Landscaping under large trees
Landscaping Around Trees: 12 Secret Tips for Pro Results
Photo: istockphoto.com
While trees bring shade and beauty to a residential landscape, the ground around tree trunks can become a barren blight—and you can blame thirsty roots that draw up all the water and heavy branches that prevent sunlight from reaching the soil, making it tough for other plants to thrive. Fortunately, with the following tips, you can transform those desolate areas of landscaping around trees on your property, adding color, texture, and other design elements, all while maintaining the health of the tree.
DO maintain the existing soil level at the trunk.
One common mistake that homeowners make is to create a raised border around a tree and then fill it in with soil to create a planting bed. The additional soil around the trunk can cause the bark to rot, leaving the tree susceptible to disease and insect infestation. If you want to put in landscaping around tree roots that involves a raised bed, consider constructing an inside border one to two feet away from the trunk to keep the soil from smothering the base of the tree.
DON’T add soil over turf.
If you are making a garden bed near or around your trees, dig out any existing lawn grass before adding soil. You might assume that grass would simply decompose under the soil, but if it’s thick it can create a layer of dense thatch that blocks water and oxygen from reaching the tree roots. By removing grass before building the bed with soil, the tree roots will receive the nutrients they need to keep the tree healthy and strong.
Photo: istockphoto.com
DO select plants adapted to the special light conditions under the tree.
Some trees, such as maples and magnolias, allow dappled sun through their boughs. Others, including most evergreens, permit virtually no sunlight near their trunks. Before choosing plants, observe the amount of shade under the tree at different times of the day. Deep-shade plants such as ferns and hostas can thrive nearest the trunk, while semi-sun varieties like lily of the valley and coral bells can grow under the perimeter of the tree’s branches.
RELATED: 7 Signs Your Tree is Dying—and How to Save It
DON’T damage tree roots when planting.
Trees (including white oak and hickory) send down deep roots, but others (such as maple and cypress) have roots just beneath the surface, or, in some cases, even extending above the ground. Cutting into these roots with a shovel can severely damage a tree. Instead, use a hand trowel and carefully scoop out as much soil as you need to fit new plants into place. If you run into a root, stop digging and select a different spot for the plant.
DO mulch when establishing plantings beneath a tree.
Whether you’re creating an entire raised bed or just tucking a few ferns here and there, the tree’s roots will continue to absorb the lion’s share of the water in the soil. Adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of new plants will help keep moisture in the soil so you won’t have to water constantly. There are many types of mulch; use either commercial mulch, such as pine straw or wood chips, or recycled dried leaves.
DON’T pile mulch against the tree trunk.
The same rule that goes for soil goes for mulch: Don’t cover the base of the tree trunk with a “mulch volcano.” Leave 8 to 10 inches of bare ground around the tree trunk when adding mulch.
Photo: istockphoto.com
DO consider bricks and rocks as plant alternatives.
Sure, plants are pretty around the base of a tree, but they require water and maintenance in the form of regular fertilizing and occasional trimming. If you haven’t time to care for plants, create a landscape border of bricks, large stones, or commercial edging to keep small rocks from tumbling out on the lawn. This is an especially good option for trees with roots that extend above the ground, which make planting difficult. Just remember to leave 8 to 10 inches between the rocks and the tree trunk.
DON’T use solid plastic sheeting under rocks.
Plastic landscape sheeting creates an impermeable barrier between the rocks and the soil. While this helps prevent weeds from growing between the rocks, it can damage trees, blocking oxygen and water from reaching the roots.
A better option is to use porous landscape fabric beneath the rock layer and then pull stray weeds by hand should they appear.
Photo: istockphoto.com
DO incorporate a large tree into an outdoor living area.
If you wish to put a deck or a patio where a large tree already thrives, you needn’t cut it down to proceed with your construction plans. Building around the tree will give you the best of both worlds: The deck or patio will provide attractive tree landscaping and you’ll have instant shade for your entertaining area.
