planting a tree under my spruce someone cut the lower branches off

Question

I am a new homeowner, and hired someone to cut off some of the dead branches on my spruce. They cut off a lot of green growing branches and did an horrible, horrible job. After this person ruined my tree visually, I had two arborists come in and look at the tree. They told me the tree wasn’t harmed and I don’t want to cut it down, but I was hoping to plant something next to it near the fence, under the spruce, maybe remove the holly and put it somewhere else. I was reading about Eastern hemlocks, but saw that they grow very large. The area is still shady from the top of the tee, so I would need something that would tolerate that. I also saw Japanese jews, but have pets so that won’t work. Is there any kind of hemlock that doesn’t grow that large? Maybe 20 to 30 feet, and not that wide. Or another suggestion? I like the idea of a pine of some sort. thanks.

Answer 1

I would not suggest planting another tree under the existing tree.

You could however plant low growing shade plants or ground cover.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm