Question
I have 3 very large oaks and one large maple in my yard. I *love* my trees but the grass just doesn't grow underneath them. I consulted a landscaper once and he said I didn't want ground cover because it will bring bugs. Well, I don't want huge patches of dirt either, as that brings plenty of mud when it rains! I live in Central KY so the soil is pretty much clay. Any suggestions? (P.S.  It has to withstand 4 dogs and lotsa kids!)

Thanks!
Diane

Answer
I don't know what kind of bugs you have in Kentucky, but unless they're the monster-sized kind in the movies, there's no reason to fear bugs.  Healthy soil is teaming with all kinds of life.  Ground covers have anothing to do with it.  If you use a lot of pesticides, you have no bugs.  I don't use pesticides, I have bugs, some of which I purchase each year because my neighbors do use them and they die over there.  But when they're at my house, they're eating aphids and flea larvae and Japanese Beetle grubs.

So ignore the 'bugs' advice.  Ground covers do not attract them.

Oak Trees and Maple Trees are magnificent things to have on a plot of land where you live.  For all kinds of reasons.  Sun is nice, but Trees take time.  They 'bring' birds, too -- which by the way like to eat bugs, especially in the Summer when they are raising their young and need intensive ways to stock up on high protein sources.  No bugs, no birds.  What's a tree without birds?

However, you are right to contemplate the option of a ground cover here.  Grass does not find it easy to grow under trees, which compete for nutrients, and always win.

The dry Clay soil under the trees is however problematic.  What you might consider is a Groundcover in some sections, and thick tree bark mulches over the others, with some flagstones or other material to encourage certain traffic patterns.  Hostas grow quickly and fluorish under Trees.  With semishade,  you can grow Azaleas and Rhododendrons.  The rest is perfect for the pitter patter of little feet and tire swings, tree houses, doghouses, windchimes, birdbaths and birdhouses, birdfeeders and birdcams.  And a hammock or two.

High traffic Grasses on the market, the state of the art, do not carry a gene for shade or compete with tree roots for nutrients.  Not yet.  But trust me, they're working on it.  Your children will have that Grass.  You and me, we'll have to wait.

Your followups welcome.  By the way, I always say a house is not a home until you have children, dogs, and a piano.  The piano is optional.

L.I.G.