Photo: istockphoto.com
DON’T crowd the tree with a deck or patio.
The inside perimeter of a deck built around a tree should be a minimum of 2 feet from the tree’s trunk to allow the trunk to grow, farther if you anticipate more growth. The inside border of a patio (because it’s solid and will block water and air) should be 3 to 7 feet (or more) away from the tree to give the roots plenty of surface area to absorb water. Plants or rocks can be used to landscape the space nearer the trunk (see above).
DO add relaxing elements to under-tree landscaping.
Photo: istockphoto.com
A mature tree with ample headroom beneath its branches is just begging for a charming bench, birdbath, or hammock. If you have the space, turn the area beneath a shade tree into a delightful spot for enjoying a cup of tea and a good book after a long day’s work.
DON’T leave your trees in the dark.
Photo: istockphoto.com
After all the hard work that went into landscaping around your trees, don’t leave them in the dark when the sun goes down. Make the most of your new yard design by adding a few well-placed accent lights around the base. By installing solar or low-voltage landscape lights to softly illuminate plantings and rocks, you’ll incorporate a whole new design element in the project.
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+9 Ways to Landscape Around Trees
Stumped for ways to make the most of your crepe myrtle, peach, or bottlebrush tree? With the right landscaping design, a tree can help grow a secret garden, add charming curb appeal, and even make the perfect resting spot.
We’ll explain the best nine ways to landscape around trees and work with (or around) the shade, exposed roots, and falling leaves trees add to your lawn.
You may have once avoided sprucing up your tree’s trunk with beautiful flowers because you thought the shade would ruin all your hard work. But get those gloves on and those trowels out, because there are plenty of shade garden plants that will love the space beneath your tree.
These are a few of the best shade-loving plants to install in a shade garden:
- Coleus
- Coral bells
- Hosta
- Impatiens
After dressing your trees up with a gorgeous garden space, consider creating a stone path that guides you through the garden.
A path makes your shade garden much more accessible, and it also invites visitors to take a closer look without stepping on your new plants.
2. Just Add MulchPhoto Credit: PixabayA layer of mulch covers exposed roots and adds a splash of color at the base of your tree. What color? What kind of mulch? That is all up to you.
If you plant crocuses or other flowers in the mulch around your tree, you’ll have bursts of color in springtime. Or stick with hostas for some green amid the brown or other-colored mulch beneath the green of your tree. Mulch is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add a pop of color and style around your trees.
Pro Tip: Avoid a mulch volcano around your tree. Keep mulch about 6 inches away from the base of the tree, and layer it no more than 2-3 inches thick. This will allow the roots to maintain good oxygen exchange with the soil. It will also prevent cracking along the bottom of the trunk, which can lead to insect, rodent, and disease problems.
Your tree doesn’t have to stand alone in your yard. Flowers add some company for your tree. The pink, purple, or red petunias or yellow daffodils planted in the partial shade underneath all those branches will draw your and visitors’ eyes.
If you really want to go crazy, make your tree the focal and high point (literally) of a flower bed in your front yard or back yard. Check out 15 Shade Garden Ideas for ways to highlight the shade-loving plants in your yard.
4. Build a Retaining WallPhoto Credit: Redi-Rock International / Flickr / CC BY 2.0A retaining wall around your tree can add a uniform look to the yard and create a stunning focal point that boosts your curb appeal. Instead of bare roots and patchy grass at the base of a tree, a retaining wall made of pavers or stone will add great beauty and charm to your tree.
Retaining walls are also creative (though pricey) solutions to hilly terrain or erosion problems near your tree.
You’ve heard of trees growing inside homes, so why not have one grow through your outdoor living space? Building your patio or deck around a tree adds a significant dramatic effect, and your neighbors will be jealous they didn’t come up with the design first.
A tree growing right from your outdoor living space creates an even deeper connection with the environment as you lounge on a couch just 2 feet away from a giant plant. Not only will a tree on the deck or patio add excitement and serenity, but it will also provide excellent shade and coverage.
