Best Ground Cover For Shaded, Poor Soil And Deer Present

Question

We installed periwinkle 4 years ago but it hasn’t spread well. The area still needs extensive weeding. Area is under trees. Top as oil is poor and shallow with clay underneath.

Answer 1

It sounds like the area needs a little work before planting a groundcover. Weeding and adding a layer of compost or cow manure will help the plants get off to a good start and help loosen up the clay. These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/deer-proof-groundcovers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm

Actually, the best thing you can put under a tree is mulch out to the dripline. Adding plants under trees can interfere with the tree's feeder roots as well as steal water and nutrition from the tree.