Cover Ugly Tree Roots With An Easy-To-Grow Landscaping Stunner

Every yard needs a statuesque shade tree to offer a cool place to rest, relax, or gather on a hot, sunny summer day. Many of the trees that are large enough to provide adequate amounts of shade, however, come as a package deal with some very prominent and often unsightly protruding tree roots. Since the area under the tree is so well-shaded, it is difficult to find varieties of grass, flowers, or groundcovers that will grow over the roots without suffering from the lack of sunlight.

Thankfully, those who wish to cover their yard's tree roots aren't completely out of luck. There are groundcover plants that love shade — like mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) — that will happily fill in the shady space beneath a tree. Of course, it might just spread out to fill in the surrounding area if some simple precautions aren't taken. Grown responsibly, this clumping grass lookalike can provide a lush green aesthetic, even in the full shade of an extra-large tree. 

Mondo grass might be called a grass, but it is actually verdant groundcover native to Asia that is more closely related to lilies. While it can technically grow in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10, it is only functional as an evergreen perennial in warm climates. In addition to providing lush greenery over your tree roots, this groundcover produces small white or lilac flowers as well as blue-colored berries. It's also available in several different varieties, including black, dwarf, and variegated.

Plant mondo grass by simply purchasing a few clumps from your local nursery and covering their root sections with loose soil, mixing in a bit of compost. Plant the clumps 4 to 12 inches apart amongst the tree roots that you wish to hide. Keep the area moist and weeded and it will gradually fill in with greenery. If you live in the Southern United States, beware that this grass imposter is considered an invasive plant in some areas. You'll need to add a barrier around the area to keep it from aggressively spreading into your lawn. If you live in a colder zone, keep in mind that mondo grass will not remain green all year. Instead, it will die back in the winter and reemerge in the spring. It is also important to note that — in all climates — black varieties of mondo grass will not fully darken when grown in shade. Without sun exposure, black mondo grass will remain green, even at full maturity.