Keep in mind that a tree growing from your outdoor living space can be a high maintenance landscape design. Trees often change shape as they grow, which may affect the area on your deck or patio.
Caution: If a tree’s trunk continues to grow, your deck’s boards may snap. Trees will also produce tree litter that needs cleaning and may make your wooden structure prone to termites.
Why let all your hard work disappear when the sun goes down? When designed right, outdoor landscape lighting can accentuate the design around your trees, highlight your home’s architecture, and even provide security when you need to step outside.
Landscape lighting around your trees is also a perfect way to set the mood. Are you looking forward to a relaxing dinner with friends? Get those appetizers ready, flip the switch, and invite everyone outside on the deck for a beautiful evening.
Have the surrounding trees light up the sky and turn off the lights near the door, because who wants to worry about flying beetles getting in the house when company is over?
7. Create a Quiet Spot Photo Credit: PixabayThe cool shade beneath your tree makes it the perfect spot to set up a quiet space to read a book, enjoy a cup of tea, or write in a journal. You can turn this quiet space into a place entirely made for you.
Do you enjoy resting in a hammock, or do you prefer a comfortable seat on a bench? What plants would you like to have near you as you relax under your tree and take in your outdoor space? Perhaps a small water feature by your feet will put you in the perfect mood, or a birdbath to attract more of your avian friends to your lawn.
8. Plant a Succulent Garden Photo Credit: PxhereThough most succulents prefer sunlight, several hours of direct sunlight and scorching temperatures may burn these plants. Your tree plays a vital role in their growth by offering them a protective covering from too much sunshine and hot weather.
A succulent garden can add gorgeous texture and color to your landscape, as these plants grow in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Before getting your hands dirty and planting a succulent garden near your tree, it’s essential to know basic gardening tips for these plants.
9. EdgingPhoto Credit: stonescape / Flickr / CC BY 2.
0Edging is an excellent way to highlight specific areas of the lawn, hold in mulch, and keep any curious pets from digging around the tree’s roots.
If you want visitors to see your stunning oak tree, consider edging the tree’s base with small stones or bricks and adding layers of textured mulch. The mulch enhances the tree’s beauty and health, while the edging holds the mulch in place and makes the base of the tree pop.
Edging also can be a barrier to protect the roots from people, pets, and lawn mowers. Hedges can make an excellent barrier that accentuates the tree while also limiting access.
FAQs About Landscaping Around Trees1. Are Exposed Roots Bad for my Tree?
Surfacing tree roots may make your tree vulnerable to the sharp blades of a mower. When equipment damages your tree roots, your tree becomes susceptible to disease due to open wounds.
Exposed roots may also prevent grass from growing, become a tripping hazard, and even lift structures.
2. How Can I Landscape Around a Tree With Exposed Roots?
Mulching around your tree can be a great way to cover up roots and landscape around your tree. To help prevent tripping, consider building a walkway around the trees’ roots to guide visitors and provide a safer path.
Piling on soil may seem like a great idea, but you’ll suffocate your tree this way. Like you, your tree’s roots need oxygen to breathe. Avoid adding a thick layer of soil and stick with the mulch instead.
3. How Much Mulch Should Be Around a Tree?
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension recommends spreading mulch in an even layer 2 to 3 inches deep around your tree. Do not layer more than 3 inches of mulch as over-mulching can kill your tree.
The mulch should extend outward to at least the tree’s drip line, the circumference of the tree canopy where water drips onto the ground.
Avoid piling the mulch against the tree trunk, as this encourages disease, insects, rodents, and root problems. Keep the mulch at least 6 inches or so away from the base of the trunk to allow good air circulation.
4. Can You Put Landscape Fabric Around Trees?
Some gardeners swear by landscape fabric, while others vow never to lay it on their lawn again. Those in favor of landscape fabric use it to prevent rock mulch from sinking into the soil, limit erosion, and reduce weeds.
