A number of years ago I planted five 8-ft Norway spruces in my backyard to provide a pleasant screen. Well, they’ve more than doubled in size and some of the perennials I had planted in front of them have died as the lower branches extended out on the ground. I would like to add some new plants for color against the dark green of the spruces, but their roots have extended out so far that digging in the soil is difficult. Plus, the birds and the “attack rabbits” use the soil as dusting stations which compacts the soil even more so.
I think I may have found a solution. I just watched a video from Ashton Ritchie’s blog (the Scotts guru) that shows how he solved this root problem under his birch tree. He dug big holes, then inserted permanent potting containers. Then he uses slightly smaller containers inserted into the big containers and puts the plants into the smaller containers. Pretty creative way to deal with tree roots. Watch Ash’s video on his blog to see the process.
BTW, in case you’re wondering what that orange “thing” is under the tree to the right, that’s The Murph’s tail in upright “flag” position because he was chasing the Attack Rabbit who lives under the trees. Since his earlier spat with the Attack Rabbit, he’s only brave enough to give chase when I’m outside with him.
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