Whats best around a tree ?

Since we had the rescue dogs the grass gets churned up by this tree. I thought about a garden seat but haven't got the time or money so wondered about planting some nice evergreen bushes around the tree but would they be ok or would the tree suck the life out of them ?..

any suggestions of what to plant to make a nice area..

 

plants to be grown under trees need to be chosen with care. The soil in these spots of the garden can be dry, depleted of nutrients and shady, and not all plants will grow in those conditions. But , if you prepare the soil well, choose the right plants and help them settle in properly, certain plants will thrive in these tricky spots.Shade loving plants or bulbs are the best thing to put around the base of a tree As they have compact root systems so they don’t compete with the tree for nutrients and pay attention to watering and fertilising you could choose plants like Hostas, dicentra and primoses they are all shade loving plants that will add a burst of greenery below your tree, plus will all produce stunning flowers..even think about plants with shallow roots as they will not disturb the root system of the tree like. Lavender, zinnias, pansies and marigolds but maybe you have to put some sort of small fence to stop the dogs eating them lol

 

I am only able to see one of your photos (don't know why) and it looks a big area so you'll need lots of shrubs. Have you thought of a fenced off dog area which is concreted. Lots of people have them.
If you really want shrubs you'd have to keep the dogs away from them until they get established. Maybe heathers would work.

 

It looks like the game is running around the tree.
You just put a small fence from the tree to the fencing behind the tree.

Change the dog's behaviour not the garden.

 

Don't have dogs but have a loved one staying regularly. We've got a small Holly which tells the dog to keep away!!