Grass will not grow under a tree in my lawn, and I am planning on putting in a flower bed around the tree. The edging will be bricks, and I need to add some soil. Will this hurt the tree? J.T., Tulsa ...

Ground covers — low-growing plants that mat, sprawl, trail, or clump on the ground — play a valuable role in the landscape. They fill in gaps in flower beds, adding color, texture, and depth.