One of the most common landscaping desires is to improve the appearance of the area beneath a mature shade tree. There are many reasons, such as creating an attractive focal point or replacing poorly perperforming turf grass. Whatever the reason, make sure you don't harm the tree-do not chop or otherwise cut into the tree's roots. This can introduce disease or create undue stress, and you certainly don't want to lose a tree while seeking to enhance it. The first step is to determine the outline of your under-tree planting bed. Then remove any grass or weeds within that outline. Then put down a six-inch layer mix of compost and line mulch (rather than pure topsoil) to allow the tree roots to breathe. Leave a space of about one foot between the inner edge of this new layer and the tree's trunk, since bark can be damaged if constantly in contact with moist soil. The plan shown here-suitable for either moist or dry conditions-will give you a pretty combination of flowers and foliage that will look great all summer.