Tropical Zone Gardening: Tropicals Project - fighting with the trees, 1 by keonikale

keonikale wrote:
I probably should have asked here when I started my Tropical Project earlier this year, but better later than never. Here's my original thread (which is almost laughable looking back). http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/830124/

I got my inspiration after watching folks like Brian Williams in Kentucky do what he does there. I'm a borderline 8a/8b so I figured I'd try much luck - and so far so good I think.

My main problem with my yard is the trees (which I have a love/hate relationship with). They seem to suck the moisture and nutrients from my soil and leave my tropicals in rough position (especially later in the summer as the trees seem to prepare for winter). I plan to do major improvements on my soil this winter, but I'm still wondering how I can beat the trees at their own game - or if I am going to have to give up and simply come into my yard more. I have a slew of new bananas to plant next year, and I'd like to make sure I get optimal growth - like those away from the trees. Am I stuck with competing with them, or can I do anything that might help?

Thanks,
John