RE: Hosta under maple tre - need help?
perennials@hort.net
  • Subject: RE: Hosta under maple tre - need help?
  • From: &* M* <1*@rewrite.hort.net>
  • Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2015 22:21:03 -0400

Barbara,

 

You can build up the soil over the roots.  I know, that’s a no-no but it can be done if you’re careful. Years ago, I added about 3 inches to about a 1/4 area under my maple, not the whole area. A year or so later, another ¼.   The hostas do fine for about 6 years and then start to decline. Then I pull them out, divide, and replant.  In that process, I rip out lots of tree roots but it never seems to hurt the tree. Not sure, but I think mine’s a Norway Maple.  On the south side of the tree, the ground slopes down away from the tree, so I built up a small area level with the tree’s base and planted a rambling rose.  It grew up through the tree and out the top and blooms in the spring over the canopy . When people ask me what kind of tree that is, covered in flowers, they’re incredulous when I tell them it’s a maple.

 

Kitty

 

From: owner-perennials@hort.net [mailto:owner-perennials@hort.net] On Behalf Of 591af4c51@rewrite.hort.net
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 5:09 PM
To: perennials@hort.net
Subject: Hosta under maple tre - need help?

 

Hi, Guys and Gals -

I always enjoy your posts and some of you seem like old friends b/c you have been part of the group for so many years.

 

I have lived in my home for 43 years. The builders planted 2 maple trees, one in the front yard and the other in the back. Several years ago, I decided to plant hostas around them. The one in the back yard are doing very well. However the ones around the tree in the front only did well for a few years. Then the tree roots took over. I have spaded around them a few times which helped for a while but not long.

 

I have heard of people planting their hostas in pots and burying them in the ground around the tree which helps for a while until the tree roots penetrate the pots. Someone told me that planting them in copper pots would solve my problem b/c copper will prevent the tree roots from entering the pots b/c the copper will kill the tree roots. But copper pots are expensive altho I am considering spending $100 to see if it works.

 

In the meantime, I am wondering what you great, knowledgeable and experienced folk think about these 2 types of pots and what you would suggest.

 

Soooo...

Have any of you had experience with this problem and what has and hasn't worked for you? And what would you advise me to do (besides give up and plant above ground planters and statuary)?

 

Thanx for you help,

Barbara

Rock Island, IL

USDA zone 5a

 

 

 

 

Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index