Live Oak Landscaping: 5 Plants that Thrive Underneath
Live oaks are more than just trees—they’re living landmarks. Their sweeping branches, deeply grooved bark, and evergreen presence are a defining feature of the Southern landscape. But as iconic as they are, planting beneath them requires careful thought. At Bayou Tree Service, tree preservation is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’ve partnered with Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge to help you build a beautiful, tree-friendly landscape under your live oaks.
Together, we’ve curated a plant list designed to thrive beneath these giants—plants that add beauty and color while coexisting symbiotically with the unique conditions under live oaks. These selections are based on what our certified arborists see every day in the field and what Louisiana Nursery knows will perform well in our climate.
🌿 Our Curated Companion Plant Selection for Live Oak Landscaping
These evergreen shrubs are a Southern classic for a reason. With glossy leaves and elegant blooms from late fall through early spring, camellias are perfect for the filtered sunlight under live oaks. They bring a quiet elegance and seasonal interest without competing for root space in live oak landscaping.
Another spring showstopper, azaleas thrive in acidic, well-draining soil and dappled light conditions naturally provided by mature live oaks. Their brilliant blooms offer a splash of color just when the landscape needs it most. Azaleas are an excellent addition to any live oak landscaping plan.
This compact ground cover is tough, tidy, and incredibly low-maintenance. Mondo grass fills in space beautifully, prevents soil erosion, and holds up well in shady conditions. It’s a smart solution for problem areas in live oak landscaping that might not get much direct sunlight.
Known for its coppery new growth that matures to a deep green, the autumn fern is a shade-loving, moisture-tolerant plant that brings soft texture and visual interest to the base of your oak. It’s a favorite for creating that lush, layered woodland look in your understory planting.
Bridal’s Wreath Spirea (native-friendly bloomer)
With its arching branches and delicate white spring blossoms, bridal’s wreath offers a romantic, old-fashioned look that pairs beautifully with the grandeur of a live oak. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an excellent fit for live oak landscaping in the South.
🌳 Tips for Planting Under Live Oaks
To keep your trees healthy while enhancing your landscape, it’s important to take a few precautions. Our arborists, along with resources from the LSU AgCenter, recommend the following best practices for landscaping around mature trees:
- Avoid Disturbing the Critical Root Zone
The most important roots of a live oak are shallow and wide-spreading, often extending well beyond the drip line. Digging, driving, or compacting soil in this area can cause long-term damage to the tree. Learn more about the Critical Root Zone here. - Don’t Add Excess Soil
Instead of piling on new soil—which can suffocate the roots—work with what’s already there. Gently incorporate organic matter like compost or leaf mold into existing soil to improve its texture and nutrient profile. - Choose Low-Irrigation Plants
Live oaks prefer well-drained soil and don’t like to sit in overly wet conditions. Choose plants that can handle occasional dryness and won’t rely on constant irrigation to survive. Overwatering can stress the tree and promote root rot. This is especially important when planning landscaping under large shade trees like live oaks. - Water Thoughtfully
If irrigation is necessary (especially for new plantings), opt for drip systems or soaker hoses. These methods deliver moisture slowly and directly, minimizing waste and protecting the root zone from runoff. - Mulch Smart
A light layer of mulch (2–3 inches) helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds down, but don’t let it touch the trunk. Pull mulch back a few inches to avoid trapping moisture against the bark. Learn about the importance of mulch here.
🌱 Why This Matters for Live Oak Landscaping
Live oaks have stood for generations, and with the right care, they’ll stand for generations more. Enhancing the space beneath them with thoughtful plantings not only boosts curb appeal—it supports the tree’s long-term health. That’s where Bayou Tree Service comes in. With over 45 years of experience and a team of 16 certified arborists, we’re here to help your trees and landscape thrive together. Our preservation-first approach to live oak landscaping ensures that your trees remain healthy and your outdoor spaces flourish.
And when it comes to choosing the right plants, we can’t recommend Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge enough. Their team knows the local soil, sun patterns, and seasonal challenges—and they’ve helped us hand-pick these live oak companions for their beauty, resilience, and compatibility with Louisiana’s climate.
🪴 Where to Find These Plants
Want to see these beauties in person? Head over to Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge. Their team knows local conditions inside and out, and they’ve helped us create this tree-friendly list. Whether you’re looking for camellias, azaleas, ferns, or bridal’s wreath, they’ve got what you need—and the advice to go with it.
Visit Louisiana Nursery!
Louisiana Nursery proudly serves the Baton Rouge area with three convenient locations:
Coursey Boulevard Location
13121 Coursey Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 752-4287
Perkins Road Location
8680 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: (225) 767-3663
Prairieville Location
39245 Highway 42, Prairieville, LA 70769
Phone: (225) 677-7984
To learn more, visit their website at louisiananursery.com.
Let’s Build Your Live Oak Landscape Together
Need a plan for your live oaks? Let’s talk. Bayou Tree Service can help you choose plants, care for your trees, and build a landscape that works with your property—not against it.
📍 Serving the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas
📞 Call 504.837.8733 or 225.372.8585
🌐 www.bayoutree.com
