What can I plant under a maple?

I want a small bush or ornamental grass or vine that I can use as a privacy screen, but it goes under a maple tree. Even the grass is dying there -- the maple just sucks the life out of everything I plant. What might I use there that would be able to hold its own?


Learn more about Ask the Expert,

Submitted by Peg Kilby on March 28, 2006.

As you have mentioned a health shade producing maple does present major problems. If your primary concern is privacy I would reccommend decorative fencing. In this situation it is very difficult to get thriving plant material. For this to be sucessful you must start with a small plant and alot of patience. The plant wll need to adapt to the harsh environment. You have 2 major conflicting environmental factors at play very shady and very dry. A good drought tollerant plants need Full sun and good shade tollerant plants need moisture. I guess the real question is "What is the most important to you?" Having plants or Privacy