Eucalyptus Tree - pruning etc

Hi,

Please could someone tell me about how to go about pruning a eucalyptus tree ( see two photos attached)
also nothing seems to grow under the two flowerbeds directly beneath it ? why is this please & is there anything that can be done about it, either by raising the beds with more soil, or planting specific plants that Eucalyptus is friendly towards.

any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks :-)

 

Hi ginlane,

Firstly it might be of use for you to quickly read this thread that may answer your questions. Pruning methods depend upon your reason for pruning: http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/the-importance-of-proper-pruning-of-trees.2125/

There may be a number of reasons why little else grows beneath your tree. As the tree has greater mass it absorbs a lot of water and nutrients from the soil, leaving little to be used by other plants. Also, eucalyptus casts a lot of shade, sheltering plants from much needed sunlight. There is also evidence for (and against) eucalyptus trees being allelopathic; meaning that they exude natural toxins into the soil around the roots to stop competing vegetation from growing.