In zone 6, what is a good ground cover under a maple.

Question

Area gets some am sunshine, maple roots are shallow and soil tends to get dry

Answer 1

Actually, the best thing you can put under a tree is mulch out to the dripline. Other plants compete for moisture and nutrients and planting them can damage the tree's feeder roots. However, here are two articles about planting under trees, and another about planting around tree roots. I hope these help.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/gcgen/ground-covers-under-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/gardening-around-tree-roots.htm