Dogwood – Planting Beside

Q: I just planted a four-foot tall kousa dogwood in a slightly raised bed. Do you have any plant suggestions I can put in around it that will not hurt the roots?

A: I can think of several shallow-rooted plants that would be happy under your tree. Dwarf mondo grass would do well there and would eventually be a solid green carpet. Also consider green ‘n’ gold, carex, or ajuga. All have shallow roots that would not affect the tree.