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The Unique Landscaping Groundcover That Hides Tree Roots
By A. R. HOPKINS
Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) is a great groundcover for hiding unsightly tree roots, even thriving in shaded areas where many other plants struggle due to limited sunlight.
This groundcover comes in several varieties, including black, dwarf, and variegated, and produces small flowers and blue-colored berries, adding visual interest to
the landscape.
It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10, acting as an evergreen perennial in warmer climates. In colder zones, mondo grass dies back in winter and reemerges in the spring.
To plant, buy a few clumps from a local nursery and cover their roots with loose soil mixed with compost. Space them 4 to 12 inches apart around the tree roots you want to conceal.
It's worth noting that, in some parts of the Southern U.S., mondo grass is considered invasive, so a barrier may be needed to prevent it from spreading aggressively into your lawn.