Planting around a bradford pear.

I've got a large Bradford Pear that I would like to make a shade garden bed underneath, the thing is its got a lot of exposed roots at the surface probably extending out 4-5 feet in every direction. My question is: will I hurt or rot these roots by putting a layer of top soil on top of them? As it is now they are so dense I can barely dig at all around them. thanks for any help.

Why don't you consider some Hosta. You won't need to add a layer of top soil to those. They might provide visual interest. There are other plants you could select that might do equally well in the conditions you describe.

Hosta and ferns is what I had in mind, but the soil around the base of the tree is so laden with roots that you just about have to put some topsoil for them to grow in. I know I should probably go elsewhere, but it would look great with some hosta and other shade lovin plants under it. I guess I'm too hardheaded.

I doubt seriously if ferns will make it under that tree but the Hostas probably stand a real good chance without any ammendments. Consider purchasing very small Hostas and merely insert them here there and everywhere underneath the tree. I bet there are people out there for postage who would send you Hosta offsets. In a few years it would look like a million bucks under that tree and you will have incurred little or no costs.

Remember that Bradford Pears only last about 10 years before they fall to pieces anyway - if yours is 'large' already, that means it is ripe for disintegrating. So don't worry about damaging the roots, they won't decay fast enough to shorten the tree's life any further. To be honest, you'd do better to replace the tree now, so that you can design an entirely new tree-and-planting combination

Resin

They generally make it to around 15 years in my area. I forgot about that.

Say, jpolk34... don't worry about disturbing the roots. This isn't a long lived tree. Plant what ever you want under that tree that will tolerate dry shade and don't worry about the size of your hole. Resin is right.

Epimediums are a great choice for dry shade. Most do okay in full sun if the opportunity eventually presents itself.

Scott

Whatever you plant underneath is going to take a lot of effort on your part.

1. Digging between the roots.
2. Watering.
3. Fertilizing the plantings so they get some nutrients since the tree will take them all.

And then, when the Bradford falls, it will likely destroy whatever you spent so much time, effort and money planting and maintaining.

I'm with Resin. First, plant a better tree.

Thanks for the info. What is a good fast growing shade tree that yall would suggest for my area? Chinese or Drake elm maybe?

Fast enough growing -- nyssa sylvatica aka black or tupelo gum.