The Low-Maintenance Ground Cover That'll Solve Your Ugly Tree Root Problem

As beautiful as trees can be, their large exposed roots can often be an eyesore and a challenge to plant around. Luckily, there are ground covers that are perfect for planting under trees to hide any roots you might find unsightly. One of the best options for this is mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus).

Mondo grass (which is actually in the lily family), is the ideal ground cover solution in many regions for camouflaging tricky tree roots. This is thanks to both its preference for shade and its ability to compete with other plants' roots. Mondo grass also remains green year round, providing you with winter interest and constant cover for your tree roots. During summer months it even boasts small delicate flowers and in fall you may notice its shiny berry-like blue fruit. Even better, it's rarely bothered by deer, insects, or other animals. 

Unfortunately, mondo grass grows so easily that it has actually become invasive in some southern parts of the United States. Avoid growing it if you live in the South, but it should be alright to plant elsewhere. Take care that the plants won't become a problem on your property before you purchase some, or you may find yourself searching for ways to remove or kill your mondo grass. 

Mondo grass is hardy in zones 6 through 10, and while it prefers shade, it's able to grow in full sun as well. It is also tolerant of a range of soil types, though it grows best in a planting medium that is well draining and moist. With a height of only around 12 inches, mondo grass is the perfect height for a ground cover as well — it only needs to be mowed once a year. Alternatively, you could just prune your mondo grass yearly. Regardless of which strategy you opt for, it is a very low-maintenance plant. It's an excellent option for those living in coastal regions, too, thanks to it being an impressively salt-tolerant ornamental grass. 

Mondo grass has another close relative, black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens), which has dark, almost black, leaves. It can similarly be used as a ground cover. Just be aware that it is less tolerant of sun than its cousin and requires full to part shade to thrive and keep its dark color. It also tends to be slower growing than its green-colored relative.