Because trees don’t require any digging maintenance, gardeners prefer to use landscape fabric for trees rather than gardens or flower beds where digging will often ruin the material. Organic mulches also require routine maintenance and replacements, whereas you can replace an inorganic mulch like landscape fabric about once a year.
Cons of landscape fabric include decomposition gradually clogging the fabric’s drainage pores, a lack of biodiversity, and minimal organic materials.
For a healthier soil, consider using an organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark, which you can often find for free.
5. How Can I Control Weeds Around my Tree?
Keep the lawn mower and weed wacker in the garage. Using mechanical means to control weeds can cause severe damage to your tree. The blades of a mower or trimmer could injure the tree’s base and potentially disturb the movement of water and nutrients through the tree. A wound in the bark or wood also makes your tree more vulnerable to fungal disease.
Safer solutions for controlling weeds around your tree include mulching or applying herbicides. Mulch suppresses weed growth by preventing sunlight from reaching the weeds.
Herbicides, such as glyphosate (Roundup), can be effective at killing weeds and have low toxicity to humans, according to Trees for Energy Conservation. Keep in mind that glyphosate will kill any plant it contacts, so don’t let the herbicide come in contact with non-target plants.
Wear personal protective equipment and follow all safety guidelines.
While many of these tree landscape ideas can be turned into fun DIY projects, hiring a landscape professional near you is a valuable option.
Working with a professional helps eliminate costly mistakes, gain further landscaping ideas, and ensure that you are not risking your tree’s health.
The last thing you want to do is build a landscape design on your own and later find out that mismanaged curb appeal damaged your favorite tree.
Main image credit: Pexels
Jane Purnell
Jane Purnell is a freelance writer and actor in New York City. She earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia and enjoys a warm cup of French press coffee.
Posts by Jane Purnell
Landscaping a suburban area with shrubs and trees - Antonov Garden
It takes years to grow a tree from a seedling.
However, there are methods that allow you to green a summer cottage with shrubs and tree species in a few days, in 2-3 months or in 2-4 years. Let's consider 3 main ways of landscaping a suburban area with trees, each of which will help you quickly create a unique composition in the garden.
Contents
1. Potted garden 2. Large-sized country garden 3. Composition of fast-growing trees and shrubsIt is possible to plant trees and shrubs in a summer cottage in a few months or even a couple of days. Photo pixabay / cocoparisienne
The quickest way to decorate a garden that has already been laid paths and planned flowerbeds and lawns is to place potted trees and shrubs around its perimeter. The site will immediately acquire a finished and well-groomed appearance.
It is most convenient to place potted plants at the entrance groups: at the door to the house and at the gate. They can mark the beginning of the paths, turns of the paths, underline small architectural forms.
Placed around a barbecue area, near a gazebo or other space for relaxation, potted trees and shrubs provide the necessary privacy. They can cover engineering communications, unfinished buildings, and other unsightly parts of the summer cottage. Potted plants can be used as temporary screens and hedges.
Interesting
The potted garden gives the owner of the territory the widest possibilities for updating the design even within one season: by arranging plants in a new way, it is easy to change the garden almost instantly.
potted shrubs for a quick garden design. Photo by pixabay/cocoparisienne
Method #2: form a garden of large sizes
It will take a little more time to create such a garden: up to two months.
Large plants are mature plants with a fully developed root system. Their height depends on the species and age. Trees are grown for landscaping the site in specialized nurseries, where favorable conditions are created for each species.
For planting in autumn and spring, it is recommended to purchase plants that are 3 meters tall if they already have a well-developed root system. In the cold months, the garden is planted with tall large-sized trees (10-15 m). This allows you to reduce injury to trees: in winter, all their processes are slowed down, they are at rest.
Important
For a quick garden, only high-quality planting material should be selected from large-sized plants. A sick tree will not decorate the garden, and may even die quite quickly.
large-sized gardens are purchased in special nurseries. Photo pixabay/BeritSeifert
Large-sized gardens also have disadvantages:
- High cost;
- Survival in large plants is worse than in young plants;
- Large-sized breeds are more likely to become victims of pests and diseases.
