Here's an article on using glyphosate around trees:
https://extension.psu.edu/use-glyphosate-with-care-near-trees

Be careful about topsoil too. You don't want the tree roots to be buried any deeper than they are already. They need air.

I have no suggestions for plantings under the tree. All the magnolias around here have a pile of magnolia leaves under them. Whatever you plant will get those big hard leaves dropped on them all the time. Looks like you keep them raked up. How hard will it be to rake with plantings there too?

 

Here's an article on using glyphosate around trees:
https://extension.psu.edu/use-glyphosate-with-care-near-trees

Be careful about topsoil too. You don't want the tree roots to be buried any deeper than they are already. They need air.

I have no suggestions for plantings under the tree. All the magnolias around here have a pile of magnolia leaves under them. Whatever you plant will get those big hard leaves dropped on them all the time. Looks like you keep them raked up. How hard will it be to rake with plantings there too?

Well... that was depressing. Lol.

I'm being facetious. Thanks for the info.

 

Nothing but weeds can survive under a magnolia. They poison the soil under their drip line

https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=10495&frontpage=true

 

Nothing but weeds can survive under a magnolia. They poison the soil under their drip line

https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=10495&frontpage=true

Interesting, but there are some plants listed on that site that may be a candidate. And, it seems that as long as debris is kept in check that can minimize the allelopathic effect.

 

Even cleaning up leaves constantly you'll still have problems. I'd definitely stick to inexpensive stuff if it were me

 

I actually think it would look better overall just mulched. A bunch of plants underneath would make it look cluttered to me.

 

I actually think it would look better overall just mulched. A bunch of plants underneath would make it look cluttered to me.

That's funny, looking at it again last night I wondered how it would look just to expand the mulch area a little and leave it. However, if I did go with some plants, I'm certainly thinking small ones, and only 4-5 in a single layer. I might even consider (gasp) some small annuals. Possibly Impatiens?

 

I actually think it would look better overall just mulched. A bunch of plants underneath would make it look cluttered to me.

That's funny, looking at it again last night I wondered how it would look just to expand the mulch area a little and leave it. However, if I did go with some plants, I'm certainly thinking small ones, and only 4-5 in a single layer. I might even consider (gasp) some small annuals. Possibly Impatiens?

To me the tree itself is a highlight piece. Putting things under it would draw the eye away from the tree, which is majestic all on it's own. If it was some rando deciduous tree I'd say throw a ton of daffodils or something under it.

 

I actually think it would look better overall just mulched. A bunch of plants underneath would make it look cluttered to me.

That's funny, looking at it again last night I wondered how it would look just to expand the mulch area a little and leave it. However, if I did go with some plants, I'm certainly thinking small ones, and only 4-5 in a single layer. I might even consider (gasp) some small annuals. Possibly Impatiens?

To me the tree itself is a highlight piece. Putting things under it would draw the eye away from the tree, which is majestic all on it's own. If it was some rando deciduous tree I'd say throw a ton of daffodils or something under it.

Daffodils do okay under a magnolia but you have to really monitor the soil conditions and stay on top of the leaves in their area. They may not flower again after the first year though.

 

I actually think it would look better overall just mulched. A bunch of plants underneath would make it look cluttered to me.

That's funny, looking at it again last night I wondered how it would look just to expand the mulch area a little and leave it. However, if I did go with some plants, I'm certainly thinking small ones, and only 4-5 in a single layer. I might even consider (gasp) some small annuals. Possibly Impatiens?

To me the tree itself is a highlight piece. Putting things under it would draw the eye away from the tree, which is majestic all on it's own. If it was some rando deciduous tree I'd say throw a ton of daffodils or something under it.

Oh believe me, the tree is center stage for sure. I'm the guy who elected to take Dendrology in school because I'm pretty much a big tree nerd. Lol. (Aced the class, of course ). So, I'm not trying to draw anyone's eye away from the tree per se, I'm just looking for a way to improve the look underneath it. As you can see my bermuda is really struggling, and I'd really rather not throw down some fine fescue seed or something to fill in.

 

And I'm just saying I might not be above this:

https://www.amazon.com/Veryhome-Artificial-Wildflowers-Outdoor-Flowers/dp/B07Q5W3HC2/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=small+silk+flowers&qid=1567099373&s=gateway&sr=8-9

Lol!