Q.Sugar maple trees
I have heard that other plantings in a yard may attract sugar maple roots. Is this correct? And if so, what type of plantings can one use that will not attract the roots, specifically in beds next to a house foundation? Would a ground cover like pachysandra be okay to use around the tree and in the beds next to the foundation?
A Sugar Maple has a root system that is shallow and wide spreading. It can be difficult to grow some plants near and under as the tree, due to sunlight and moisture issues.
The issue you mention about plants attracting the roots, I found no information regarding this.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/planting-garden-beneath-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/gcgen/ground-covers-under-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/gardening-around-tree-roots.htm