Quite often, young plantings overtake large-sized ones in development and look fresher and healthier. So that large trees do not disappoint the gardener, it is better to buy plants grown in the same area and climatic conditions.
Larges must be healthy. The place for their landing is prepared ahead of time. Plants need careful care: they need to be given enough moisture, protected during adaptation from any adverse conditions (sun, drought, stagnant water). It is better to postpone top dressing until the moment when the trees grow.
Please note
Planting tall trees requires special equipment: an excavator to create planting holes, a crane to load and unload the tree, a truck for transport.
planting trees in the garden. Photo by pixabay/menita
Method #3: Decorate the area with fast-growing trees and shrubs
An alternative to a large-sized garden can be a composition of fast-growing trees and shrubs. To create it, plants are chosen that give an increase per year in height - 0.25-1.0 m, in crown diameter - 0.1-0.5 m. Usually seedlings of early maturing species begin to grow actively after the first wintering.
Suitable for hedges and group plantings:
- Spiraea - Japanese, Billard, birch-leaved;
- Barberries - Thunberg, common, Ottawa, Korean;
- Derain white and Siberian;
- All types of wild roses, mock oranges;
- Kalina;
- Rowan, lilac, hawthorn, bird cherry, hazel;
blossoming bird cherry at the dacha.
Photo pixabay/3008133
- Willow - goat, brittle, white;
- Junipers - common, Chinese, scaly and horizontal;
- Black locust;
- Aralia Manchurian;
- Maples - Tatar, silver and Ginnala;
- Japanese scarlet;
- Ornamental birches and a number of other plants.
Landscaping of the site is also carried out with coniferous and tree species that grow rapidly in width:
- Red oak;
- Spruces - Siberian and common;
coniferous trees in garden design. Photo by pixabay/erge
- Pine;
- Larch.
Fast-growing shrubs and trees need care, selection of conditions for growth, suitable soils, competent pruning and top dressing.
By the way
Raspberries and honeysuckle have the fastest growth among fruit bushes.
Read other interesting articles on how to beautifully decorate a summer cottage:
How to care for a lawn garden: the pros and cons of creating a lawn on a plot with trees
Roses in garden design: selection of plants and combination with other flowers
Alpine style in garden design: creating a rock garden in the country with our own hands
Perennial lianas for vertical gardening
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How do you decorate a garden with trees and shrubs? Share your experience with other gardeners in the comments!
Urban landscaping - planting large-sized plants photo works
Urban landscaping - planting large-sized plants photo works | PositiveProjectPozitivProekt LLCLandscape design and gardening
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All large-sized trees presented in this gallery were planted by our company's specialists. The technology of transplanting large-sized trees allows you to immediately create a fully landscaped area, without waiting for the tree seedlings to grow.
Trees are among the most wonderful natural decorations in any landscape design. In the city, they eliminate the “stone jungle” effect by creating green areas and a pleasant shade in squares and parks, on streets and boulevards and directly around houses.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sprucetreescloseup-5b88fe4e46e0fb00503c7eef.jpg)
In the countryside, trees are an integral part of the surrounding landscape. But often, when arranging the backyard of a country house, the natural background cannot be completely preserved and the landscape design project requires the planting of new trees.
With proper care, the surrounding landscape is ennobled and decorated with a variety of trees - deciduous and coniferous, soaring up and lower, trimmed and growing freely. But most trees have one natural flaw. They grow too slowly. From planting a seedling to its transformation into a powerful adult tree, years, and sometimes decades, pass. And at the same time, it is impossible to predict in advance how exactly the tree will look when it grows.
However, you won't have to wait that long if you use the technology of planting large trees - that is, mature trees grown in a nursery. Unlike planting seedlings, which is available even to a schoolchild, planting large-sized trees is a more complicated procedure. It requires the use of special equipment and the involvement of qualified specialists.
