plants are early spring and late fall. A few good options include: Wild violets Ajuga Periwinkle (vinca) Asiatic jasmine Monkey grass

What is a summary?
Break up the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of soil around the roots. Spread no more than 2 inches (5 cm) of garden soil over the topsoil. Add a light application of general-purpose granular fertilizer. Plant a shade-loving ground cover plant around the base of the tree.