Got pruning remorse? How to fill in those bare spaces

You hope it doesn't happen. But sometimes you let evergreens get so big that you have to prune back the needled parts of the branches. That leaves bare spots that will never grow back. In those cases, consider planting an understory of plants to block the view of the bare trunk. The simplest solution might be placing climbing annuals in large containers under or between the evergreens. You could also plant shrubs there, and fall is an ideal time to do so. Choose species that will thrive in the dappled shade cast by the evergreens towering above them. The upside is that the understory plants might brighten up a boring tree line.