Planting under white pine trees - Ask Extension
I planted white pines about 26 years ago for privacy, now they have grown to 30 ft and very open at bottom,
I have a hosta garden planted under tree...
Knowledgebase
Planting under white pine trees #783874
Asked March 13, 2022, 6:28 AM EDT
I planted white pines about 26 years ago for privacy, now they have grown to 30 ft and very open at bottom,
I have a hosta garden planted under trees,
I would like to have a hedge to help with privacy.and a back drop for garden ,Instead of a fence. Could I plant boxwood under trees. They would be planted closer to trunk and would get the morning and late afternoon Sun.
If not what other options could offer a natural hedge
I attached a picture of what the garden was like in spring of last year
Thank you
Joy
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Joy,
Thank you for your gardening question. Your garden looks very pretty. Something you will need to consider is water and light requirements of your new plants. Planting outside of the drip zone of the white pines will help the new plants not compete. Planting close to the trunk is not advisable. Is this area wet, dry or well drained?
Here are some additional resources to give you an idea of other plants that you may find mixing in will give you the look you are looking for.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/buxus/
https://www.michigangardener.com/planting-under-white-pines/
https://nativeplantherald.prairienursery.com/2013/04/native-plants-that-grow-under-pines/
Hope you find this helpful. Email back if you have additional questions.
Thank you for your gardening question. Your garden looks very pretty. Something you will need to consider is water and light requirements of your new plants. Planting outside of the drip zone of the white pines will help the new plants not compete. Planting close to the trunk is not advisable. Is this area wet, dry or well drained?
Here are some additional resources to give you an idea of other plants that you may find mixing in will give you the look you are looking for.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/buxus/
https://www.michigangardener.com/planting-under-white-pines/
https://nativeplantherald.prairienursery.com/2013/04/native-plants-that-grow-under-pines/
Hope you find this helpful. Email back if you have additional questions.
Thank you for getting back so soon,
The drainage is good , there is some height to garden, I decided I hate white pines and I would like to cut them down but they do provide a nice shade just not the privacy between the neighbors behind me.
I will look at the sites you sent, I would prefer a natural back drop instead of a fence,
Joy
